Important Day & Observance
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD 2025)
3 December is observed annually as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The 2025 theme — “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — emphasised:
- Accessibility in public infrastructure
- Equal opportunities in education and employment
- Social protection measures
- Rights-based inclusion in policymaking
Governments, schools, civil-society groups, and NGOs worldwide organised awareness events, campaigns and discussions to highlight the need for stronger disability-inclusive development frameworks.
National & Strategic Affairs
Russia Ratifies the Indo-Russian RELOS Defence Logistics Agreement
Russia’s State Duma, on 3 December 2025, ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement with India.
Key features of the agreement include:
- Access for both militaries to each other’s ports, airbases and facilities
- Provision for refuelling, repairs, berthing and maintenance
- Support for joint exercises, maritime missions and humanitarian operations
- Strengthening of long-term strategic cooperation
The ratification came just before President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India (4–5 December 2025), signalling deeper military and strategic alignment between the two nations.
Economy & Markets
Indian Rupee Falls Below ₹90 per US Dollar for the First Time
On 3 December 2025, the Indian rupee breached a historic low, trading past ₹90 per US dollar.
Reasons behind the fall:
- Persistent foreign-capital outflows
- Lack of progress on key international trade agreements
- Strengthening of the US dollar globally
- Wider trade deficits and heavy import bills
- Investor caution amid global uncertainties
Impact on the economy:
- Higher cost of imported fuel and essential commodities
- Rising prices of electronics, metals and capital goods
- Increased inflationary pressure
- Costlier foreign travel and overseas education
- Boost for export-oriented sectors like IT services
Indian IT stocks, including major companies such as Infosys, TCS and Wipro, saw gains of up to 2%, reflecting the sector’s benefit from a weaker rupee.
Spike in Russian Investments Flowing Into Indian Equities
According to recent financial data, Russian investments in Indian equities jumped sharply:
- FY24 → approx. USD 5 million
- FY25 → approx. USD 18 million (a threefold increase)
This coincides with strengthening Indo-Russian ties, including RELOS ratification and upcoming high-level meetings. The trend suggests:
- Broadening foreign-investment sources for India
- Reduced reliance on Western capital inflows
- Growing Russia–India economic corridors
Global Developments
Amazon Prime Video Introduces a Dedicated Global News Tab
Amazon announced a new “News” tab to be added to Prime Video for its users.
Key elements of the rollout:
- Dedicated space for live news and curated bulletins
- Integration of multiple global news providers
- Aim to make Prime Video a more comprehensive media platform
- Positioning to compete with news-enabled platforms like YouTube and Roku
This shift represents a broader trend: merging entertainment streaming with real-time news consumption, potentially transforming how users — including those in India — access information.
Geopolitical Tensions in Europe — NATO Reaffirms Preparedness
On 3 December 2025, NATO leadership reiterated that the alliance is “ready to do what it takes” to protect European security, while Russia denied reports of rejecting a proposed Ukraine peace framework.
Key themes discussed:
- Military readiness
- Security of Eastern European members
- Diplomatic deadlock over the Ukraine conflict
- Heightened Russia-NATO mistrust
Global markets and defence analysts continued monitoring the situation for potential escalations.
Society, Governance & Inclusion
Renewed Focus on Disability Rights in India
Indian institutions marked IDPD 2025 by highlighting:
- Gaps in accessibility across public spaces
- Lack of assistive technologies in education
- Employment barriers for persons with disabilities
- Need for disability-inclusive digital infrastructure
Experts emphasised that sustained policy efforts will be essential for achieving meaningful progress in inclusive development.
Emerging Trends to Watch
- Forex volatility: Rupee movement will influence inflation and monetary-policy decisions.
- India–Russia defence synergy: Expected announcements during Putin’s visit may reshape strategic cooperation.
- Alternative investment flows: Non-Western capital, especially from Russia, may become increasingly important.
- Streaming evolution: Amazon’s move could trigger a broader trend of blending news and entertainment.
- Inclusive governance: IDPD 2025 discussions may accelerate policy adoption on disability rights.
📌 Key Takeaways — 3 December 2025
- Rupee crosses ₹90/USD, hitting a historic low.
- Russia ratifies RELOS, strengthening India–Russia defence ties.
- Russian equity inflows into India triple in a year.
- Amazon introduces a news section on Prime Video.
- Global attention on disability rights through IDPD 2025.
- NATO–Russia tensions remain a key geopolitical hotspot.