Daily GK Update- 8th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bihar Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Bharat Darshan Yojana’ to Take Secondary Students on Nationwide Educational Tours: The Bihar government will launch the ‘Mukhyamantri Bharat Darshan Yojana’ to take secondary school students on educational tours across India.The scheme expands on the existing ‘Mukhyamantri Bihar Darshan Yojana’, which currently sends primary and middle school students on tours within Bihar.Under the new initiative, students will visit major historical sites and research institutions, with possible destinations including the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Charminar, and Agra Fort.

 

2. Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Secures GI Tag :Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its historic sweetness, superior quality, and deep cultural association with the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.The GI application was community-driven, initiated by former UBKV professor Tulsi Saran Ghimiray and later transferred to the Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation, ensuring that the benefits directly reach local growers.Historically producing around 15,000 metric tonnes, the fruit’s cultivation suffered due to pests and viruses in recent years; the new GI status is expected to boost revival, improve market value, and strengthen the livelihoods of local farmers.

 

3. India Signs Two-Year MoU with Mastercard to Boost Premium Tourism and Showcase Unique Cultural Experiences :The Government of India and Mastercard have signed a two-year MoU to enhance India’s image as a premium travel destination for both domestic and international tourists, using Mastercard’s global platforms like the Priceless™ program.The collaboration aims to strengthen the tourism ecosystem by involving public and private stakeholders, promoting secure and responsible digital payments, and running joint marketing campaigns targeting diverse traveler groups.Starting with Goa, the Priceless™ platform will showcase exclusive experiences from Varanasi and interior regions of Andhra Pradesh, with more destinations to be added to highlight India’s cultural, spiritual, natural, and culinary heritage.

 

4. Numaligarh Refinery Granted Navratna Status, Boosting Assam’s Energy and Green Growth Initiatives :Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) has been granted Navratna status, a major milestone for Assam’s oil and gas sector, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanking PM Narendra Modi and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri for their support.The upgrade highlights the Centre’s strong confidence in NRL’s strategic role as it leads major energy and petrochemical projects in the Northeast, including the large-scale NREP refinery expansion and the newly inaugurated bamboo-based 2G bioethanol plant.With Navratna status, NRL gains greater financial autonomy and investment flexibility, expected to speed up industrial growth, strengthen Assam’s position as an energy hub, and boost employment and downstream economic activity in the region.State-owned explorer Oil India is the promoter of NRI holding 69.63% stake in the refinery, along with the state government of Assam (26%), and Engineers India (4.37%).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Odisha CM Inaugurates 36th Konark Festival and 15th International Sand Art Festival: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 36th Konark Festival and 15th International Sand Art Festival, beginning five days of cultural celebrations featuring dance, music and creative sand art.

The festivals, organised by the Tourism Department, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, and OTDC, aim to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.The inaugural evening featured Odissi performances by Sonali Mohapatra and Nrutya Upasana Pitha, including presentations on Hanuman Chalisa, Saranga Pallavi, and Chari Yuga Devi depicting the power of Maa Durga.

 

2. Stefan Priesner Appointed as New UN Resident Coordinator in India :United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Stefan Priesner of Austria as the new UN Resident Coordinator in India.Priesner brings extensive experience in international development, having served as UN Resident Coordinator in Iran (2021–2025), Malaysia–Brunei–Singapore (2017–2021), and Uzbekistan (2013–2017), along with various senior UNDP roles across Asia and Europe.He holds master’s degrees in international relations (Johns Hopkins University) and law (University of Vienna), started his UN career in 1997 in Bhutan, and succeeds Shombi Sharp as the UN Resident Coordinator for India.

 

3. 5 December – International Volunteer Day: International Volunteer Day (IVD) is observed every year on 5 December to recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers worldwide.Theme 2025 – Every contribution mattersThe day was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1985 to promote volunteerism and encourage people to contribute to community development.It highlights the crucial role volunteers play in humanitarian aid, social development, disaster response, environmental protection, and peace-building.

 

4. 5 December – World Soil Day :World Soil Day is observed every year on 5 December to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soil and sustainable soil management.Theme 2025 – Healthy Soils for Healthy CitiesThe day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and officially recognized in 2014.It highlights major issues like soil degradation, erosion, pollution, declining fertility, and promotes actions to protect soil as a vital natural resource.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Hosts Inno-Yoddha 2025, Shortlists 32 Innovations to Boost Operational Readiness: The Indian Army organised its annual Idea and Innovation Competition & Seminar, Inno-Yoddha 2025, in New Delhi, with Lt. Gen. Pushpendra Pal Singh felicitating the selected innovators.The Ministry of Defence reported a record 89 submissions, of which 32 innovative solutions were selected for further development to enhance operational readiness, logistics, and training.Over the past five years, the Army’s innovation ecosystem has achieved significant progress, showcasing a strong culture of soldier-driven technological and strategic advancements.

 

2. India–Malaysia Joint Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 :The fifth edition of the joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Conducted from 5 to 18 December 2025, the exercise strengthens operational cooperation between the Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army through structured joint training.The Indian Army is represented primarily by troops from the Dogra Regiment, while the Malaysian contingent comprises personnel from the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army. The central aim is to rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate, with a focus on coordinated responses to counter-terrorist scenarios.Both sides will undertake joint tactical tasks including cordon and search operations, destroy missions and heliborne insertions. The curriculum also features Army Martial Arts Routine, combat reflex shooting and Yoga to enhance physical conditioning and combat readiness. Drills for securing helipads and conducting casualty evacuation form an essential component of the exercise.

 

3. Indian Army Showcases Soldier-Led Innovations at Inno-Yoddha 2025: The Indian Army conducted its annual Idea and Innovation Competition and Seminar, Inno-Yoddha 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi in the presence of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh. The platform reflects the Army’s commitment to nurturing in-house innovation that strengthens operational effectiveness, logistics and training.Inno-Yoddha encourages soldiers—those closest to field challenges—to design practical, technology-driven solutions. Operating across extreme climates, demanding terrain and evolving threats, the Army leverages the creativity and professional insight of its personnel to address capability gaps. The initiative reinforces a culture of problem-solving rooted in ground realities.Over the past five years, the Army has selected 117 ideas, with 47 already productised and nine prototypes under evaluation. Thirty Intellectual Property Rights have been filed. Five innovations have been transferred to industry, including two awarded ToT on 5 December 2025: Exploder, Agniastra, Vidyut Rakshak, Baaz Attack Dronee and a Multi-purpose Octacopter.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Gujarat Fluorochemicals & IFC Partner to Build India’s First Integrated Battery Materials Facility: Gujarat Fluorochemicals (GFL) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is investing $50 million in its subsidiary GFCL EV Products to establish India’s first integrated battery materials facility.The investment aims to boost high-value manufacturing, generate employment, and strengthen India’s role in global supply chains, supporting national goals like energy security and transport electrification.With a diversified portfolio and strong technological expertise, GFCL EV will accelerate clean-tech adoption, reduce emissions, and help position India as a global hub for advanced battery materials.

 

2. The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) :The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) began on 6 December 2025 and will continue until 9 December in Panchkula, Haryana. Launched in 2015, IISF has become one of India’s premier platforms for promoting scientific temper, public engagement in science and collaboration among researchers, students, innovators and policymakers.The 2025 edition is themed “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” celebrating science-led growth for a self-reliant India. The festival places science at the core of national development and emphasises innovation-driven economic progress. It also seeks to integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific research to reinforce India’s indigenous knowledge heritage.IISF 2025 will focus on five broad themes: the ecology and science of North-West India and the Himalayan region, science for society and education, self-reliance through science and technology, biotechnology and the bio-economy, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science. More than 150 technical sessions will cover priority domains including AI and AGI, bio-economy, quantum technology, gene editing, space systems and climate science.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India to Conduct 8th Economic Census in 2027 Following Two-Phase Population Census: The 8th Economic Census in India is scheduled for 2027, to be conducted after the two-phase Population Census (April–September 2026 and February 2027), as stated by Statistics Secretary Saurabh Garg.Data from the Economic Census will be used to create the Statistical Business Register (SBR), which will map enterprises across states and track their operational status (active or closed).Conducted nationwide by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MOSPI) and the National Statistics Office in collaboration with state Directorates of Economics and Statistics, the Economic Census provides a complete count of all establishments, offering detailed operational and structural data crucial for policymaking.The first Economic Census was held in 1977, and the upcoming 2027 Census will coincide with India’s 16th decennial Population Census since the first nationwide census in 1872.

 

2. Razorpay Gets RBI Cross-Border Payment Licence, Expands Global Payment Capabilities: Razorpay receives Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA–CB) licence from the RBI, allowing it to facilitate regulated inward and outward cross-border payments for businesses operating in India.The licence enables Razorpay to support exporters, SaaS firms, freelancers, D2C brands, and global companies, offering payments in over 130 currencies with a 95% international transaction success rate.Razorpay’s platform provides single integration for multiple payment methods (UPI, RuPay, EMIs, netbanking, and 100+ local options), supports India-based pricing and customer service, and positions it among the few Indian fintechs with full-spectrum payment capabilities.

 

3. SEBI Launches SWAGAT-FI to Simplify Investment for Low-Risk Foreign Investors in India: SEBI introduces single-window access for low-risk foreign investors, simplifying participation in the Indian securities market and enhancing India’s appeal as an investment destination.The framework, named SWAGAT-FI (Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors), provides unified registration across multiple investment routes and reduces repeated compliance and documentation.Eligible low-risk foreign investors include government-owned funds, central banks, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral entities, highly regulated public retail funds, appropriately regulated insurance companies, and pension funds.The move is aimed at streamlining investment procedures, lowering administrative hurdles, and making India more attractive for long-term foreign institutional investments.