Current Affairs 05 December 2025

Tourism Ministry, Netflix Sign MoU to Promote India Globally.

• Tourism Ministry signed a non-commercial MoU with Netflix to showcase India’s landscapes, culture and heritage through cinematic storytelling.
• The partnership aims to boost global visibility of destinations, including Gujarat, via on-screen representation.
• Govt confirmed the collaboration in Parliament, highlighting its role in promoting tourism worldwide.

India’s Unemployment Rate Falls; Govt Pushes Job Schemes.

• Unemployment dropped to 3.2% in 2023–24 (vs 6% in 2017–18), with monthly PLFS showing 5.1–5.2% CWS in Aug–Sep 2025.
• Maharashtra also saw major declines, while Centre highlighted flagship schemes from MGNREGS to PLI and Mudra for job creation.
• Govt is boosting skilling via FutureSkills PRIME, women-focused programmes, and new job-linked incentives like PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana.

Tourism Ministry, Mastercard Ink MoU to Boost India’s Global Appeal.

• Tourism Ministry and Mastercard signed a 2-year MoU to promote India as a premium destination using platforms like Priceless.com, starting with Goa and Varanasi.
• Partnership will highlight India’s cultural, spiritual, natural and culinary experiences.
• Tourism Ministry will serve as Knowledge Partner, coordinating with states and cultural bodies to curate immersive travel experiences.

Record FDI Surge and Expansion of India’s Trade Pacts.

• Total FDI inflow reported during the first half of FY 2025-26 ($50.36 billion) has increased by 16% compared to year-ago period ($43.37 billion) — highest ever for first half of FY26.
• Govt highlights stronger repatriation trends, rising ODI outflows and FTAs/PTAs with 21 nations.
• EFTA pact brings $100 bn investment commitment and 1 mn jobs, as India fast-tracks new FTA negotiations.

India to Chair International IDEA for the First Time.

• India has been invited to chair International International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for 1st time, with CEC Gyanesh Kumar assuming charge in Stockholm.
• The move reflects global recognition of India’s experience in conducting free, fair and transparent elections.
• A founding member since 1995, India works with IDEA’s 37-nation network on electoral research & training.