WHO’s New Guidelines on GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs
Core Announcement
- The WHO released its first global guidelines (Dec 1) on the use of GLP-1–based weight-loss drugs for obesity treatment in adults.
- Guidelines emphasise equitable access and position GLP-1 medications as one component of broader obesity management strategies.
Key Recommendations
- Conditional recommendation: GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults excluding pregnant women.
- Use of these drugs must be paired with intensive behavioural interventions—dietary changes and physical activity remain essential.
- Conditional status is due to:
- Limited long-term data on safety, durability of weight loss, and outcomes after discontinuation.
- High costs limiting accessibility for many populations.
Rationale
- WHO acknowledges GLP-1 drugs as effective in producing significant weight loss and metabolic improvements.
- Obesity is a complex chronic disease linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers, and worse outcomes from infectious diseases.
- Global economic burden of obesity projected to reach $3 trillion annually by 2030.
Equity and Public-Health Context
- WHO stresses that medications alone cannot solve the global obesity crisis; broader prevention and public-health interventions are essential.
- A JAMA commentary echoes the need for equitable access to treatment, prevention, and health promotion strategies.
World Circular Economy Forum in October 2026
- As India prepares to host the World Circular Economy Forum in October 2026, Finland plans to conduct roadshows across major Indian cities to promote awareness of the circular economy.
- Finnish Ambassador Kimmo Lahdevirta emphasised that discussions must shift beyond waste management to upstream areas such as product design, production processes, and extending product lifespan.
- India’s circular economy is projected to be worth $2 trillion and generate 10 million jobs by 2050, according to Government of India estimates.
- Currently, India’s efforts are focused mainly on waste management and recycling, but the Finnish Innovation Fund SITRA highlighted broader opportunities across multiple sectors.
- According to UNDP data cited by SITRA, adopting a circular model could yield $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, reduce emissions, create stable jobs, and expand green markets.
- SITRA also noted strong business interest: over 70% of CEOs are exploring circular economy opportunities, particularly to strengthen value chains and build more secure, closed-loop supply networks.
100-Day Intensive Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free Bharat
Campaign Launch
- The 100-Day Intensive Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free Bharat will be launched on 4 December 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- The event marks one year of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign launched on 27 November 2024.
- Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur will preside over the launch.
- The programme includes:
- A National Pledge to end child marriage
- A specially produced film with inspiring change stories
- Testimonials from frontline champions
- Live telecast available on webcast.gov.in/mwcd
Structure of the 100-Day Campaign (27 Nov 2025 – 8 Mar 2026)
The campaign is divided into three focused spells:
Spell 1: 27 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
- Awareness activities in schools, colleges, and universities
- Debates, essays, interactive sessions, and pledge ceremonies
Spell 2: 1 – 31 Jan 2026
- Engagement with faith leaders, community influencers, and marriage service providers
- Focus on child rights, protection, and empowerment messaging
Spell 3: 1 Feb – 8 Mar 2026
- Mobilisation of Gram Panchayats and Municipal Wards
- Passing of resolutions to declare jurisdictions child-marriage-free
Implementation & Coordination
- The campaign will be executed with support from the Ministries of:
- Health & Family Welfare
- Panchayati Raj
- Rural Development
- Education
- Aims for seamless collaboration and grassroots penetration across the country.
Overall Objective
- To mobilise citizens, institutions, and community leaders in a nationwide effort.
- To strengthen India’s long-term mission of creating a Child Marriage Free Bharat.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam
Significance of the Event
- It is the fourth Kashi Tamil Sangamam, celebrating the cultural bond between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu.
- The Sangamam, launched in 2022 during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, has evolved into a major national cultural platform linking the Ganga and Cauvery civilizations.
Cultural and Linguistic Unity
- Recalled the Prime Minister’s description of the Sangamam as a meeting between one of the world’s oldest languages (Tamil) and one of the world’s oldest living cities (Kashi).
- Welcomed this year’s theme — “Let us learn Tamil” — promoting linguistic harmony and cultural exchange.
- Appreciated the initiative where 50 Hindi-speaking Tamil teachers, trained at the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, will teach basic Tamil to 1,500 students across 50 schools in Varanasi over 15 days.
Cultural Heritage and Rediscovery
- Highlighted the Agathiyar Yatra (Dec 2–10), retracing ancient cultural routes between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
- The Yatra honours Pandya King Athiveera Parakrama Pandian, whose travels linked Tamil Nadu with Kashi and contributed to the identity of Tenkasi (“Southern Kashi”).
Inter-state Student Exchange
- Welcomed the initiative sending 300 students from Uttar Pradesh to visit leading cultural and academic institutions in Tamil Nadu, enhancing two-way cultural understanding.
Recognition of Organisers & Broader Vision
- Praised the Ministry of Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and other Central ministries for organising the event.
- Described the Sangamam as an embodiment of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, symbolising India’s ancient civilizational unity.
- Concluded with hopes that the Kashi–Tamil bond continues to strengthen for millennia and contributes to building the vision of Bharat under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Advocacy & Outreach Workshop on the Jiyo Parsi Scheme
Purpose of the Workshop
- Organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Minority Development Department.
- Held at Mumbai University’s Convocation Hall to promote and strengthen the Jiyo Parsi Scheme, which aims to support population growth and family welfare within the Parsi community.
Key Participants & Engagement
- Senior officials including Shri Alok Verma (DDG) and Shri Ranjeet Kumar (Senior Director, NIC) interacted with beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- Discussions focused on improving accessibility, efficiency, and citizen-centric delivery of the scheme.
Additional Support for the Community
- National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) participated, informing community members about easy and affordable loan schemes for entrepreneurship, start-ups, and small businesses.
- The initiative aims to boost economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities for Parsi individuals.
Research-Based Insights
- The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) presented findings from an in-depth study on the Jiyo Parsi Scheme.
- The research offered evidence on demographic trends, programme impact, and recommendations for future improvements.
Citizen-Centric Governance
- A special interactive session by Shri Harsh Ranjan, Senior Consultant at MoMA, emphasised the importance of direct engagement with beneficiaries to improve programme delivery and address on-ground challenges.
Digital Transformation of the Scheme
- A major highlight was the launch of enhanced digital facilities, including a dedicated mobile app.
- Beneficiaries can now complete formalities such as biometric authentication from home, improving convenience, transparency, and last-mile delivery.
- Reflects the government’s push for technology-driven public services.
Overall Commitment
- MoMA reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the Parsi community through effective schemes, informed policymaking, and continuous outreach.
- The Jiyo Parsi initiative aims to preserve the community’s rich cultural heritage while ensuring long-term socio-economic well-being.
The Study on Solar Magnetic Activity by IIA Astronomers
Purpose & Significance
- Astronomers have developed a new technique to track how the Sun’s magnetic activity varies with latitude.
- The findings help improve understanding of the solar magnetic dynamo, which influences space weather and potentially Earth’s climate.
Background
- The Sun undergoes an 11-year cycle of magnetic activity.
- Solar activity affects satellite communication, navigation systems, and power grids.
Data & Methodology
- Study used 11 years of Ca-K line spectroscopic data (2015–2025) from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics — IIA).
- The Calcium K line (393.4 nm), originating from the chromosphere, is a key indicator of magnetic activity.
- Instead of studying individual sunspots, researchers used a technique by Prof. Jagdev Singh that:
- Slices the Sun into horizontal latitude bands
- Captures the combined light from each band
- Reveals large-scale magnetic patterns.
Key Findings
- Solar activity is concentrated between 40° N and 40° S, with strongest signals around 15–20° latitude—the same region where sunspots peak during the solar cycle.
- Clear north-south asymmetries were observed:
- The southern hemisphere shows steeper increases in activity at higher latitudes.
- Stronger correlations with magnetic indicators in the south.
- The team produced “spectral response profiles”, showing how Ca-K spectral features change with magnetic filling factors.
- Profiles peak near the core of the Ca-K line and show systematic hemispheric differences.
- These variations reflect changes in chromospheric temperature and magnetic field strength.
Relevance to Solar Dynamo Theory
- Results confirm that magnetic activity follows predictable latitude-dependent patterns aligned with the 11-year solar cycle.
- Findings offer new insights into the mechanisms driving the Sun’s magnetic dynamo.
Research Collaboration
- Study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
- Authors include researchers from IIA, IIT BHU, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT)
ISRO has successfully conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT)—a major milestone for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
Purpose of IMAT:
- Part of the broader qualification campaign for the Crew Module’s parachute-based deceleration system, a critical human-rating component.
- Tested under extreme descent conditions, including a deliberate delay in the disreefing sequence between two main parachutes.
Outcome of Test:
- Demonstrated structural integrity and load-bearing capability under asymmetric forces.
- Significantly strengthens confidence in the system and advances human-rating milestones.
Timeline for Mission:
- The successful test supports the Government’s target of launching the first crewed Gaganyaan mission by Q1 2027.
Oversight & Validation:
- ISRO conducts independent reviews through:
- Design Review Team (DRT)
- Independent Assessment Committee
- National Advisory Panel (NAP) for Human Rating & Certification
- These bodies ensure rigorous technical scrutiny and certification.
Transparency Measures:
- ISRO regularly releases information on major test outcomes, including IMAT, and will continue to keep the public updated.
Crew Safety & Training:
- Emphasized as the highest priority.
- Training includes:
- Emergency and off-nominal landing simulations
- Use of survival kits
- Psychological support
- Lessons from each test feed into system improvements and revalidation.
Risk Management:
- ISRO has established a robust risk-assessment and mitigation framework aligned with global standards.
- Oversight by bodies such as the Human Rating Certification Board and NAP ensures mission risks remain within acceptable limits.
Overall Significance:
- Each test, including the IMAT, contributes to improving technologies, crew readiness, and recovery operations, reinforcing progress toward India’s historic first human spaceflight mission.
India–AI Impact Summit 2026
- India will host the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 from 16–20 February 2026 in New Delhi.
- This is the first time the global AI summit series will be held in the Global South, marking a shift toward a more inclusive global AI governance dialogue.
- The Summit positions India as an emerging leader in global AI discussions, following major events such as the:
- UK AI Safety Summit
- AI Seoul Summit
- Paris AI Action Summit (co-chaired by India)
- Global AI Summit on Africa
Global Context & Purpose
- The Summit is embedded in an ongoing international discourse on responsible AI development.
- It aims to advance harmonised global cooperation rather than impose immediate binding regulations.
- The goal is to produce actionable, long-term governance recommendations for safe, inclusive, and responsible AI.
Seven ‘Chakras’ – Thematic Priorities
The Summit focuses on seven core themes known as the Seven Chakras:
- Human Capital
- Inclusion
- Safe & Trusted AI
- Resilience
- Innovation and Efficiency
- Democratizing AI Resources
- AI for Economic Development and Social Good
- These themes cover critical areas such as:
- AI safety
- Data governance
- Transparency and accountability
- Human-centric development
- Responsible and equitable AI deployment
PM-WANI Scheme
Overview
- Approval Date: 9th December 2020
- Objective: Accelerate proliferation of broadband services through Public Wi-Fi networks across India.
- Alignment: In line with the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 to strengthen digital infrastructure.
Framework
- Public Data Offices (PDOs): Set up Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs): Aggregate PDOs for better coordination.
- Minimal Regulatory Oversight: Encourages local entrepreneurs and promotes digital transformation.
- Current Status (as of 26.11.2025):
- Wi-Fi Hotspots (PDOs): 3,91,599 across states.
Key Reforms Introduced (16.09.2024)
- FTTH Connection for PDOs: Allowed PDOs to provide PM-WANI Wi-Fi through existing fiber-to-home connections, reducing operational costs.
- Aggregated Access Points: PDOs can combine multiple hotspots to a single backhaul, creating larger coverage.
- Existing Wi-Fi Integration: Home or business Wi-Fi APs can join PM-WANI network, generating revenue.
- Roaming: Users can switch between different PDOAs’ hotspots seamlessly.
- Mobile Data Offload: PDOs can collaborate with Telecom Service Providers for mobile data offloading.
- Content & Promotions: PDOAs and app providers can send marketing messages with user consent.
TRAI Tariff Reform (16.06.2025)
- Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025:
- Retail FTTH broadband plans up to 200 Mbps must be offered to PDOs at tariffs not exceeding twice the corresponding consumer broadband price.
Hardware & Software
- Procured by PDOs, PDOAs, and App providers.
- Solutions must be PM-WANI compliant.
- Compliance is certified by C-DOT as per PM-WANI guidelines.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
Overview
- ISRO has planned an indigenous space station named Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
- BAS will comprise five modules and is expected to be fully operational by 2035.
- National Level Review Committee has reviewed the overall configuration.
First Module (BAS-01)
- Union Cabinet Approval: September 2024 for development and launch of BAS-01.
- Target Launch: 2028.
- Progress: System engineering and technology development of various subsystems are progressing well.
Budget and Funding
- Development and launch of BAS-01 included in revised scope of Gaganyaan Programme.
- Total enhanced funding: ₹20,193 Cr, approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024.
Standards and International Cooperation
- BAS-01 subsystems are designed following international standards, ensuring interoperability with systems from other space agencies.
- Ongoing international cooperation explores:
- Joint development of technologies for the Indian Human Space Programme
- Use of niche test facilities and infrastructure
Strategic Importance
- Gaganyaan: First crewed demonstration mission will showcase safe human transportation to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and back.
- BAS: Next step in India’s sustained human space program.
- Enables advanced scientific research in microgravity.
- Supports technology development and future human exploration missions, including India’s vision for Moon landing under Space Vision 2047.