Indian Polity
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA):
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- International IDEA — an inter-governmental organisation for democracy and electoral assistance — has completed 30 years of supporting democracy worldwide.
- Election Commission of India’s current Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, will assume the Chairship of International IDEA on 3 December 2025, on behalf of India.
- International IDEA has 35 member countries and two observers (including the US and Japan).
- India is a founding member of International IDEA and has long engaged in electoral research, capacity-building, and training — thus its taking over the chairmanship reflects global recognition of India’s electoral administration credentials.
- Through this chairmanship, India — the world’s largest democracy with over 90 crore electors — aims to leverage its experience to support and strengthen Election Management Bodies worldwide.
(PIB)
Science & Technology
Sanchar Saathi:
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- Sanchar Saathi is a DoT (Department of Telecommunications) app to combat telecom fraud, verify IMEI, block/trace stolen phones, and report spam/fraud via its Chakshu feature.
- Government has ordered mandatory pre-installation of the app on all new smartphones sold in India; older devices must get it via software updates.
- App allows users to check all mobile connections registered in their name to detect fraudulent SIMs.
- Purpose: strengthen cybersecurity, curb SIM fraud, stolen phone resale, and IMEI spoofing.
(IE)
History, Art & Culture
Sithannavasal:
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- Sittanavasal is a monument of national importance maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), located in the Viralimalai assembly constituency, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu.
- The site comprises a rock-shelter with Jain ascetic stone beds, Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, and a rock-cut cave-temple (dating to 7th–9th century CE) featuring rare early mural paintings, reflecting early Jain presence and ancient art traditions.
- ASI has been undertaking continuous efforts for conservation, research and promotion: through periodic repairs, maintenance, and cultural-awareness programmes involving local communities and students. The mural paintings are currently reported to be in good condition.
(PIB)
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0:
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- Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 begins from 2 December 2025, aiming to reinforce cultural and civilisational linkages between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu.
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- The theme of this edition is “Let Us Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”, placing Tamil-language learning and linguistic unity at the centre.
- Key programmes include:
- Tamil Karkalam — teaching Tamil in schools of Varanasi.
- Tamil Karpom — study tours to Tamil Nadu for 300 students from the Kashi region.
- Sage Agastya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE) — retracing a historic civilisational route from Tenkasi (Tamil Nadu) to Kashi, symbolising shared heritage.
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- The Sangamam is envisioned as a platform under the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat — promoting cultural unity, mutual learning, and people-to-people exchange between North India and South India.
(PIB)
Miscellaneous
Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year, ‘rage bait’:
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- Meaning: “Rage bait” refers to online content deliberately designed to provoke anger or outrage — frustrating, provocative or offensive material created to trigger strong emotional reactions.
- Why it matters (2025): It emerged as a defining feature of global internet culture in 2025, reflecting a shift from “clickbait” (curiosity‑driven) to emotionally‑manipulative content.
- Surge in usage: According to Oxford’s linguistic data, usage of the term has “tripled” in the past year — indicating growing awareness of, and prevalence of, outrage‑provoking content.
- Digital‑society implications: Rage baiting contributes to polarisation, emotional fatigue, and the weaponisation of public discourse. It highlights how algorithms and social media platforms incentivise divisive content for engagement.
- Why picked by Oxford: As 2025’s Word of the Year, “rage bait” symbolises not just a linguistic trend but a social‑cultural phenomenon — marking the widespread recognition of digital manipulative practices shaping public opinion and behaviour worldwide.
(IE)
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