December 2, 2025 - Current Affairs

DoT Says, Sanchar Saathi App Must Be Pre-Installed on Phones

December 2, 2025

The DoT has required that every smartphone built or brought to India be pre-installed with the Sanchar Saathi app. The November 28, 2025, order mandates the device makers to make the app visible and operable on the first use, i.e. without disabling or hiding. The purpose of the move is to enhance telecom and cybersecurity by assisting in IMEI checking, fraud reporting, lost/stolen phone reporting, and monitoring bad telecom usage. The edict will provide manufacturers with 90 days to comply, which is a big move towards the protection of mobile users within the country.

Key Facts for Sanchar Saathi App

It is required to be pre-installed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in all smartphones in India.
Targets to improve telecom and cybersecurity for mobile users.
Allows the IMEI check, report lost/stolen phones, and detect fraud.
The manufacturers should make sure that the app is visible, active and not disabled or hidden.
Within 90 days after the order compliance deadline is set.
Covers all new Smartphones produced or imported to India.
Swears to the suspicious telecom activity and guardian consumer interests.
Enhances the security of mobile devices and the government throughout the country.

Exam-Oriented Based PYQs

Exam Name / Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL 2021	What does DoT stand for?	A) Department of Technology B) Department of Telecommunications C) Department of Transport D) Department of Trade	B (Department of Telecommunications)
SSC CHSL 2020	The DoT is under which Ministry of India?	A) Ministry of Home Affairs B) Ministry of Electronics and IT C) Ministry of Communications D) Ministry of Science & Technology	C (Ministry of Communications)
UPSC Prelims 2018	One of the main functions of DoT is?	A) Regulate postal services B) Oversee telecom services C) Manage banking regulations D) Conduct elections	B (Oversee telecom services)
RRB Group D 2018	The Department of Telecommunications was established in which year?	A) 1985 B) 1980 C) 1983 D) 2000	B (1980)
SSC GD 2021	What do the DOT functions include?	A) Regulating Internet service providers B) Issuing licenses to telecom operators C) Managing mobile numbering plans D) All of the above	D (All of the above)
UPSC Prelims 2019	Who oversees the policies and regulations for telecommunications in India?	A) TRAI B) DoT C) ISRO D) DRDO	B (DoT)
Banking PO 2020	Which organisation issues licenses to telecom operators in India?	A) TRAI B) DoT C) ISRO D) DRDO	B (DoT)
SSC CPO 2019	DoT is responsible for which of the following?	A) Allocation of spectrum B) Telecom infrastructure development C) Monitoring quality of service D) All of the above	D (All of the above)
UPSC Prelims 2017	DoT is responsible for regulating which sector?	A) Railways B) Telecommunications C) Banking D) Defence	B (Telecommunications)
RRB NTPC 2016	The head of DoT is appointed by which authority?	A) President of India B) Prime Minister C) Ministry of Communications D) TRAI	C (Ministry of Communications)

Conclusion

The DoT order requiring the installation of the Sanchaar Saathi app during the manufacture of a smartphone is an enhanced consumer protection and security of mobile phones in India. It allows the verification of IMEI, reporting fraud, and tracking of phone loss/stolen, which makes the use of telephones safer. This action strengthens the government's control and the adoption of responsible smartphone habits in the country.

Tessy Thomas Achieves Major Recognition With Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025

December 2, 2025

Dr Tessy Thomas, commonly known as the Missile Woman of India, has also been honoured with the Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025 in recognition of her remarkable contribution to defence research and scientific leadership. Renowned as a key figure in the Agni missile programme, she consistently exemplifies excellence through innovation, perseverance, and dedication to national service. This prestigious award highlights her role in establishing India’s strategic capabilities and serves as an inspiration to generations of women in science and technology. Tessy Thomas’s recognition reflects how the country values her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing science-led development in India.

About Tessy Thomas, India’s Missile Woman

Dr Tessy Thomas, popularly known as Missile Woman of India.
The programmes involve the Bachelor of Electronics and Communication Engineering and the M.Tech in Guided Missile at the Institute of Armament Technology.
Innovative Project Director in Agni-IV and Agni-V missile projects.
The Indian woman scientist was the first to direct a missile project in the country.
Diverse prizes in the field of scientific excellence and leadership.
Known as a woman of inspiration in the field of STEM and defence research.
Helped in the strategic defence and missile technology of India.
Recognised on the national and international levels as innovative and dedicated.

Important Questions for Competitive Exams

Exam Name / Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL 2020	Who is known as India’s “Missile Woman”?	A) Tessy Thomas B) Kalpana Chawla C) Sunita Williams D) Indira Gandhi	A (Tessy Thomas)
SSC CHSL 2019	Tessy Thomas played a leading role in which missile project?	A) Prithvi B) Agni-IV & Agni-V C) BrahMos D) Akash	B (Agni-IV & Agni-V)
RRB NTPC 2018	Agni-V missile is a type of?	A) Surface-to-Air B) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile C) Anti-Tank Missile D) Cruise Missile	B (ICBM)
UPSC Prelims 2016	Which Indian scientist became the Project Director of the Agni-IV missile program?	A) Tessy Thomas B) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam C) G. Satheesh Reddy D) K. Kasturirangan	A (Tessy Thomas)
SSC CPO 2021	What is the range of the Agni-V missile?	A) 700 km B) 2000 km C) 5000+ km D) 1000 km	C (5000+ km)
RRB Group D 2019	Agni missiles are developed under which organisation?	A) ISRO B) DRDO C) HAL D) BHEL	B (DRDO)
Banking PO 2020	Tessy Thomas is the first woman to hold which post in India?	A) President of ISRO B) Project Director of Ballistic Missile Program C) Chief Scientist of HAL D) Director of Space Research	B (Project Director of Ballistic Missile Program)
SSC GD 2021	Agni-IV missile belongs to which category?	A) Short Range Ballistic Missile B) Medium Range Ballistic Missile C) Long Range Cruise Missile D) Surface-to-Air Missile	B (Medium Range Ballistic Missile)
UPSC Prelims 2019	Who is known as the “Missile Woman of India”?	A) Tessy Thomas B) Kalpana Chawla C) Tessy Paul D) Tessy Kapoor	A (Tessy Thomas)
RRB ALP 2018	Agni-V missile was successfully tested in which year?	A) 2010 B) 2012 C) 2013 D) 2015	D (2015)

Expected Question for Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award

The Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award is primarily given for excellence in which field?

A) Literature

B) Science and Research

C) Sports

D) Politics

Answer: B) Science and Research

Explanation: The award recognises exceptional achievements in scientific innovation, research, and national service, highlighting leaders like Tessy Thomas.

Who was the first recipient of the Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award?

A) Tessy Thomas

B) M. K. Cheriyan

C) Thomas Isaac

D) P. J. Kurien

Answer: B) M. K. Cheriyan

Explanation: M. K. Cheriyan was the first-ever recipient of this award, which recognises distinguished contributions in science, philosophy, and social service.

The award is named after Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios. What was he known for?

A) Defence research

B) Philosophy, theology, and social service

C) Space exploration

D) Literature

Answer: B) Philosophy, theology, and social service

Explanation: Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios was a renowned philosopher and thinker, and the award honours excellence in knowledge, leadership, and societal contributions.

Conclusion

It is a significant milestone that Tessy Thomas has received the Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to India's missile programme. This honour recognises her scientific expertise, innovative work, and effort, and it empowers women in the field and studies on STEM. Additionally, it serves to inspire the Indian government to pursue excellence in defence studies and innovation.

World AIDS Day 2025

December 2, 2025

World AIDS Day is celebrated on 1 December annually to create awareness of HIV/AIDS among people all over the world, pay tribute to those who have already lost their lives and assist those who are already infected. It was started in 1988, and it is one of the most significant international public health campaigns. The 2025 theme, 'Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,' emphasises the need for more effective political action, inclusive healthcare, and community-led efforts. The day promotes education, prevention, available treatment, and combating stigma, as well as the global efforts to capitalize on ending AIDS as a threat to human health by 2030.

Key Highlights of World AIDS

The first reported case of HIV infection dates back to the year 1959 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When strange illnesses began to emerge among young men in the United States in 1981, AIDS was the first known case.
In 1983, scientists discovered AIDS as a virus that was later to be called HIV.
Studies indicate that HIV started as SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus), which is spread by chimpanzees to humans.
At the end of the 1980s, AIDS became a world health crisis.
In the year 1988, World AIDS Day was set up in order to create awareness and enhance response in the whole world.

PYQs Asked in Government Exams

Exam Name / Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL 2020	AIDS is caused by which type of virus?	A) DNA Virus B) RNA Virus C) Retrovirus D) Bacteria	C (Retrovirus)
RRB NTPC 2016	HIV affects which cells of the human body?	A) RBC B) Platelets C) WBC/CD4 Cells D) Nerve Cells	C (WBC/CD4 Cells)
SSC CHSL 2019	In which year was the first case of AIDS reported?	A) 1972 B) 1981 C) 1990 D) 1965	B (1981)
SSC GD 2021	World AIDS Day is observed on which date?	A) 1 May B) 1 December C) 12 January D) 15 October	B (1 December)
Bank PO 2018	What is the full form of AIDS?	A) Acute Immune Deficiency System B) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome C) Active Immuno Dysfunction Syndrome D) None	B
SSC CPO 2022	HIV is transmitted through which of the following?	A) Air B) Mosquito Bite C) Unprotected Sexual Contact D) Touching	C
UPSC Prelims 2014	HIV primarily destroys which type of cells?	A) Helper T-cells B) Beta Cells C) Liver Cells D) Platelets	A (Helper T-cells)
RRB Group D 2018	AIDS affects which system of the body?	A) Digestive B) Immune System C) Excretory D) Circulatory	B
SSC MTS 2020	Which day is observed as World AIDS Vaccine Day?	A) 18 May B) 1 June C) 25 April D) 16 August	A
State PSC 2019	HIV can be detected by which test?	A) MRI B) ELISA Test C) CT Scan D) Ultrasound	B (ELISA)

Conclusion

World AIDS Day 2025 strengthens the world implementation of HIV/AIDS by creating awareness, preventing and providing affordable healthcare. It emphasises the need to impose solidarity, responses based on scientific approaches, and to eliminate the stigma. The day is a reminder that it is time to help HIV-positive persons and reinforce joint actions to develop an AIDS-free world in 2030.

Ramban Sulai Honey GI Tag: A Major Win for Traditional Beekeeping

December 2, 2025

GI Tagged Ramban Sulai Honey is a high-quality, naturally collected honey from the Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir, recognised for its purity, richness, and flowery aroma. It is produced using the rare Sulai (Carthamus oxyacantha) flowers that grow in the Himalayan foothills, known for their medicinal, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag ensures authenticity, protects traditional beekeeping practices, and highlights the region's rich biodiversity. With its distinctive scent, excellent nutritional value, and absence of chemicals, Ramban Sulai Honey is among India's most popular natural honey varieties, confirming its quality and dependability.

About Ramban Sulai Honey

Manufactured in Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir.
Based on the native nectar of the Sulai plant, which grows in the Himalayan foothills.
This is known to be naturally pure in flavour, aromatic and light golden in colour.
Given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023 to be genuine.
Part of the harvest is attained through the application of traditional beekeeping methods that are chemical-free.
Full of antioxidants, minerals and natural enzymes.
Desired as medicine and medicine.
Promotes the income of local beekeepers and enhances local identity.

Recently Asked Questions About (GI-TAG)

Exam Name / Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-1)	Which of the following products is GI-tagged from Kashmir?	A) Pashmina Shawl B) Banarasi Saree C) Madhubani Painting D) Kullu Shawl	A
RRB NTPC 2020	Tirur Betel Leaf, which received GI Tag, belongs to which state?	A) Kerala B) Tamil Nadu C) Karnataka D) Andhra Pradesh	A
SSC CHSL 2022	Rasgulla received GI Tag first from which state?	A) Odisha B) West Bengal C) Bihar D) Assam	B
SSC GD 2021	GI-tagged Kangra Tea is famous in which state?	A) Himachal Pradesh B) Sikkim C) Uttarakhand D) Assam	A
RRB Group D 2018	The GI-tagged product “Mizo Chilli” belongs to which region?	A) Mizoram B) Manipur C) Nagaland D) Tripura	A
SSC CPO 2020	Which fruit from Maharashtra has a GI tag?	A) Alphonso Mango B) Kinnow C) Litchi D) Apple	A
Banking Exams 2021	Basmati Rice with a GI tag is mainly grown in which region?	A) Indo-Gangetic Plains B) Eastern Plateau C) Western Ghats D) Deccan Plateau	A
UPSC Prelims 2016	GI Tag protects which of the following?	A) Product name based on region B) Crop variety C) Industrial patent D) Trademark rights	A
SSC CGL 2022	GI-tagged Channapatna Toys are from which state?	A) Karnataka B) Odisha C) Kerala D) Haryana	A
RRB ALP 2018	GI-tagged Kadaknath Chicken belongs to which state?	A) Madhya Pradesh B) Rajasthan C) Gujarat D) Haryana	A
SSC MTS 2023	Which state’s Araku Valley Coffee has a GI tag?	A) Andhra Pradesh B) Assam C) Kerala D) Gujarat	A
Bank PO 2020	The Kinnauri Shawl with GI tag belongs to which state?	A) Himachal Pradesh B) Punjab C) Uttarakhand D) J&K	A
SSC CHSL 2021	The GI-tagged Sohrai Painting is famous in which state?	A) Jharkhand B) Bihar C) Rajasthan D) Odisha	A

Expected Question for Ramban Sulai Honey

Which of the following best describes a GI Tag?

A) A patent for inventions
B) A trademark for companies
C) A tag identifying products based on geographic origin
D) A certificate for export permits
Answer: C
Explanation: A GI Tag legally protects products that originate from a particular region and possess unique qualities due to that origin.

Which scheme was launched by the Government of India to promote and support GI-tagged products?

A) Make in India
B) ODOP (One District One Product)
C) Bharat Net
D) PM-KISAN
Answer: B
Explanation: ODOP helps promote unique district-specific products, including GI-tagged items like Ramban Sulai Honey.

Ramban Sulai Honey is primarily collected using which method?

A) Industrial extraction
B) Chemical-based processing
C) Traditional beekeeping
D) Mechanical honey separators
Answer: C

Conclusion

The introduction of the GI Tag of the Ramban Sulai Honey is a major success for traditional beekeeping in Jammu and Kashmir. It protects the authenticity, increases market value and empowers local beekeepers. Not only does this recognition lead to the preservation of regional heritage, but it also fosters sustainable livelihoods, making Ramban Sulai Honey a symbol not only of purity but also of quality and cultural pride.