Daily GK Update- 9th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Hosts 20th UNESCO Committee Session on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage at Red Fort: India is hosting the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Red Fort, New Delhi, with participation from over 800 delegates representing 180+ countries.The committee will examine nominations for UNESCO ICH lists, review the status of existing elements, and consider international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage; India currently has 15 elements on the Representative List.Key discussions will include safeguarding reports, requests for international assistance, and global dialogue on living heritage, best practices, and future safeguarding strategies.

 

2. Vijayawada to Host 3rd Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 Celebrating Telugu Music and Andhra Pradesh’s Cultural Heritage: The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Academy, and Andhra Pradesh agencies, is hosting the 3rd Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam 2025 in Vijayawada on 6–7 December 2025, celebrating Telugu music heritage.Theme – Celebrating the Richness of Telugu Music TraditionsThe festival focuses on strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity and promoting music tourism, featuring 18 Carnatic concerts by 98 artists over two days.A special exhibition will display Andhra Pradesh’s GI-tagged and traditional crafts, including Kondapalli Toys, Etikoppaka Lacquerware, Udayagiri Cutlery, Leather Puppetry, Narsapur Lace, and iconic handloom clusters like Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Chirala, Uppada, and Moragudi.

 

3. India to Update National Accounts Base Year to 2022–23 from February 2026: The Government of India will revise the national accounts base year to 2022–23, replacing the outdated 2011–12 base year, with the new system coming into effect from February 26–27 next year.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the IMF’s recent C grade for India’s national accounts was due to the old base year, not the quality or credibility of the data.The update follows debate over data accuracy after the NSO released July–September GDP figures showing 8.2% growth, which some opposition leaders questioned in light of the IMF’s grading.

 

4. What Delhi Can Learn From Beijing’s Decade-Long Battle Against Air Pollution: As another winter smog crisis engulfs Delhi and the wider NCR, policymakers are revisiting global examples of rapid air-quality improvement. Among them, Beijing stands out: in roughly a decade, it transformed from one of the world’s smoggiest megacities to one with sharply improved air, even as China sustained near–double digit economic growth. Beijing’s success was not accidental — it was the result of a coordinated, well-funded, and rigorously enforced policy architecture that offers lessons for Indian cities. Beijing’s turnaround began in the run-up to the 2008 Olympics, when the municipal government introduced emergency curbs, tightened monitoring, and started publishing weekly air-quality bulletins. This transparency created public momentum for cleaner air and placed political pressure on authorities to shift from short-term fixes to structural reform. The acknowledgement in 2013 that pollution had become “severe” was a pivotal moment, triggering a national action plan with legally enforceable targets for PM2.5 reduction.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India–Russia Discuss Expansion of Fisheries, Meat & Dairy Trade Ahead of High-Level Talks: India and Russia held bilateral talks in New Delhi to expand trade in fisheries, meat, and dairy products, address market access issues, and speed up export establishment listings under Russia’s FSVPS system.Russia expressed strong interest in importing Indian fishery and meat products, collaborating on veterinary vaccines, and developing the trout market through joint technical projects and potential joint ventures.India highlighted its fishery exports worth USD 7.45 billion in 2024–25, discussed diversification of exports (shrimp, prawns, tuna, squid, etc.), and requested early approvals for Indian dairy and meat establishments, including AMUL/GCMMF.Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in aquaculture technologies, deep-sea fishing vessels, capacity building, cold-water fisheries, and proposed signing an MoU to establish a structured mechanism for long-term collaboration.

 

2. 11th India International Science Festival Begins in Panchkula: The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF 2025), being held in Panchkula, Haryana, will showcase India’s science-led progress while bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific research.The festival’s theme, “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” highlights the role of science, technology, and innovation in strengthening self-reliance, national development, and economic growth.IISF 2025 will feature 150+ technical and thematic sessions, focusing on five key areas, including biotechnology, space, artificial intelligence, Himalayan ecology, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.

 

3. Why the Thailand–Cambodia Border Flare-Up Signals a Deeper and Long-Standing Rift: Fresh clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia frontier — including Thai airstrikes and heavy ground combat — have shattered the fragile ceasefire negotiated earlier this year. While the violence has already killed at least 10 people and displaced over a lakh, the crisis is rooted in far older disputes, overlapping sovereignties and shifting geopolitical alignments in Southeast Asia. The newest round of hostilities erupted on Monday, marking the most intense fighting since the July truce that briefly halted border clashes. Though neither side admits to initiating fire, the use of Thai air power represents a significant escalation. These incidents come after months of sporadic skirmishes, both sides accusing the other of violations, and a persistent propaganda war that kept tensions simmering even during diplomatic quiet. President Donald Trump’s intervention earlier this year used American trade leverage to bring both sides into talks. The October follow-up agreement committed Thailand and Cambodia to coordinated de-mining, withdrawal of heavy weapons and curbs on inflammatory rhetoric. But implementation never meaningfully began. Cambodia continued to demand the release of 18 captured soldiers; Thailand alleged new landmine deployments. Mutual distrust grew, and both governments treated the lack of compliance as evidence the other was acting in bad faith.

 

4. India and Bangladesh Exchange Fishermen in Humanitarian Release: India and Bangladesh have carried out a reciprocal release of fishermen detained for inadvertently crossing the international maritime boundary. The exchange reflects ongoing efforts by both governments to manage such incidents through humanitarian considerations and bilateral coordination. India released 38 Bangladeshi fishermen, while Bangladesh freed 47 Indian fishermen along with their operable vessels. Authorities said the individuals had unintentionally strayed into foreign waters, a common occurrence in the Bay of Bengal due to shared fishing grounds and navigational challenges. The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the exchange was arranged with livelihood concerns in mind. India reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of its fishing communities and to securing the release of nationals detained for maritime boundary violations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Indonesia joint special forces exercise ‘Garuda Shakti’ begins in Himachal Pradesh: The 10th India–Indonesia joint special forces exercise ‘Garuda Shakti’ began in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, focusing on strengthening interoperability through counter-terrorism drills, combat shooting, heliborne ops, sniping, and drone/counter-UAS tactics.The exercise includes exchange of expertise on weapons, equipment and operational practices, culminating in a high-intensity validation exercise simulating real-world scenarios to assess combat readiness.

 

2. India and Malaysia Launch 5th Edition of Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 in Rajasthan: The 5th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 is being conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, from 05–18 December 2025, with India represented mainly by the DOGRA Regiment and Malaysia by the 25th Battalion Royal Malaysian Army.The exercise aims to jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, focusing on enhancing interoperability and coordination between the two armies.The training includes counter-terrorist tactical drills such as cordon and search operations, search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations, and developing coordinated joint responses during complex security situations.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes Investor and Global Brand Ambassador for AI Firm Perplexity: Cristiano Ronaldo has invested in AI company Perplexity and become its brand ambassador.As part of the collaboration, Ronaldo launched a custom AI assistant, “Ronaldo Hub”, offering fans unseen personal images, curated life-stage questions, and interactive access to his iconic goals.CEO of Perplexity – Aravind Srinivas

 

2. Veteran Pacer Mohit Sharma Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket: Veteran Indian pacer Mohit Sharma announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, ending a career that included 34 international matches and over a decade-long stint in the IPL with teams like CSK, KXIP/PBKS, DC, and Gujarat Titans.Mohit, who debuted for India in 2013, took 35 ODI wickets and 6 T20I wickets, and became a reliable death-overs bowler for CSK under MS Dhoni; he also finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. BPCL Becomes the Only Indian Company Named Among Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars 2025: BPCL Becomes the Only Indian Company Named Among Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars 2025BPCL has been named among the Top 100 Corporate Startup Stars (CSS) 2025 by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Mind the Bridge, becoming the only Indian organisation on the global list for excellence in startup collaboration.BPCL’s startup initiative ‘Ankur’, launched in 2016, has supported 30+ startups in domains like robotics, AI, industrial IoT, safety technologies, and predictive maintenance, and also includes the BPCL Ankur Fund for early-stage investments.BPCL Chairman Sanjay Khanna stated that the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to open innovation and sustainable energy, aligning with its goal to drive India’s energy transition and strengthen BPCL as a future-ready integrated energy company.The recognition ceremony took place at the ICC headquarters in Paris, with ICC and Mind the Bridge leaders praising BPCL’s model of strategically partnering with startups to accelerate new technology adoption in India’s evolving energy and innovation ecosystem.

 

2. Why the H3N2 Influenza Strain Hits Harder — Causes, Symptoms, Risks and How It Spreads: H3N2, a major subtype of influenza A, is once again driving significant flu waves across multiple countries. Known for its rapid mutation rate and ability to evade immunity, H3N2 disproportionately affects young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses. Here is a clear, in-depth explainer on what makes this flu strain particularly challenging. H3N2 is one of the most common influenza A strains responsible for seasonal flu epidemics worldwide. It first jumped to humans in 1968 through an antigenic shift involving avian viruses. Since then, it has become a dominant seasonal flu subtype, accounting for 10–20% of global infections each year and up to 50% of hospitalizations in severe seasons. Its tendency to mutate quickly leads to frequent “antigenic drift,” weakening population immunity and reducing vaccine effectiveness. Cold, dry air helps the virus survive longer in aerosol droplets, while crowded indoor gatherings enable rapid person-to-person spread. India’s 2025 surveillance recorded nearly 20% H3N2 positivity between October and December, coinciding with the onset of cooler temperatures, reduced sunlight exposure and increased indoor crowding. 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Expands Gold Metal Loan Access to More Jewellers Under New 2026 Guidelines: RBI has widened access to Gold Metal Loans (GML), allowing banks to lend not only to jewellery manufacturers but also to jewellers who outsource production, under new guidelines effective April 1, 2026.Updated rules under the Master Direction on Imports and the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) permit nominated banks to extend import-linked GML to entities engaged in manufacturing or selling jewellery for domestic or export markets.GMS-linked GML can now be provided to both jewellers and MMTC for minting India Gold Coins (IGCs), expanding the operational scope of the scheme.Banks must ensure strict end-use monitoring, preventing any sale or export of GML-sourced gold in primary form, and must value the gold daily using the LBMA Gold AM price and rupee–dollar reference rate.Loan tenors will follow FTP norms for exporters, while others will have a maximum tenure of 270 days, with repayments made in INR, except GMS-linked borrowers who may repay principal partially or fully in physical gold under regulated conditions.

 

2. India’s UPI to Become Acceptable in Cambodia Through NPCI–ACLEDA Bank Partnership: NPCI International Payments (NIPL) has partnered with ACLEDA Bank of Cambodia, enabling acceptance of India’s UPI in Cambodia and allowing Cambodia’s Bakong (KHQR) QR network to be accepted in India.Indian tourists visiting Cambodia will now be able to make payments using UPI apps at over 4.5 million KHQR-enabled merchant outlets across the country.NIPL is also helping countries like Namibia, Trinidad & Tobago, and Peru develop UPI-like digital payment systems; UPI in India processed 20.47 billion transactions worth ₹26.32 trillion in November.

 

3. Juspay Partners with Sabre Direct Pay to Enhance Global Payment Solutions for Travel Merchants: Juspay has partnered with Sabre Direct Pay to modernise payment solutions for travel merchants globally, aiming to improve conversion rates and streamline transactions.The partnership will enable sector-specific capabilities, including access to local payment methods, faster go-to-market, cross-border payments, efficient checkout, and reconciliation processes.Juspay, headquartered in Bengaluru, has expanded its global presence with offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, reporting its highest-ever revenue of ~₹514 crore in FY2025.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Donald Trump Becomes First Recipient of FIFA’s Newly Launched Peace Prize: US President Donald Trump became the first-ever recipient of FIFA’s newly launched “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC.FIFA President Gianni Infantino, known for his close association with Trump, has previously stated that Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts toward negotiating a Gaza ceasefire.The award, introduced in November, aims to honour individuals whose exceptional actions have contributed to global peace and unity through football, and will be presented annually.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NHAI Partners with Reliance Jio to Launch Telecom-Based Safety Alert System on National Highways: NHAI signs MoU with Reliance Jio to introduce a telecom-based safety alert system across National Highways, aiming to enhance road safety for commuters.Travellers will receive real-time alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and high-priority calls about accident-prone stretches, stray-cattle zones, fog-affected areas, and emergency diversions, using Jio’s 4G and 5G network.The system will be integrated with NHAI’s digital platforms like the ‘Rajmargyatra’ app and emergency helpline 1033, providing early warnings without additional roadside hardware, and similar collaborations are planned with other telecom providers.

 

2. Dr. Manali Kshirsagar Becomes First Full-Time Woman Vice-Chancellor of Nagpur University: Manali Kshirsagar has become the first full-time woman Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, taking over from acting VC Dr. Madhavi Chavare and marking a historic milestone in the university’s 100-year history since 1923.She plans to introduce technology-driven and innovative academic courses aimed at improving student employability and aligning university education with modern industry requirements.Announced by Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor Acharya Devvrat, Dr. Kshirsagar begins her five-year term with a focus on academic modernization and preparing students with future-ready skills.

 

3. AIM–NITI Aayog and Hitachi MGRM Net Launch AI-Powered “MStar Global AI Connect” to Build India’s Nationwide Innovation Backbone: AIM–NITI Aayog and Hitachi MGRM Net Ltd. signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) to develop “MStar™ Global AI Connect”, an AI-driven single innovation platform to boost innovation and entrepreneurship across India.The partnership aims to build a federated national digital innovation backbone, connecting rural, urban, and suburban schools with mentors, incubators, accelerators, research institutions, and industry under the vision of “Viksit Bharat”.The initiative will strengthen the school-to-startup pipeline, enable virtual ATLs/AICs, support ideation-to-pilot workflows, enhance IP creation, and accelerate lab-to-market translation of Indian innovations.Leaders from both sides emphasized that the collaboration will democratize access to innovation, nurture young talent, improve frontier-technology skills, and create an inclusive, multilingual, scalable innovation ecosystem for India’s future.

 

4. Suparna Mitra Appointed MD & CEO of TeamLease Services: Suparna Mitra to join TeamLease Services as Managing Director & CEO effective 2 February 2026, marking a planned leadership transition.She will succeed Ashok Reddy, the current MD & CEO, as part of the company’s long-term succession and governance strategy.Vice-Chairman Manish Sabharwal will step down from executive duties but continue on the board as a non-executive, non-independent director.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Oxford University Press Names “Rage Bait” as Word of the Year 2025: Oxford University Press has named “rage bait” as the Word of the Year 2025 — a phrase that refers to online content deliberately designed to provoke anger, outrage or shock to drive engagement.The usage of “rage bait” has reportedly tripled over the past year, reflecting how digital content and social media algorithms are increasingly rewarding emotionally provocative material.The selection points to a larger cultural shift in 2025: from curiosity‑driven “clickbait” to emotion‑driven online behaviour — highlighting concerns about misinformation, digital wellbeing, and the ethics of engagement in the internet age.

 

2. RBI Approves Vikram Sahu as CEO of Bank of America India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Vikram Sahu as the new CEO of Bank of America NA (BoFA) in India.Sahu will take on this role in addition to his current position as India Country Executive.Sahu replaced Kaku Nakhate, who served as the bank CEO for about 15 years.The appointment was confirmed through an internal memo circulated by the US-headquartered bank to its employees.

 

3. China’s Trade Surplus Crosses $1 Trillion for the First Time: China recorded a historic trade surplus of more than $1 trillion by the end of November, driven by strong demand from non-US markets despite continued weakness in shipments to the United States. The latest export surge reversed the previous month’s decline and exceeded market forecasts, marking a significant moment in global trade dynamics.Official data showed that China’s cumulative surplus for the year reached $1.08 trillion, already surpassing the full-year figure of the previous year. The surge followed a temporary pause in the trade dispute between China and the United States after a late-October meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. The truce halted successive tariff escalations, creating short-term stability for exporters.Despite easing tensions, exports to the United States continued to drop sharply. November shipments fell 28.6 per cent to $33.8 billion. However, exports to other regions expanded, pushing total exports up by 5.9 per cent year-on-year and surpassing Bloomberg’s projection. Analysts noted that rerouted trade and price competitiveness driven by domestic deflation helped support this resilience.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 125 Border Infrastructure Projects: Defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 125 new border infrastructure projects across multiple frontier states, marking a major push to boost strategic connectivity. The projects, built at a cost of ₹5,000 crore, aim to enhance troop mobility, support local development, and strengthen national security in remote and sensitive regions.The minister inaugurated the projects virtually from the site of the 920-metre Shyok tunnel in Ladakh. The package includes 28 roads, 93 bridges and four additional structures spread across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram. These projects improve access to remote villages and forward military locations, ensuring reliable movement even in landslide and avalanche-prone areas.Rajnath Singh said the new connectivity network acts as a backbone for national security. Faster deployment of troops, weapons and essential logistics will reduce operational vulnerabilities. The minister noted that the government, armed forces and the Border Roads Organisation are working in alignment to strengthen infrastructure and integrate border populations with the national mainstream.

 

SPORTS

 

1. PNB Appoints Harmanpreet Kaur as Its First Female Brand Ambassador :Punjab National Bank (PNB) has appointed Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, as its first-ever female brand ambassador.The partnership highlights PNB’s commitment to promoting women empowerment, leadership, and excellence in sports.As brand ambassador, Harmanpreet Kaur will feature in the bank’s marketing and customer outreach campaigns to strengthen its brand visibility and youth connect.

 

2. Praggnanandhaa Becomes First Indian to Qualify for Candidates 2026: Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has secured a landmark achievement by qualifying for the Candidates 2026 after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. His breakthrough cements his position as India’s sole male representative at the world championship qualification stage, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.Praggnanandhaa’s dominant year on the international circuit proved decisive. He clinched titles at the Wijk Aan Zee Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and the London Chess Classic Open. Consistent form across major events helped him gather the highest circuit points, ensuring direct qualification.Apart from his title victories, he secured runner-up at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and finished 12th at the Sinquefield Cup, competing against elite opposition. His run to the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup added further weight to his impressive season. These performances underline his growth as a world-class contender.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Government to Set Up 50,000 New Atal Tinkering Labs Across Schools to Boost Innovation: The Government plans to establish 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools across India, aiming to foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.Over 10,000 ATLs have already been set up under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote research and innovation at the school level.The initiative was highlighted in the Union Budget 2025-26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizing the government’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, scientific temper, and innovative thinking among young students over the next five years.

 

2. Japan Issues Tsunami Warning After 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake: A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Misawa in Japan, prompting authorities to issue an immediate tsunami warning. The event highlights Japan’s continued vulnerability to major seismic disturbances due to its tectonic setting. The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake’s magnitude and depth, while national agencies moved swiftly to alert coastal communities.The earthquake occurred around 73 kilometres east-northeast of Misawa at 7:45 pm local time. It originated at a depth of just over 53 kilometres, placing it in the shallow category, which typically results in stronger ground shaking. Emergency systems were activated to monitor aftershocks and assess structural impacts.Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned that the first tsunami waves, potentially reaching three metres, could strike coastal areas between Aomori and Iwate. Port towns were instructed to evacuate to higher ground. Public broadcaster updates urged residents to remain alert and avoid low-lying zones.

 

3. India’s BharatGen AI System Initiative: India has begun a major push to build its own sovereign artificial intelligence ecosystem with the launch of BharatGen Technology Foundation at IIT Bombay. The initiative aims to develop a Large Language Model tailored to India’s multilingual and multicultural environment, reflecting regional accents, scripts, and communication patterns.The foundation was registered at the Powai campus on 7 November 2025. It marks a significant expansion of IIT Bombay’s role beyond academics into national-scale AI development. The goal is to produce an indigenous model capable of understanding and generating content across more than 22 Indian languages in text and speech.The project has received substantial central support. The Department of Science and Technology has provided Rs 235 crore, while the Ministry of Electronics and IT has allocated Rs 1,058 crore under the IndiaAI Mission. This backing is intended to accelerate the transition from research prototypes to deployable AI systems.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CRISIL raises India’s GDP growth forecast to 7% for FY25 after stronger-than-expected first-half performance: CRISIL revised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7% for the current financial year, citing stronger-than-expected 8% growth in the first half, driven mainly by robust private consumption, manufacturing, and services.Despite real GDP growth of 8.2% in Q2, nominal GDP growth remained moderate at 8.7% due to easing inflation; growth is expected to slow to 6.1% in the second half due to factors like higher U.S. tariffs.

 

2. GST collection moderates after rate cuts to ₹1.7 lakh crore in November: The first full month after the GST rate cut showed a moderate 0.7% rise in total GST collections, reaching ₹1.7 lakh crore in November, though officials stated that overall consumption momentum remains positive.Domestic GST revenues fell by 2.3% to ₹1.24 lakh crore, while GST from imports grew over 10% to around ₹46,000 crore, reflecting differing trends in domestic and international demand.Tax experts noted that GST collections reflect consumption patterns, whereas GDP growth is influenced by broader factors like government spending and investment; the recent GST 2.0 rate reduction also contributed to the muted collection figures.

3. Retail Sale Price Now Mandatory on All Pan Masala Packs from February 2026: From 1st February 2026, all pan masala packages, including small packs of 10 grams or less, must display the Retail Sale Price (RSP) along with all declarations required under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.The earlier proviso under Rule 26(a), which allowed small packs to avoid certain declarations, has been withdrawn, ensuring full compliance for all pack sizes.The amendment ensures transparent pricing, prevents misleading or deceptive labeling on smaller packs, and enables consumers to make better informed purchasing decisions.By mandating RSP on all packs, the amendment supports effective implementation of RSP-based GST, allowing accurate tax assessment and revenue collection across all pack sizes.