GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

NCW Launches ‘SHAKTI Scholars’ Fellowship for Young Researchers

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) has introduced the SHAKTI Scholars: Young Research Fellowship to boost women-focused policy research.

• The initiative encourages evidence-based and multidisciplinary studies linked to women’s rights and empowerment.

• Students and early-career researchers are invited to conduct structured research on contemporary gender issues.

• Key themes include women’s safety, gender violence, legal access, cyber security, POSH implementation, and leadership roles.

• The fellowship also covers areas such as health, nutrition, education, skill training, and economic inclusion of women.

• Indian citizens aged 21–30 years with at least a graduate degree are eligible; postgraduates and research scholars are preferred.

• Selected fellows will receive a ₹1 lakh research grant for a six-month project, released in stages based on progress.

• Applications must reach NCW by 31 December, with final selection through expert scrutiny and online interviews.

AWARDS

Advocate Shubham Awasthi Honoured with 40 Under 40 Lawyer Award 2025

• Supreme Court advocate Shubham Awasthi received the 40 Under 40 Lawyer Award 2025 for professional excellence and social commitment.

• The recognition places him among India’s emerging legal leaders influencing the modern legal ecosystem.

• The award was presented at the 6th BW Legal World 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards in New Delhi.

• The event witnessed participation from senior advocates, policymakers, ASGs, and former Delhi High Court judges.

• Selection was done through a strict evaluation and interview process by an expert jury.

• Awasthi described the honour as a responsibility to uphold integrity, ethics, and public trust in law.

• He highlighted the service-oriented nature of the legal profession, especially in protecting public interest.

• BW Legal World, under BW Businessworld, recognises young lawyers for impact, influence, and ethical practice.

Highlights of the 26th All India Police Band Competition

• The Railway Protection Force (RPF) topped the men’s brass band segment, while Assam Rifles and BSF shared the second position.

• In the women’s brass band event, CISF secured first place and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) finished as runners-up.

• The overall men’s championship shield was won by Maharashtra Police, reflecting consistent performance.

• CISF claimed the overall women’s championship shield at the national-level competition.

• Awards and trophies were presented by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, who also applauded the dedication of police personnel.

• The Minister released a souvenir magazine to mark the occasion and appreciated RPF’s role as host.

• The competition was organised at Moula Ali, Secunderabad (Telangana) and marked its 26th edition.

• A total of 24 police and CAPF bands participated, with over 1,300 musicians, including 224 women performers.

Sasikumar Wins Best Actor at Chennai International Film Festival

• Sasikumar received the Best Actor award at the Chennai International Film Festival for his role in Tourist Family.

• The honour reinforces his long-standing impact in Tamil cinema, especially for realistic and emotionally rooted performances.

• The award ceremony took place at the Chennai International Film Festival, held every December.

• Tourist Family, directed by Abhishan Jeevinth, also secured the Best Film award, marking strong critical acclaim.

• Veteran director Bala praised Sasikumar’s resilience, humility, and artistic integrity through a heartfelt public letter.

• The letter highlighted their deep professional bond and years of creative association.

• Bala urged Sasikumar to return to film direction, a request the actor acknowledged positively on social media.

• Sasikumar expressed gratitude and hinted at resuming direction, reviving interest in his future behind the camera.

Ravi Deecee Receives France’s Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres Honour

• Ravi Deecee, MD and Publisher of DC Books, has been awarded a top French cultural honour for his literary contributions.

• He received the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, conferred by the Government of France.

• The award was presented by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou at the French Embassy in New Delhi on December 4.

• The recognition acknowledges his role in promoting cross-cultural literary exchange between India and France.

• Under his leadership, DC Books emerged as a major Malayalam publishing house with a strong global outlook.

• The publisher has translated works of renowned French writers into Malayalam, widening access to world literature.

• These efforts have strengthened regional language publishing and multilingual literary engagement in India.

• The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (instituted in 1957) honours global contributions to arts and literature, with Chevalier as one of its grades.

RANKING AND REPORTS

NITI Aayog Report Charts Path for Globalising Indian Higher Education

• NITI Aayog has unveiled a policy blueprint outlining India’s long-term strategy to globalise its higher education ecosystem.

• The roadmap envisions India emerging as an international education and research hub by 2047, in line with NEP 2020 goals.

• A key focus of the report is “internationalisation at home”, strengthening global exposure within domestic institutions.

• Titled “Internationalisation of Higher Education in India: Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations”, the study was developed with an IIT Madras–led consortium.

• The analysis covers global, national and institutional dimensions, including academic mobility trends over the last 20 years.

• It highlights scope for expanding student exchange programmes and cross-border academic collaboration.

• The framework supports foreign universities setting up campuses in India and encourages Indian institutions to go global.

• Based on inputs from 160 institutions across 24 states and 140 stakeholders, the report offers 22 policy recommendations backed by action pathways and performance indicators across five core themes.

BANKING AND ECONOMY NEWS

India’s REIT Market Emerges as a Global Leader

• India has overtaken Hong Kong to become ahead in REIT market capitalisation.

• The Indian REIT space has matured into a mainstream investment avenue with assets valued at nearly ₹2.3 lakh crore.

• As of 30 September 2025, total market value of Indian REITs stood at about ₹1.66 lakh crore.

• This milestone was achieved even though only about one-third of eligible REIT assets are currently listed.

• Indian REIT indices have delivered annualised returns of over 8.9% in five years, beating major Asian peers.

• Earlier-listed REITs have seen unit price gains ranging from 25% to 61%, while Knowledge REIT has already posted double-digit growth.

• Investors have benefited from stable yields of around 5–6%, supported by consistent rental income.

• High cash payouts—with over ₹2,331 crore distributed in Q2 FY26—and the 90% mandatory distribution rule have strengthened REITs as attractive options for retail and high-net-worth investors.

Eight Core Industries Show Moderate Growth in November 2025

• The combined core sector index registered a 1.8% year-on-year rise in November 2025.

• According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, select infrastructure industries drove the overall growth.

• Coal output increased by 2.1%, reflecting steady performance in the energy segment.

• Strong expansion was seen in cement (14.5%), steel (6.1%), and fertilizer production (5.6%).

• In contrast, crude oil output declined by 3.2% during the month.

• Natural gas production also fell, recording a 2.5% contraction.

• The core sector index monitors eight key industries, including energy, metals, and construction materials.

• These eight sectors together contribute over 40% to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making them crucial to industrial growth trends.