NATIONAL NEWS

Election Commission Deploys Special Roll Observers for Electoral Roll Revision

• The Election Commission has appointed Special Roll Observers (SROs) to monitor the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls.

• These observers have been assigned to eight states: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.

• Their deployment has already begun, with field visits planned for two days each week in the allotted states.

• The observers will remain engaged until the final Electoral Rolls are published in February 2026.

• The oversight aims to ensure the revision process is fair, orderly, and transparent.

• SROs will hold consultations with political parties at both the State and district levels.

• They will also interact with Chief Electoral Officers and District Electoral Officers, through physical or virtual meetings.

• The exercise focuses on accurate voter lists, ensuring all eligible voters are included while preventing ineligible entries.

STATE NEWS

Siliserh Lake Declared India’s 96th Ramsar Wetland

• Siliserh Lake in Alwar, Rajasthan has been accorded Ramsar status, taking India’s total to 96 wetlands of international importance.

• The announcement by the Ramsar Convention reflects India’s growing focus on protecting ecologically vital water bodies.

• Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, was also included alongside Siliserh in the global Ramsar list.

• The recognition underlines the lake’s role in biodiversity conservation, water security, and climate resilience.

• Siliserh supports over 100 species of birds and animals, including migratory birds like cranes and resident species such as kingfishers.

• Located near the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the lake forms part of the larger Aravalli ecological landscape.

• Built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh, the lake was originally designed to supply drinking water to Alwar city.

• The Ramsar tag is expected to strengthen conservation, encourage eco-tourism, and improve sustainable water management with community participation.

Maharashtra Launches ‘MahaCrimeOS AI’ for Advanced Cyber Policing

• Maharashtra introduced MahaCrimeOS AI, an AI-based cybercrime platform developed in partnership with Microsoft to modernise policing.

• The initiative aims to enhance cybercrime detection, investigation, and justice delivery amid rising digital offences.

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the platform a game-changer in tackling complex cyber and financial fraud cases.

• The system uses advanced analytics and agentic AI tools to trace digital evidence and strengthen investigative efficiency.

• MahaCrimeOS AI is designed to speed up grievance redressal and provide quicker relief to victims of online fraud.

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella lauded the project as a model of responsible AI use for public welfare.

• Pilot implementations, including cases from Nagpur, have shown promising results in resolving cybercrime complaints.

• The platform is recognised as India’s first AI-driven cybercrime investigation system, boosting transparency and citizen trust.

Raipur to Host National Transgender Sports Meet 2025

• Raipur will host a national-level transgender sports meet, offering a long-awaited platform after nearly ten years.

• The National Transgender Sports Meet 2025 will take place on 19–20 December at the Swami Vivekanand Athletic Stadium.

• The event carries the theme ‘Samta Ka Mahotsav’, highlighting equality, dignity and social inclusion through sports.

• Transgender athletes from multiple states such as Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha are expected to compete.

• The meet is being organised by Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti with support from the state social welfare department.

• Sports will serve as a means of self-expression, confidence-building and breaking social stereotypes.

• The event aligns with recent inclusive policy milestones, including transgender participation in government jobs and police recruitment.

• The initiative reinforces India’s recognition of transgender persons as a third gender and promotes equality in sports and society.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

India Launches Pilot Testing of Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

• India has begun a pilot trial of Toyota’s Mirai FCEV to evaluate hydrogen-based mobility solutions.

• The project aims to test the vehicle in actual Indian operating conditions, including diverse climates and road settings.

• The initiative was launched by Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, marking a step toward cleaner transport.

• Toyota Kirloskar Motor handed over the Mirai to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for detailed evaluation.

• NISE will study the car’s performance across varied terrains, traffic patterns, and weather conditions.

• The trial reflects closer cooperation between government, research bodies, and industry in advancing fuel-cell technology.

• To highlight hydrogen mobility, the Minister drove the Mirai to Parliament during the launch.

• The second-generation Mirai offers around 650 km range, quick refuelling in under five minutes, and zero tailpipe emissions, releasing only water vapour.

MISCELLANEOUS

Amit Shah Honors Veer Savarkar in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, highlighting his role in shaping India’s idea of cultural nationalism.

• He addressed a commemorative event in Sri Vijayapuram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking 115 years of Savarkar’s poetry collection “Sagara Prana Talamalla.”

• Shah connected Savarkar’s literary legacy with his years of hardship in the Cellular Jail (Kala Pani).

• A statue of Savarkar was unveiled at Veer Savarkar Inspiration Park, recalling his imprisonment in 1911.

• The unveiling ceremony at Beodnabad, South Andaman, was attended by Amit Shah and RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.

• Shah also remembered other freedom fighters, including Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, during the event.

• He referred to the Indian National Army’s role in freeing parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Savarkar, born in 1883 in Maharashtra, was a revolutionary thinker, author of “The Indian War of Independence 1857,” a Hindu Mahasabha leader, and the ideologue who coined the term “Hindutva.”