NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Good Governance Week 2025 Launched with ‘Prashasan
Gaon Ki Ore’ to Strengthen Grassroots Governance: Good Governance Week 2025 has been launched
by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
(DARPG) and will be observed from 19 to 25 December 2025, with
guidelines released by DARPG Secretary Rachna Shah.The nationwide ‘Prashasan
Gaon Ki Ore’ campaign remains the core initiative, aiming to strengthen
grassroots outreach, grievance redressal, and public service delivery through
district administrations.Under the campaign, district collectors will organise
special camps at the tehsil, block, and panchayat levels to directly engage
with citizens.The campaign is being conducted in two phases—a preparatory phase
(11–18 December) and an implementation phase (19–25 December), with
district-level dissemination workshops on 23 December 2025 focusing on District
@100 and good governance initiatives.
2. MSME Ministry Implements NSSH Scheme
to Boost SC/ST Entrepreneurship and Public Procurement Participatio: The Ministry of MSME is implementing
the National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) Scheme to
promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST communities and ensure 4% mandatory public
procurement from SC/ST MSEs under the Public Procurement Policy.The scheme
provides multi-dimensional support through capacity building, market linkage
initiatives, Special Vendor Development Programmes (SVDPs), awareness
workshops, subsidies on plant & machinery, and financial assistance for the
Single Point Registration Scheme.Under the Special Marketing Assistance
component, SC/ST entrepreneurs are supported to participate in domestic and
international exhibitions; 3,929 entrepreneurs have been facilitated in
domestic exhibitions at a cost of ₹36.41 crore over the last 7 years.To enhance
outreach, the NSSH Scheme conducts conclaves, SVDPs, and awareness workshops
across the country and leverages social media platforms for wider dissemination
among the target beneficiaries.
3. GI-Tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka Enters Oman Market
with First Export Shipment: GI-tagged Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka entered
the Oman market with its first export shipment of 3 metric tonnes,
boosting India’s agricultural exports.As part of market diversification, 350 kg
of Indi Lime was also flagged off for export to the United Kingdom, taking the
total exports to nearly 12.35 MTs from the district.The export to Oman gains
importance following the India–Oman CEPA/FTA, which aims to strengthen
bilateral trade and enhance market access for Indian agricultural products.
4. DDWS Organises Second Edition of Sujal Gram Samvad to
Strengthen Rural Water Governance: The Department of Drinking Water and
Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti organised the
second edition of Sujal Gram Samvad to enhance rural water
governance.Sujal Gram Samvad provides a direct communication platform between
the Union Government and rural communities, enabling villagers to share their
experiences and feedback on the Har Ghar Jal missionThe event was attended by
Union Minister Shri C.R. Patil and Minister of State V. Somanna, along with
village sarpanchs, Gram Panchayat members, Jal Jeevan Mission beneficiaries,
women groups, students, and community leaders.The first edition, held on 18
November 2025, successfully covered 12 States and Union Territories in 12
different languages, highlighting its inclusive and participatory approach.
5. Uttar Pradesh to Establish India’s First Dedicated
Forest University in Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh will establish India’s
first dedicated Forest University in Gorakhpur, focusing on forestry, wildlife,
and environmental sciences, marking a historic step in specialised education
and research.The 125-acre campus is strategically located near the Jatayu
Conservation and Breeding Centre, providing opportunities for field-based
learning and applied research in natural ecosystems.The university will offer
academic programmes in forestry, agroforestry, social forestry, horticulture,
wildlife studies, ecology, climate change, and environmental sustainability,
with strong emphasis on practical exposure.UP government allocated ₹50 crore in
the 2024 budget for preliminary work; the campus will include hostels,
laboratories, classrooms, an auditorium, sports facilities, and faculty
housing, making it a national hub for forest education and conservation
training.
6. 22 December – National Mathematics Day: National Mathematics Day is celebrated in
India on 22nd December every year to honour the birth
anniversary of the legendary mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.The day
recognises Ramanujan’s outstanding contributions to mathematical research,
including number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.It aims to
promote awareness and interest in mathematics among students, educators, and
the general public across the country.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India and Netherlands Set Up Joint Trade and Investment
Committee to Boost Bilateral Economic Ties: India and the Netherlands have established
the India–Netherlands Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) through
an MoU, marking a key step toward strengthening bilateral trade, investment,
and economic cooperation.The JTIC will act as a formal institutional mechanism
for regular dialogue to review trade relations, promote two-way investments,
address trade and investment barriers, and explore cooperation in priority
sectors.As per the MoU, the JTIC will meet annually, with meetings held
alternately in India and the Netherlands, ensuring sustained and structured
engagement.
2. Armenia Unveils ‘Yerevan Blue Butterfly’ as Official
Logo for COP17 Biodiversity Conference: Armenia unveiled the official logo for
COP17, featuring the ‘Yerevan Blue Butterfly’ (Polyommatus eriwanensis), a
species endemic to the Yerevan region.The logo is accompanied by the slogan
“Taking action for nature”, highlighting the conference’s emphasis on
implementation over commitments in biodiversity conservation.COP17, scheduled
for October 2026, will conduct the first global review of the Kunming–Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework, with the logo’s 23 blended colours symbolising
its 23 biodiversity targets.
3. MEA Secretary P. Kumaran Highlights India’s
Civilizational Values at 11th UNAOC in Riyadh: MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran led
the Indian delegation at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilisations
(UNAOC) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and delivered India’s national statement
at the High-Level Meeting of the Group of Friends of UNAOC.He highlighted
India’s civilizational values and global outlook, invoking the principles of
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world as one family) and Sarva Dharma Samabhav,
emphasising equal respect for all religions.The 11th UNAOC, hosted by Saudi
Arabia, marked two decades of dialogue under the theme “Two Decades of
Dialogue for Humanity Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding
in a Multipolar World” and also commemorated the 20th anniversary of UNAOC,
established in 2005.
4. India Assumes BRICS Presidency 2026 as Brazil Hands
Over Leadership: Brazil formally
concluded its BRICS presidency in 2025 and officially handed
over the rotating BRICS leadership to India for 2026 at a Sherpas meeting
in BrasÃlia, marking the transition of chairship within the bloc.The transition
ceremony included a review of Brazil’s achievements under its presidency and a
presentation of India’s planned priorities for the upcoming BRICS agenda.The presidency
handover positions India to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, furthering its
role in shaping strategic cooperation among emerging economies. India will
officially assume the chair on January 1, 2026.
5. 20 December – International Human Solidarity Day: International Human Solidarity Day is
observed every year on 20 December to promote unity, cooperation, and
collective responsibility among nations and people.Theme 2025 – Uniting
Communities for a Shared FutureThe day highlights solidarity as a core value
for achieving sustainable development, poverty eradication, and social justice
worldwide.It emphasizes supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities,
especially in developing and least-developed countries.
6. 21 December – World Saree Day: World Saree Day is celebrated on 21st
December to honour and promote the rich cultural heritage of the saree,
one of India’s most iconic traditional garments.The day highlights the
craftsmanship, regional diversity, and artistry involved in saree weaving
across India.It encourages people globally to appreciate, wear, and celebrate
the saree, fostering cultural pride and preserving this timeless tradition.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Trump
Announces ‘Trump-class’ Battleships for US Navy: US President Donald Trump
has announced plans for a new class of heavily armed warships that will bear
his name, signalling an ambitious push to expand and modernise the United
States Navy. The proposal, unveiled at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida,
marks a rare move, as US naval vessels are typically named after leaders only
after they have left office. According to the president, the initial plan
involves the construction of two Trump-class warships, with scope for the
programme to expand further. Trump described the vessels as among the “most
lethal surface warfare ships” ever built by the US and claimed they would be
the largest battleships in American history. The proposed ships are expected to
displace between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes, making them significantly larger
than current US destroyers and cruisers, though still smaller than the retired
Iowa-class battleships.
2. India
Nears $450 Million BrahMos Missile Export Deals with Vietnam and Indonesia: India has moved closer to
finalising major defence export agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia for the BrahMos supersonic cruise
missile, marking a significant milestone in New Delhi’s expanding defence diplomacy
in Southeast Asia. The proposed deals, together valued at over ₹4,000 crore
(around $450 million), underscore India’s growing role as a supplier of
advanced weapon systems to friendly countries. The BrahMos missile is jointly
developed by India and Russia, making Moscow’s consent essential for
third-country exports. Russia has conveyed that it has no objection to India
supplying the missile systems to Vietnam and Indonesia. This assurance was communicated during
a delegation-level meeting between Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh and
his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov earlier this month. A formal no-objection
certificate from Russia is now awaited, after which the contracts can be
formally signed.
3. GRSE
Delivers Fifth Warship to Navy in 2025: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has
delivered its fifth warship to the Indian Navy this year, reinforcing India’s
indigenous shipbuilding capacity and maritime preparedness. The latest delivery
underlines the shipyard’s sustained production momentum and its central role in
strengthening national defence capabilities. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow
Water Craft (ASW SWC) “Anjadip”, the third vessel in a planned series of eight,
was handed over to the Navy at Chennai Port. Designed and built indigenously by
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, “Anjadip” is the 115th warship
constructed by the shipyard and the 77th delivered to the Indian Navy. The
vessel was formally accepted by the Eastern Naval Command.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. PM2.5:
Why breathing Mumbai’s air is a health risk even for non-smokers: For decades, lung disease
in India was largely viewed as a smoker’s problem. That assumption is rapidly
collapsing. Doctors now warn that even lifelong non-smokers are developing chronic
respiratory and heart conditions, driven not by personal habits but by the air
they breathe every day. Mumbai’s winter pollution offers a stark illustration
of how fine particulate matter — especially PM2.5 — has turned routine
breathing into a long-term health risk. This winter, Mumbai has recorded marginally better Air
Quality Index (AQI) readings compared to some previous years. Yet doctors and
air-quality researchers caution against complacency. Beneath relatively
reassuring AQI numbers, PM2.5 concentrations have remained persistently high
across several parts of the city.
PM2.5 pollution tends to
worsen in winter as cooler temperatures, calm winds, and temperature inversions
trap pollutants close to the ground. Vehicular emissions, construction dust,
industrial activity, waste burning, and secondary chemical reactions in the
atmosphere combine to create a toxic mix that lingers over the city — often
invisible, but deeply harmful.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ADB Commits USD 4.26 Billion in Sovereign Loans to
India for Renewable Energy, Urban Development, and Healthcare in 2025: The Asian Development Bank
(ADB) committed USD 4.258 billion in sovereign lending to India in
2025, supporting projects in skills development, renewable energy, urban
infrastructure, metro expansion, healthcare, and ecotourism.32% of ADB’s 16
newly committed projects focus on human and social development, 26% on energy
(mainly renewable energy), and over 18% on urban development.Key initiatives
include USD 650 million for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar
adoption), USD 460 million to Maharashtra for rural power modernisation, and
USD 398.8 million to Assam for healthcare and medical education.Additional
loans include over USD 200 million to Meghalaya and Uttarakhand for ecotourism
development; ADB, founded in 1966, is a multilateral development bank owned by
69 members supporting sustainable growth across Asia-Pacific.
2. Piramal Finance to Sell Entire 14.72% Stake in Shriram
Life Insurance for ₹600 Crore: Piramal Finance Ltd will sell its entire 14.72%
equity stake in Shriram Life Insurance (SLI) to Sanlam Emerging Markets
(Mauritius) Ltd (SEMM) for around ₹600 crore.The transaction is expected
to be completed by the quarter ending March 31, 2026, subject to regulatory
approvals.SEMM is a 100% subsidiary of the Sanlam Group, a leading pan-African
financial services group headquartered in South Africa with operations in over
30 countries, including India.
3. RBI Imposes ₹61.95 Lakh Penalty on Kotak Mahindra Bank
for Regulatory Lapses: RBI imposed
a monetary penalty of ₹61.95 lakh on Kotak Mahindra Bank for
non-compliance with multiple regulatory norms.The violations relate to Basic
Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, Business Correspondents (BCs) guidelines,
and provisions of the Credit Information Companies (CIC) Rules, 2006.The
penalty was levied through an order dated December 11, 2025, for failure to
adhere to RBI’s directions on access to banking services and permitted BC
activities.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Advocate Shubham Awasthi Receives 40 Under 40 Lawyer Award: Advocate Shubham Awasthi, a practising lawyer at the Supreme Court of India, has been honoured with the prestigious 40 Under 40 Lawyer Award 2025, recognising his professional excellence and humanitarian contributions. The award places him among the most promising legal professionals shaping India’s contemporary legal landscape. The award was conferred during the 6th Edition of the BW Legal World 40 Under 40 Lawyers and Legal Influencers Awards 2025, held in New Delhi. The event brought together senior advocates, policymakers, Additional Solicitors General of India, and former judges of the Delhi High Court. The platform celebrated merit-based recognition across diverse legal domains, including corporate advisory, dispute resolution, regulatory practice, technology transactions, and cross-border mandates.
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