State PCS - Punjab

• 05 Dec 2025

India and Asian Development Bank Seal Multi-State Development Funding Package

Why in News? 

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed loans worth over $800 million for development projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, along with a Technical Assistance grant of $1 million for a wetland and fisheries project in Assam. 

Key Points 

• Key Finalised Loan Agreements:  
  • $500 million for Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme 
  • $190.6 million for the Indore Metro Rail Project 
  • $109.97 million for Gujarat Skills Development Programme 
  • Also, a Technical Assistance grant of $1 million was signed for the Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) Project in Assam. 
• ADB (Asian Development Bank) 
  • Established in 1966, headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with 69 member countries to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific through loans, grants, and technical assistance. 
    • India is among ADB’s largest borrowers, with ongoing support for transportation, energy, skills, urban services, and climate resilience. 
  • ADB has set a target to ensure 75% of its operations support climate change mitigation and adaptation by 2030, aligning with sustainable development goals. 

BSF Raising Day

Why in News? 

The Indian Prime Minister greeted the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on the occasion of their Raising Day, praising their commitment to national security and humanitarian work in challenging terrains. 

Key Points 

• About BSF: The Border Security Force was raised on 1st December 1965 after the India-Pakistan conflict, to ensure robust border protection. 
  • It is the world’s largest border guarding force, securing over 6,000 km of India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. 
  • Humanitarian Contribution: Beyond security duties, BSF is known for its humanitarian spirit, including: 
    • Disaster relief operations 
    • Community outreach programmes in border villages 
    • Medical camps and educational support 
  • Operational Excellence: BSF plays a major role in counter-insurgency, anti-smuggling, and anti-infiltration operations. 
    • Its personnel have shown exceptional bravery in: 
    • International border patrols 
    • Anti-terror actions 
    • Peacekeeping and cooperation with civil authorities

Nagaland Statehood Day

Why in News? 

The Indian Prime Minister greeted the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their Statehood Day, praising the State’s rich culture and contribution to the nation. 

Key Points 

• Statehood & Historical Background: Nagaland became the 16th State of India on 1st December 1963, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the Naga people. 
  • The State was carved out after sustained negotiations, with the aim of ensuring peace, autonomy and development in the region. 
• Cultural Identity:  
  • Nagaland is home to 16 major distinctive tribes like the Angami, Ao, Konyak, and Sumi, each known for their unique dialects, colorful warrior attire, and democratic village governance. 
    • The Hornbill Festival, celebrated in December, showcases the heritage of 16 Naga tribes and attracts global visitors. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Why in News? 

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd), President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2025 in New Delhi, emphasising the role of inclusion in national development. 

Key Points 

• Theme for 2025: The theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” – aligns with India's shift from welfare to rights-based approach 
  • The term “Divyangjan”, adopted since 2015, symbolises respect and dignity for persons with disabilities. 
• Key Indian Government Initiatives Related to PwDs: 
  • Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016: A landmark legislative framework that expanded recognized disability categories from 7 to 21 and increased government job reservations from 3% to 4%. 
  • Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan): A nationwide flagship mission targeting three key pillars—built environment, transportation, and ICT ecosystems, to create a universally barrier-free infrastructure. 
  • Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project: Creates a centralized national database to issue a unique global identity card to every PwD, ensuring seamless, paperless delivery of welfare benefits across all states. 
  • Divyangjan Swavalamban Yojana: Offers concessional loans through the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) to support self-employment ventures, higher education, and vocational training. 
  • PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi): A comprehensive digital portal that offers free skill development training programs and directly connects PwDs with potential employers and job aggregators. 
  • SIPDA (Scheme for Implementation of PwD Act): Provides financial assistance to state governments and autonomous bodies for constructing barrier-free environments and establishing rehabilitation centers.