NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. UPSC Ensures Preferred Examination Centres for PwBD Candidates to Boost
Accessibility: UPSC will ensure that every Person with Benchmark
Disability (PwBD) candidate is allotted the examination centre of their
choice as mentioned in the application form, improving accessibility in its
exams.The Commission will first use the existing capacity of exam centres
for both PwBD and non-PwBD candidates; once a centre reaches full
capacity, it will be closed for non-PwBD applicants but remain available for
PwBD candidates.UPSC will also make additional capacity arrangements so that no
PwBD applicant is denied their preferred examination centre under any
circumstances.UPSC Chairman Dr Ajay Kumar said the move is based on an analysis
of examination centre data from the last five years, which showed early
saturation at centres like Delhi, Cuttack, Patna and Lucknow, ensuring greater
convenience for PwBD candidates.
2. FICCI Annapoorna Interfood Exhibition 2025 Showcases
India’s Growing Food Processing Ecosystem: The 17th edition of the FICCI Annapoorna
Interfood Exhibition 2025, held in Mumbai, highlighted India’s
rapidly expanding food processing ecosystem, with MoFPI Secretary Avinash Joshi
calling it a key platform to transform agriculture, livelihoods, and consumer
experience.The event witnessed wide international participation from 17–18
countries, including stakeholders from India, Africa, the US, Europe, UAE, and
Australia, bringing together leading food-processing companies, buyers, and
trade professionals.Under flagship schemes like PM Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
and PMFME, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries offers capital subsidies,
35%–50% financial support for cold-chain infrastructure, food-testing labs,
incubation centres, and special incentives for women-led self-help groups to
promote food-processing enterprises.
3. NIFTEM Collaborates with Karnataka Institutions to
Strengthen Food Processing and Cold Chain Infrastructure: National Institute of
Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) –Kundli (Haryana) and
NIFTEM–Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), under the Ministry of Food Processing
Industries, have partnered with institutions in Karnataka such as UAS
Bengaluru, UAHS Shimoga, CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute
(CFTRI), Mysuru, and others to strengthen academics, research, capacity
building, and skill development, including short-term courses on Cold Chain
Management.Under demand-driven components like Agro Processing Clusters (APC)
and Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition of PMKSY, proposals are invited
from across the country, including Bengaluru and Dakshina Kannada, to enhance
post-harvest infrastructure, increase shelf life, generate employment, and
improve farmers’ incomes.Third-party evaluation has endorsed the effectiveness
of Cold Chain and APC schemes and recommended their continuation; all entities
including farmers and FPOs are eligible, with one approved project in the Bengaluru
region already benefiting around 600 farmers.
4. 13 December – National Horse Day: National Horse
Day is observed on 13 December every year to celebrate the
contributions of horses in human history, culture, and transportation.
The day highlights the importance of horses in
agriculture, sports, policing, and recreational activities across the world.
5. 14 December – National Energy Conservation Day: National Energy
Conservation Day is observed on 14 December every year to raise
awareness about the importance of saving energy and promoting sustainable
energy use.Theme 2025 – Saving Energy, Securing FutureThe day emphasizes
efficient use of electricity, fuel, and other energy resources to reduce
wastage and environmental impact.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Italy–India Business Forum
2025 Deepens Strategic Economic Partnership and Bilateral Trade Ties: The India–Italy
Business Forum was held in Mumbai during the visit of Italian
Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, bringing together senior officials,
industry leaders, unicorn founders, and over 150 Indian and Italian companies
to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.The Forum underscored joint commitment
to industrial and technology-driven collaboration in priority sectors such as
automotive, renewables and waste-to-energy, sport technologies, agri-food,
connectivity, manufacturing, and transportation, along with over 100 B2B
business interactions.
A key outcome was the signing of
the Agreed Minutes of the 22nd India–Italy Joint Commission for Economic
Cooperation (JCEC), establishing a concrete roadmap to translate the Strategic
Partnership into tangible trade, investment, and industrial outcomes.Several
major MoUs were signed, including SIMEST–ICC cooperation, SAIL awarding €500
million green steel projects to Italy’s Danieli Group, Prada’s
Kolhapuri-inspired collaboration, expansion of Carpisa retail in India,
and a €5 million Italian investment by Cavagna Group, reinforcing long-term
bilateral trade and investment ties.
2. Amazon Announces $35 Billion Investment in India by
2030: Amazon announced
a $35 billion investment in India by 2030 at the Smbhav Summit
2025, with funds spread across its retail operations, cloud services and
AI arm (AWS), reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Indian market.The
investment comes amid a broader push by global tech firms to scale AI and data
centre infrastructure, following Microsoft’s $17.5 billion commitment, and as
Amazon explores growth in quick-commerce, competing with BlinkIt, Zepto and Swiggy.The
investment will support AI expansion, logistics infrastructure, small
businesses and exports, and is expected to create 3.8 million direct and
indirect jobs in India by 2030, aligning with national development priorities.
3. Australia Becomes First Country to Ban Social Media
for Children Under 16: Australia has become the first country to ban social media
access for children under 16, effective December 10, 2025, blocking
platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, with companies facing
heavy fines for non-compliance.Under the new law, major platforms must enforce
age restrictions or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million, a move welcomed by
parents and child advocates but criticised by tech companies and free-speech
groups.The ban is a step to protect children from online harms and reclaim
control from big tech, positioning Australia as a global test case that other
countries may study or follow.
4. Trump Launches ‘Gold Card’ Visa Offering Fast-Track US
Residency for $1 Million Investors: US President Donald Trump has launched the
“Trump Gold Card” scheme, offering fast-tracked US visas to wealthy
foreigners who can pay at least $1 million, promising a direct and expedited
path to residency and eventual citizenship for vetted applicants.The scheme
requires applicants to demonstrate a “substantial benefit” to the United
States, with higher tiers including a $2 million employer-sponsored option and
a forthcoming $5 million “platinum” card offering special tax benefits,
alongside additional processing fees.The move comes amid a broader immigration
crackdown, including higher visa fees, deportations and pauses on asylum and
certain country-based applications, and has drawn criticism for favouring
wealthy individuals over broader immigration pathways.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian
Navy to Commission First Indigenous Diving Support Craft ‘DSC A20’ at Kochi: The Indian Navy will commission DSC
A20, the first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Craft,
at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command, enhancing the Navy’s diving and
underwater operational capabilities.Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited
(TRSL), Kolkata, DSC A20 is the lead ship of a five-vessel series and features
a catamaran hull, advanced diving systems, and a displacement of about 390
tonnes, ensuring superior stability, safety, and operational efficiency.The
commissioning marks a major milestone for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in
India initiative, showcasing successful collaboration between the Indian Navy,
indigenous shipbuilding industry, and national research institutions.
2. India,
Brazil Sign MoU on Scorpene Submarine Maintenance: India and Brazil have
strengthened their growing maritime and defence partnership with the signing of
a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the maintenance of
Scorpene-class submarines. The agreement reflects a deepening alignment between
the two navies and defence industries amid expanding strategic engagement across
maritime domains. The MoU was signed between the Indian Navy, the Brazilian
Navy and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. It focuses on the exchange of
information related to the maintenance and life-cycle support of Scorpene-class
submarines, along with other naval platforms. The agreement marks an important
step in institutionalising technical cooperation between the two countries. The
agreement was concluded during the official visit of Chief of Naval Staff
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi to Brazil from December 9 to 12. The visit was aimed
at strengthening the expanding India–Brazil maritime partnership and reviewing
the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation. Admiral Tripathi held
discussions with senior Brazilian military and political leadership during the
visit.
SPORTS
1. Punjab CM Felicitates 2025
Women’s World Cup-Winning Players and Inaugurates Stadium Stands: Punjab Chief
Minister Bhagwant Mann felicitated the members of the 2025 ICC
Women’s World Cup-winning Team India from Punjab, including skipper
Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur, ahead of the second T20I
against South Africa.Monetary rewards were given to the players and coaching
staff: Rs 11 lakhs each to Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur,
and Rs 5 lakhs to Indian fielding coach Munish Bali.Stadium stands were
inaugurated in honour of cricket legends, naming one after World Cup-winning
skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and another after 2011 World Cup-winning all-rounder
Yuvraj Singh at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.
2. Traditional
Boat Race Revived in West Jaintia Hills: The
Umngot Traditional Boat Race and Tri-Hills Ensemble Festival concluded at
Darrang in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district on December 13, marking a
vibrant revival of indigenous river-based traditions. Organised by the state
department of arts and culture, the festival blended heritage sports, cultural
performances and conservation messaging along the Umngot river. The two-day festival began on December 12 with the
ceremonial arrival of traditional boats representing local communities.
Indigenous watercraft showcased ancestral knowledge of river navigation and
craftsmanship. Invitees and participants were accorded a traditional reception
by the Darrang Elaka, reflecting the region’s customary practices and communal
ethos. The
inaugural day witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including Meghan O’Regan,
Head of the Welsh Government in India at the British Deputy High Commission.
The evening programme featured folk dances and cultural performances on the
banks of the Umngot river, highlighting the music, attire and storytelling
traditions of the Jaintia Hills and neighbouring regions.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. NIT
Rourkela Develops Low-Cost AI-Powered Social Robot for Homes, Schools and
Hospitals: Researchers
at NIT Rourkela have developed a low-cost social robot
(₹80,000–90,000) that uses AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to enable
human-like interaction through speech, gestures, facial-expression
recognition and real-time conversation.Unlike pre-programmed machines, the
robot can understand everyday language, follow verbal instructions, recognise
emotions and gestures, and respond empathetically, making it suitable for
homes, classrooms, hospitals and community spaces.The system uses Raspberry Pi
for voice/text processing, Google Text-to-Speech for natural speech output, and
a wheel-based mobility platform with obstacle detection, allowing safe
operation in crowded indoor environments.The research, published in an Elsevier
journal, aligns with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with future plans
including pilot testing, user feedback collection and industry collaboration to
support large-scale adoption in India.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. DBS Named Global Bank of the
Year 2025 by The Banker: DBS, the Singapore-based lender, was recognised by The
Banker, part of the Financial Times Group, as Global Bank of the Year
2025, marking its third win in this category after 2018 and 2021.The bank
also secured multiple awards, including Asia Bank of the Year, Singapore Bank
of the Year, Investment Bank of the Year – Asia, and Investment Bank of the
Year for Financial Institutions Group, chosen from 294 global banks.DBS crossed
$100 billion in market capitalisation in 2024, becoming the first Singapore-listed
company to achieve this milestone, and reported 11% growth in net profit and
Tier-1 capital for FY24, with a return on equity of 18% and a cost-to-income
ratio of 39.9%.
2. Wise Enters Indian Market with Multi-Currency Travel
Card to Cut Hidden Forex Fees: Global money movement company Wise introduced
its multi-currency travel card in India, targeting the growing outbound
travel market, which saw 3.89 crore departures in 2024 and an increase in
overseas spending to an average of $17 billion annually.Unlike traditional
forex cards that charge 2–4% conversion margins, Wise uses the mid-market
exchange rate with a transparent conversion fee, potentially saving thousands
on transactions.The card supports 40+ currencies, offers instant digital
onboarding via DigiLocker and video KYC, allows online and ATM use globally
(Visa network in 160+ countries), and comes with free ATM withdrawals up to
$200/month and no annual or inactivity fees.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Supriya Sahu Wins UNEP 2025 Champions of the Earth Award for Climate Leadership in Tamil Nadu: Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu, has been awarded the UN Environment Programme’s 2025 Champions of the Earth for her outstanding contributions to climate action.She has positioned Tamil Nadu as a global leader in climate mitigation, adaptation, and heat resilience through integrated governance and innovative initiatives over the past four years.Her work demonstrates how nature-based solutions combined with low- and high-tech interventions can protect vulnerable communities while effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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