Daily GK Update- 12th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ageas Federal Life Insurance Unveils New Brand Identity with “Har Wada Mumkin” Promise: Ageas Federal Life Insurance unveiled its refreshed brand identity with a new logo and the promise “Har Wada Mumkin – Promises Made Possible,” launched by MD & CEO Jude Gomes along with brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar in Mumbai.The new logo features two unifying arcs symbolising protection and guidance, with orange representing optimism and violet signifying trust, reflecting the company’s aim to simplify insurance and expand financial protection across India.The rebranding highlights the company’s strong performance—270% solvency ratio (4th among private life insurers), 13% YoY growth in Individual APE, 100% claim settlement ratio, and a growing presence with 19.71 lakh policies, ₹27,558 crore sum assured, and ₹18,956 crore AUM as of March 2025.

 

2. ADB Raises India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 7.2% on Strong Economic Momentum : ADB has raised India’s growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 7.2%, up from 6.5%, citing strong economic performance in the July–September quarter and improved prospects for the fiscal yearADB has kept its FY 2026-27 growth projection for India unchanged at 6.5%, indicating expectations of stable growth in the following year.For the Asia-Pacific region, ADB now projects 5.1% growth, higher than the 4.8% forecast in September, supported largely by stronger-than-expected growth in India.

 

3. Odisha to Get Seven Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals To Further Strengthen Its Logistics and Industrial Infrastructure: Odisha is set to further strengthen its logistics and industrial infrastructure with the development of seven new Gati Shakti Multi Modal Cargo Terminals. The move is part of a nationwide push to improve freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and enhance multimodal connectivity under the PM Gati Shakti framework. The announcement was made by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Rajya Sabha on December 12, 2025. He stated that seven additional Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals have been approved for Odisha, building on the success of ten such terminals already commissioned in the state. The expansion is expected to improve freight movement and support industrial growth across multiple districts. Officials said the new terminals will play a critical role in strengthening Odisha’s industrial supply chain by enabling faster and more cost-effective movement of goods. The existing terminals have already begun benefiting sectors such as cement, steel, mining and manufacturing. With the addition of seven more facilities, the state’s logistics ecosystem is expected to gain greater capacity and efficiency.

 

4. Chhattisgarh Gets Its First Ramsar Site with Kopra Reservoir Declaration: Chhattisgarh has marked a significant environmental milestone with the declaration of the Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur district as the state’s first Ramsar Site. The recognition places Kopra on the global list of wetlands of international importance, highlighting the state’s growing role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management. The Ramsar designation was officially announced on December 12, 2025, following coordinated efforts by the State Wetland Authority, forest officials, environmental experts, researchers and local communities. Officials described Kopra Reservoir as a unique wetland system shaped by both natural and man-made features. The reservoir is primarily rain-fed and supported by small seasonal streams, making it a critical freshwater source in the region. Kopra Reservoir plays a vital role in supporting nearby villages by supplying drinking water and sustaining irrigation across fertile agricultural tracts in its catchment area. Beyond its hydrological value, the wetland functions as a biodiversity hotspot. It supports diverse aquatic life including fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects and dense aquatic vegetation, underlining its ecological richness.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andrej Babis Returns to Power as Czech Republic’s New Prime Minister: Andrej Babis, a populist billionaire and former Prime Minister (2017–2021), was sworn in again as the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, after his party’s victory in the October parliamentary elections.His new coalition commands 108 out of 200 seats in the Lower House, pushing the four centre-right, pro-Western parties of former PM Petr Fiala to the Opposition.

 

2. 10 December – Human Rights Day: Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.Theme 2025 – Human Rights, Our Everyday EssentialsThe day highlights the universal rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of nationality, gender, race, religion, or status.It aims to spread awareness about protecting human dignity, ensuring equality, and promoting justice across the world.

 

3. India Advances Maritime Innovation with World’s First Autonomous Shipyard in Andhra Pradesh: India has taken a major step towards next-generation maritime technology with the allotment of land to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd for setting up the world’s first autonomous maritime shipyard and systems centre in Andhra Pradesh. The project is expected to significantly strengthen indigenous capabilities in defence and commercial maritime sectors while positioning India as a global leader in autonomous ocean technologies. The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has allotted 29.58 acres of land at the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Bogolu Mandal of SPSR Nellore district for the facility. The coastal location offers direct access to marine testing environments, making it suitable for the development and validation of autonomous surface and subsurface platforms. The decision reflects the state’s intent to attract high-technology defence manufacturing and advanced research investments.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy To Commission Indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A20: The Indian Navy will induct DSC A20, the first vessel of the indigenously designed Diving Support Craft series, at Kochi on 16 December 2025. The commissioning under Southern Naval Command marks a major boost to underwater operations and highlights growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. DSC A20 is the lead ship in a five-vessel series being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in Kolkata. The craft is purpose-designed for a wide range of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters. Its design meets Indian Naval Rules and Indian Register of Shipping standards, with extensive model testing conducted at NSTL Visakhapatnam. The vessel incorporates state-of-the-art diving systems to support inspection, salvage and underwater maintenance tasks. Built on a catamaran hull form, it offers enhanced stability, greater deck space and improved seakeeping. With a displacement of about 390 tons, it delivers reliable performance across varied operational conditions.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Venkatesh Prasad elected new KSCA president: Venkatesh Prasad was elected President of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), defeating K.N. Shanth Kumar with 749 votes to 558, marking a major leadership change within the Karnataka State Cricket Association.‘Team Game Changers’ dominates the elections, winning four of the five key office-bearer positions, including vice-president Sujith Somasundar, secretary Santosh Menon, and treasurer B.N. Madhukar.K. Ravi wins joint secretary post, becoming the only office-bearer from Shanth’s ‘Team Brijesh’ camp with 669-638 votes.

 

2. Raipur Set to Make History with National Transgender Sports Meet: Raipur is set to host a landmark national transgender sports meet later this month, marking a significant step towards inclusion and equality in Indian sports. After nearly a decade, transgender athletes will once again get a national platform to showcase their sporting talent, resilience and discipline through a dedicated multi-day sporting event. The National Transgender Sports Meet 2025, themed ‘Samta Ka Mahotsav’, will be held on December 19 and 20 in Raipur. Athletes from several states including Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha are expected to participate. The event is being organised by the Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, a community organisation working with transgender and LGBTQ groups, with support from the state department of social welfare. Organisers have emphasised that the meet is designed not only as a competition but as a platform of dignity, identity and self-expression. Through athletics and other sporting disciplines, transgender athletes will be able to demonstrate their physical ability, commitment and competitive spirit. The initiative aims to challenge stereotypes, increase visibility and build confidence within the community at a national level.

3. Chandigarh University Scripts History with Back-to-Back Khelo India University Games Titles: Chandigarh University has created sporting history by becoming the first university in India to win the Khelo India University Games title for two consecutive years. The university finished on top of the medal tally at the 5th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2025, held in Rajasthan, with a record-breaking performance that reaffirmed its position as a national powerhouse in university sports. At the 5th edition of KIUG, Chandigarh University secured an unprecedented haul of 67 medals, including 42 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze. This marked the highest number of gold medals ever won by a single university in the history of the Games. The achievement surpassed the university’s own performance at KIUG 2024, where it had won 71 medals with 32 golds, underlining consistent dominance across editions. KIUG 2025 was organised from 24 November to 5 December under the aegis of the Sports Authority of India in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities. The event witnessed participation from nearly 5,000 athletes representing 222 universities across the country. Competitions were held in 23 medal sports along with one demonstration sport, Kho-Kho, making the tournament one of the largest multi-sport university events in India.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. SBI, BoB get RBI nod to set up fraud detection platform: SBI and Bank of Baroda have received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish a new company called Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) aimed at enhancing fraud detection in digital transactions across public sector banks.The new entity will be set up as a Section 8 (non-profit) company under the Companies Act, 2013, and will focus on identifying and preventing fraudulent digital payments to strengthen the security framework of India’s banking system.The RBI’s approval is subject to an exemption by the Department of Financial Services (Ministry of Finance), allowing the banks to hold over 30% stake in the company—exceeding limits under Section 19(2) of the Banking Regulation Act—valid till October 16, 2026.

 

2. MahaCrimeOS AI Launched to Tackle Cybercrime: Maharashtra has taken a major leap in technology-driven governance with the launch of ‘MahaCrimeOS AI’, an artificial intelligence platform developed jointly by the state government and Microsoft. The initiative aims to strengthen cybercrime investigation, accelerate justice delivery and provide direct support to victims of online fraud across the state. The Maharashtra government partnered with Microsoft to build MahaCrimeOS AI as part of its push towards AI-enabled policing. The platform has been designed to assist law enforcement agencies in handling the rising volume and complexity of cybercrime cases. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the system as a transformative innovation that will revolutionise the fight against cybercrime in the state.

 

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI Launches PaRRVA to Verify Past Returns and Curb Misleading Financial Claims: SEBI launches PaRRVA (Past Risk and Return Verification Agency) to verify past performance claims of market intermediaries and curb misleading financial claims.Pilot launched by Care Ratings in collaboration with NSE, aiming to provide investors with independently validated past returns from SEBI-registered advisers, analysts, and algorithmic brokers.Two-tier verification structure: a SEBI-registered credit rating agency as PaRRVA and a recognised stock exchange as the PaRRVA Data Centre, both independently verifying returns using a transparent methodology.

Focus on transparency and investor protection, preventing selective disclosure of favourable returns and monitored by an oversight committee to ensure compliance.

 

2. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘Masterstroke’ Campaign Featuring Sachin Tendulkar to Promote Key Retail Banking Products: Bank of Baroda launched a new advertising campaign featuring Sachin Tendulkar as its global brand ambassador, promoting four key retail products—home loans, car loans, MSME loans via bob Digi Udyam, and the bob Masterstroke Lite Savings Account.The campaign continues the “Play The Masterstroke” theme and uses four short films to show how choosing the right financial partner helps customers achieve goals like buying homes, cars, or expanding businesses.According to Shailendra Singh (Chief General Manager, HRM & Marketing), the initiative positions Bank of Baroda as a trusted financial partner and supports its retailization strategy to boost customer acquisition and market reach.

 

3. Bank of Baroda Named ‘Best Bank in India’ at Bank of the Year Awards 2025 by The Banker Magazine: Bank of Baroda (BoB) has been awarded the title of ‘Best Bank in India’ at The Banker magazine’s “Bank of the Year Awards 2025 – Asia-Pacific,” a prestigious Financial Times publication.The recognition highlights BoB’s enhanced customer experience through the expansion of its phygital branches, which seamlessly integrate physical and digital banking services.According to The Banker, these phygital branches allow customers to quickly access key services such as obtaining statements, generating income tax payment certificates, and updating nominees for bank accounts.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Neal Mohan Named TIME’s 2025 CEO of the Year for Shaping Global Digital Culture: Neal Mohan, the Indian-American CEO of YouTube, has been named TIME’s 2025 CEO of the Year, with the magazine calling him a global culture shaper whose work influences the daily content diet of billions.TIME describes the “surprisingly mellow” Mohan as a “farmer” cultivating the cultural soil of the world, noting that what YouTube produces becomes what people consume worldwide.

 

2. Anant Ambani Becomes Youngest Asian to Win Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare: Anant Ambani received the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare, becoming the youngest and first Asian to win this prestigious global honour presented by the Global Humane Society.The award recognises his leadership in creating Vantara, a large-scale conservation initiative using modern veterinary science, species recovery programmes, and structured wildlife rehabilitation.

 

3. Raveena Tandon Honoured as PETA India’s 2025 Person of the Year for Wildlife and Animal Advocacy: Raveena Tandon was named PETA India’s 2025 Person of the Year for her commitment to a meat-free lifestyle, wildlife protection, and advocacy for community animals.Promoted empathy for all living beings, highlighting her compassionate efforts to protect animals and raise awareness about humane treatment.Collaborated with PETA India earlier this year to donate a life-sized mechanical elephant to Karnataka’s Thousand Pillars Jain Temple, supporting its decision not to use live elephants. Joins a prestigious list of past PETA India awardees, including Virat Kohli, Dia Mirza, Alia Bhatt, John Abraham, Anushka Sharma, and many other Bollywood stars and notable personalities.

 

Daily GK Update- 11th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Post Launches Kerala’s First Gen-Z Post Office at CMS College, Kottayam: India Post unveiled Kerala’s first Gen-Z Post Office extension counter at CMS College, Kottayam, introducing a youth-centric approach to postal services.The facility was inaugurated by N.R. Giri, Director Postal Services (Kerala Central Region), and is designed around the theme: “of the students, by the students, for the students.”The new centre was conceptualised and co-created by CMS College students in collaboration with India Post, resulting in a modern and vibrant postal space tailored to young users.

 

2. Nationwide ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ Campaign to Run from 19–25 December: Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore campaign will be conducted nationwide from 19 to 25 December, covering all districts, states, and Union Territories, with participation from over 700 District Collectors who will visit Tehsils and Panchayat Samiti Headquarters.The campaign aims to strengthen grassroots governance, improve administrative outreach, and ensure efficient delivery of government services in rural areas.On the final day, Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh will inaugurate a one-day workshop focusing on digital transformation innovations and digital empowerment of citizens, as informed by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

 

3. Madhya Pradesh Approves Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve as State’s Third Cheetah Habitat: The Mohan Yadav cabinet has approved the development of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Nauradehi) in Sagar district as Madhya Pradesh’s third cheetah habitat, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.Madhya Pradesh currently has 31 cheetahs, with 28 in Kuno and 3 in Gandhi Sagar, all originally translocated from Kuno; the third habitat is needed due to the upcoming translocation of 8 cheetahs from Botswana by January 2026.The 8 Botswana cheetahs have already been identified and are kept in quarantine enclosures in a reserve forest in Botswana, awaiting their transfer to India.The cabinet also approved several infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited Bhopal Metro, which is expected to be inaugurated on December 21, despite some stations still nearing completio

 

4. Rajasthan Becomes First State in India to Achieve 100% Digitisation of Electoral Roll under Special Intensive Revision: Rajasthan has become the first state in India to achieve 100% digitisation of its electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), thanks to coordinated efforts by BLOs, supervisors, district election officers, and other staff.The state now leads the country in voter mapping, with over 97% of mapping completed, meaning only 3% of voters will need to submit documents during the claims-objections phase, averaging about 30 voters per booth.High-quality voter mapping has made the SIR process simpler, more transparent, and greatly reduced repeated verification, highlighting the dedication of field staff, especially BLOs and panchayat-level employees.The draft electoral roll will be published on 16 December 2025, with claims and objections from 16 December to 15 January 2026, hearings and verification until 7 February 2026, and the final roll on 14 February 2026.

5. Maharashtra Launches Mahadeva Football Initiative to Train 60 Rural U-13 Players with World-Class Facilities: The Maharashtra Government launched the Mahadeva Football Initiative (Project Mahadeva) to provide world-class training facilities for 60 young football players from rural and remote areas.The programme specifically targets Under-13 (U-13) boys and girls, aiming to create a long-term pathway for football development in the state.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the School Education, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, MITRA, WIFA, and VSTF, with support from CM Devendra Fadnavis and announced by Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate.

 

6. Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 Celebrates India’s Linguistic Diversity: The Ministry of Education marked the birth anniversary of Mahakavi Subramania Bharati by hosting Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 in New Delhi under the theme “Many Languages, One Emotion.” The event showcased the richness of India’s multilingual heritage, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs playing a prominent role in highlighting tribal languages and cultural traditions. An exclusive exhibition stall by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs featured publications from Tribal Research Institutes of Jharkhand, Odisha and Gujarat. The display included dictionaries, primers, storybooks and research works that reflected the linguistic diversity and oral traditions of tribal communities. The curated collection emphasised the role of documentation in preserving endangered languages. A key attraction was the live demonstration of Adi Vaani, the country’s first AI-driven tribal language translator developed in collaboration with IIT Delhi. The tool enables real-time text and speech translation between major Indian and tribal languages and supports interactive learning features. Its initial rollout covers Santali, Kui, Bhili, Mundari, Gondi and Garo, with scope for future expansion based on community needs.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s Kirti Vardhan Singh to Represent Nation at UNEA-7 in Nairobi: Union MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India at the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters.Theme: Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planetHe highlighted that UNEA includes all 193 UN member countries, which meet every two years to deliberate on major global environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.Singh emphasized global cooperation and India’s leadership through initiatives like Mission LiFE, Ganga Rejuvenation, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Swachh Bharat Mission, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainability.UNEA-7, held from December 8 to 12 at the UNEP headquarters, sets the global environmental agenda, provides policy direction, reviews emerging challenges, and promotes partnerships for environmental goals.

 

2. Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo Re-elected Unopposed as NRAI President: Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected unopposed as President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), beginning his first full four-year term, while Pawan Singh became the new Secretary General during the elections conducted by Justice (Retd.) Nirmaljit Kaur.The elections formed a new executive committee and governing body, including senior vice president Amit Sanghi, vice presidents Kanwar Sultan Singh and Sushma Singh, and four sportsperson members such as Gagan Narang and Elavenil Valarivan.

 

3. 9 December – International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD): International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is observed every year on 9 December to raise global awareness about the harmful effects of corruption and promote efforts to combat it.Theme 2025– Uniting with Youth Against CorruptionThe day marks the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003, the world’s first legally binding anti-corruption treaty.It highlights the role of governments, civil society, private sector, and citizens in promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and good governance.

 

4. 9 December – International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide: The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide is observed every year on 9 December, as designated by the United Nations.The day aims to honour and remember the victims of all genocides worldwide, acknowledging their suffering and preserving their dignity.It also serves to promote awareness about the Genocide Convention of 1948, which defines and criminalises genocide under international law.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Navy To Commission Indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A20: The Indian Navy will induct DSC A20, the first vessel of the indigenously designed Diving Support Craft series, at Kochi on 16 December 2025. The commissioning under Southern Naval Command marks a major boost to underwater operations and highlights growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. DSC A20 is the lead ship in a five-vessel series being built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited in Kolkata. The craft is purpose-designed for a wide range of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters. Its design meets Indian Naval Rules and Indian Register of Shipping standards, with extensive model testing conducted at NSTL Visakhapatnam. The vessel incorporates state-of-the-art diving systems to support inspection, salvage and underwater maintenance tasks. Built on a catamaran hull form, it offers enhanced stability, greater deck space and improved seakeeping. With a displacement of about 390 tons, it delivers reliable performance across varied operational conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Fifth Khelo India University Games Conclude in Jaipur; Chandigarh University Emerges Overall Champion: The fifth edition of the Khelo India University Games concluded with a grand ceremony held in Jaipur. Chandigarh University from Punjab topped the medal tally.Lovely Professional University, also from Punjab, secured second place, while Guru Nanak Dev University stood third. During the closing ceremony, the champion university, along with the first and second runner-up universities, were felicitated with trophies.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Gujarat Launches ‘Operation Mule Hunt’ to Dismantle Cyber Fraud Networks Using Advanced Tech and Statewide Coordination: Gujarat Police’s Cyber Centre of Excellence has launched ‘Operation Mule Hunt’, a coordinated statewide crackdown targeting mule bank accounts used by cybercriminals, with Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi directing police units to intensify verification and trace networks up to the masterminds.The state is strengthening its cybercrime response through advanced data analytics, AI-based monitoring, digital forensics labs, dedicated cyber police stations, and enhanced inter-department coordination to accelerate both prevention and detection of cyber fraud.Gujarat is also boosting public awareness through statewide cyber safety campaigns, workshops in schools and colleges, and promoting the national 1930 cyber-fraud helpline, while improving interstate coordination via integration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

 

2. Chandrayaan-3 Reveals Energetic Plasma Environment Near Lunar South Pole: India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has uncovered surprising details about the electrically active region just above the Moon’s south-polar surface. Direct measurements from the Vikram lander show that the near-surface plasma is far denser and more energetic than earlier remote estimates, offering new insights into the lunar ionosphere. The Moon’s plasma environment arises from solar wind particles, photoelectric charging caused by sunlight and occasional entry into Earth’s magnetotail. These processes create a thin but dynamic ionised layer above the surface. Although electrically neutral overall, plasma responds strongly to electromagnetic forces, making it distinct from ordinary gases. Chandrayaan-3’s Langmuir Probe at Shiv Shakti Point recorded electron densities ranging between 380 and 600 particles per cubic centimetre—significantly higher than values inferred from radio-occultation studies. The electrons also exhibited kinetic temperatures of roughly 3,000 to 8,000 Kelvin, indicating an unexpectedly energised plasma layer in the Moon’s southern high latitudes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Deloitte Launches AI-Powered Tax Platform ‘Tax Pragya’ to Revolutionize Tax Research and Insights: Deloitte launches ‘Tax Pragya’, an AI-powered tax research and insights platform, leveraging data from over one million court cases and Deloitte’s internal knowledge papers to accelerate tax analysis.The platform reduces research time from hours to minutes, providing solutions from Deloitte’s privately curated database rather than open-source data.Tax Pragya is a B2B subscription-based tool that supports, but does not replace, tax consultants; future upgrades aim to enable legal/tax opinion drafting and predictive analysis of tax notices.The rollout is phased: first to 500 clients on December 9, then 5,000 clients in January, and by June next year, it will expand pan-India to MSMEs and SMEs.

 

2. India’s UPI Becomes World’s Largest Real-Time Payment System, Handling 49% of Global Transactions: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been recognised by the IMF as the largest real-time payment system globally, accounting for 49% of total global real-time retail payment volumes with 129.3 billion transactions.India’s rapid digital payment adoption is supported by government initiatives, RBI, and NPCI, including the ₹ incentive scheme for low-value BHIM-UPI transactions and the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF).Widespread merchant integration and QR code deployment—56.86 crore QR codes across ~6.5 crore merchants—have strengthened UPI’s reach in urban and rural sectors, including transport, e-commerce, and public services.Global comparisons show Brazil (14%), Thailand (8%), China (6%), and South Korea (3%) lagging behind India, highlighting the success of coordinated digital payment initiatives and broad merchant adoption in driving UPI’s dominance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. CRPF Officer Dinesh Khatak Awarded Union Home Minister’s Medal: Dinesh Khatak, a senior Central Reserve Police Force officer from Jind district in Haryana, has been honoured with the Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal for exemplary service. The recognition highlights his strong leadership record, operational achievements, and long-standing contribution to national security across challenging regions. Khatak joined the CRPF as a Gazetted Officer in 2005 after clearing the UPSC examination. Educated in Jind, he built a reputation for academic discipline and focus. His rise through the force reflects consistent professional growth rooted in training, field-hardening, and instructional excellence. He served multiple tenures in Jammu and Kashmir, notably from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2017 to 2021. His responsibilities included maintaining security during the Amarnath Yatra, handling law-and-order situations, and contributing to operations around significant phases such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the COVID-19 period. His performance during these demanding assignments earned commendation from seniors and colleagues.

 

Daily GK Update- 10th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NMDC Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur to Boost Cyber Security and Digital Technology Integration: State-owned miner National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur to enhance cyber security and advance digital technologies like AI and ML across its operations, strengthening industry–academia collaboration.The partnership includes work on cyber security risk assessment, policy and compliance support, AI/ML integration, security operations, incident response, capacity building, and joint research and innovation.The collaboration will also involve training programmes, pilot projects, research activities, and co-development of solutions, helping NMDC build a secure and future-ready digital foundation.

 

2. 6 December – National Microwave Oven Day: National Microwave Oven Day is observed annually on 6 December to celebrate the invention and impact of the microwave oven on modern cooking and kitchen convenience.The day highlights the microwave oven’s role in saving time, energy, and effort by enabling quick and efficient cooking, reheating, and defrosting of food.It encourages awareness of innovative cooking technologies and inspires people to explore creative ways to use microwave ovens in daily meal preparation.

 

3. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Accelerates Nationwide Redevelopment: The Ministry of Railways is pursuing large-scale modernisation through the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a long-term initiative aimed at improving passenger experience and transforming stations into integrated urban centres. The scheme adopts phased master planning to ensure structured, sustainable development. Master plans include improved access roads, circulating areas and integration with both sides of cities. Upgrades cover waiting halls, toilets, platform surfaces, foot overbridges or air concourses and amenities such as lifts, escalators and ramps. Provision for kiosks under ‘One Station One Product’, enhanced parking, multimodal integration and facilities for Divyangjans form key components. A total of 1,337 stations have been selected so far, with redevelopment works completed at 155 locations. Funding is routed through Plan Head-53 ‘Customer Amenities’, with ₹12,118 crore allocated for 2025-26 and ₹7,253 crore spent up to October 2025. While works are primarily budget-supported, 15 stations are being explored for development under the PPP model.

 

4. India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Introduced: India has achieved a major milestone in green mobility with the introduction of its first hydrogen-powered train, marking a significant advancement in sustainable rail technology. Developed entirely within the country, the train showcases Indian Railways’ growing capability in next-generation clean energy transport. The train has been designed and manufactured in India following specifications issued by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation. It represents Indian Railways’ first full-scale attempt at hydrogen traction technology, integrating prototype manufacturing and system engineering from the ground up. With a ten-coach layout, it is the world’s longest hydrogen-powered train operating on a Broad Gauge platform. The train delivers a combined power output of 2,400 kW through two Driving Power Cars, each rated at 1,200 kW, making it one of the most powerful hydrogen trainsets globally.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Netflix Set to Acquire Warner Bros. in $82.7 Billion Mega Deal Post Discovery Global Separation: Netflix has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO, following the separation of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global.The acquisition is valued at $27.75 per WBD share, with a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion (equity value of $72.0 billion), making it one of the largest media deals in recent history.The deal combines Netflix’s global streaming reach and innovation with Warner Bros.’ century-long legacy of storytelling, creating a powerhouse in the entertainment and streaming industry, expected to close after Discovery Global’s spin-off in Q3 2026.

 

2. 7 December – International Civil Aviation Day: International Civil Aviation Day is observed annually on 7 December to recognise the importance of international civil aviation and its role in social and economic development.Theme 2025 – Safe Skies & Sustainable Future for AllThe day highlights the contributions of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in ensuring safe, secure, and sustainable air transport worldwide.It promotes awareness about the benefits of civil aviation, including connecting people, fostering trade, tourism, and cultural exchange globally.

 

3. 9 December – International Anti-Corruption Day: International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on 9 December to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption and promote measures to combat it globally.Theme 2025 – Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s IntegrityThe day was established by the United Nations in 2003 under the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to encourage governments, organizations, and individuals to take action against corruption.

 

4. Andrej Babis Returns as Czech Prime Minister After Election Victory: Andrej Babis, the populist billionaire and leader of the ANO movement, has been sworn in as the Czech Republic’s new Prime Minister following his party’s strong performance in the October parliamentary elections. His return marks a major shift in national politics with a new coalition poised to alter the country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities. President Petr Pavel formally appointed Mr Babis after ANO secured a majority coalition with two smaller parties—the Freedom and Direct Democracy party and the Motorists for Themselves group. Together, the bloc commands 108 seats in the 200-seat Lower House. The coalition has agreed to a 16-member Cabinet, with ANO holding eight portfolios alongside the Prime Minister’s office. Mr Babis continues to face fraud charges related to EU subsidies. The new Parliament will need to lift his immunity for the case to proceed. To address conflict-of-interest concerns, he has agreed to place his extensive Agrofert business empire under an independent trust. He also owns several medical enterprises, and a close ally from ANO is a contender for the Health Ministry.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Achieves Historic First Ascent of Mount Kangto, Arunachal Pradesh’s Highest Peak: Indian Army’s Eastern Command mountaineering team achieved a historic milestone by successfully summiting Mount Kangto (7,042 m), the highest and previously unconquered peak of Arunachal Pradesh, marking its first-ever recorded ascent.The 18-member team, flagged off on November 3, braved extreme weather, rarefied air, icy ridgelines, deep crevasses, and near-vertical ice walls, showcasing exceptional courage, discipline, teamwork, and resilience.The expedition was formally ‘Flagged In’ by Lt Gen RC Tiwari, who praised the mountaineers for their professionalism and perseverance, calling the feat a tribute to the Eastern Himalayas and the Indian Army’s spirit of endurance and excellence.

 

2. TASL and Lockheed Martin to Build Advanced C-130J MRO Facility for Indian Air Force: Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) and Lockheed Martin announced a new Defence Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru to support the Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet, enhancing in-country sustainment capabilities and regional/global support.Construction is expected to complete by the end of 2026, with the first aircraft entering MRO operations in early 2027. The state-of-the-art facility will provide depot-level maintenance, component repair, structural restoration, avionics upgrades, and training programs for Indian engineers and technicians.The project strengthens India’s aerospace ecosystem, reflects growing defence manufacturing confidence, and expands the long-standing industrial partnership between TASL and Lockheed Martin, supporting global C-130 operators and boosting India’s operational readiness.

 

3. 7 December – Armed Forces Flag Day: Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on 7 December to honour the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and their families for their dedication, courage, and sacrifices.The day raises funds through voluntary donations from the public, which are used to provide welfare measures and support for serving personnel, ex-servicemen, and their dependents.Various activities, including flag distribution, parades, and awareness campaigns, are conducted across the country to recognize and promote the contributions of the armed forces.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Rohit Sharma Becomes Fourth Indian to Cross 20,000 International Runs Across Formats: Rohit Sharma became the fourth Indian cricketer to score 20,000 international runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, achieving the milestone during India’s 3rd ODI against South Africa in Vishakhapatnam.Earlier in the series, Rohit also broke Shahid Afridi’s record for the most sixes in ODI cricket, highlighting his continued dominance in international cricket even after years of playing at the highest level.With this achievement, Rohit joins an elite group of Indian cricket legends—Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs), Virat Kohli (27,808 runs), and Rahul Dravid (24,064 runs)—solidifying his status as one of the modern greats of the game.

 

2. Lando Norris Clinches Maiden Formula One World Championship, Ending Verstappen’s Reign: Lando Norris won his maiden Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in Abu Dhabi, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year dominance and claiming the title by just two points.Norris becomes Britain’s first F1 world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 and secures McLaren’s 13th drivers’ crown, marking a historic achievement for the team over half a century after Emerson Fittipaldi’s first title in 1974.

 

3. Three-Year-Old Indian Prodigy Sarwagya Becomes Youngest Ever to Earn Official FIDE Chess Rating: 3-year-old Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha becomes the youngest ever chess player to earn an official FIDE rating, achieving the milestone at just three years, seven months, and 20 days.Sarwagya, from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, debuted with a rating of 1,572, surpassing the FIDE minimum threshold of 1,400 and defeating older, higher-rated opponents in recognised tournaments.He broke the previous record held by Anish Sarkar (3 years, 8 months, 19 days), marking a historic achievement for Indian chess prodigies on the global stage.

 

4. India to host Squash World Cup for third consecutive time in Chennai: India will host the Squash World Cup for the third consecutive time at SDAT Stadium in Chennai, with the tournament running from 9 December to 14th December.Twelve nations will compete, including defending champions Egypt, 2023 runners-up Malaysia, and hosts India, with teams consisting of two men and two women following a seven-point format with sudden-death tiebreaks.India’s squad combines experience and young talent, featuring top players like Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthilkumar, Joshna Chinappa, and debutant Anahat Singh, aiming to improve on their best-ever third-place finish in 2023.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indian Scientists Discover Ancient Milky Way-Like Galaxy ‘Alaknanda’ With Fully Formed Spiral Arms: Indian scientists have discovered an ancient Milky Way–like galaxy named Alaknanda, notable for having clear and well-defined spiral arms despite forming when the universe was only 1.5 billion years old, compared to today’s 13.8 billion years.Professor Yogesh Wadadekar of NCRA–TIFR announced that the galaxy appears as a regular, well-structured system, unlike most early-universe galaxies which were typically small, unstable, and lacking any clear shape.The discovery challenges current scientific understanding because stable spiral arms normally take around 3 billion years to develop, yet Alaknanda shows a fully formed grand-design spiral much earlier than expected.Researchers named the galaxy Alaknanda because, just like the Alaknanda river is a sister to the Mandakini river, Mandakini is also the Hindi name for our Milky Way, making the name symbolically connected and culturally meaningful.

 

2. India Hosts 3rd IALA Council Session, Launches Digital Lighthouse Tourism Portal: India inaugurated the 3rd Session of the Council of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s expanding role in global maritime governance. The virtual inauguration was led by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The event brings together representatives from more than 30 countries, including 42 IALA Council members and multiple observers. Hosting the council reflects India’s rising influence in shaping international navigation standards and its commitment to improving maritime safety, efficiency and sustainability. A dedicated digital ticketing portal for lighthouse tourism was unveiled, offering streamlined access to 75 lighthouse destinations. The initiative supports transparent, user-friendly services and reinforces India’s push toward digital transformation. All lighthouses in the country are now solar powered, contributing to sustainable tourism growth.

 

3. AvironiX Unveils AviSpray-10c, India’s Compact Next-Gen Agricultural Drone: AvironiX Drones, a Chennai-based deep-tech firm specialising in precision agriculture and defence technologies, has launched the AviSpray-10c, a backpack-sized spraying drone built to transform the economics and practicality of drone-based crop spraying in India. The launch took place in Chennai in the presence of industry leaders, farmers, drone pilots and technology partners. Unlike many platforms tested primarily in controlled labs, the AviSpray-10c is the outcome of over 6,000 acres of real-world spraying across Indian farms. Engineers followed the Japanese ‘Genchi Genbutsu’ philosophy to design for on-ground challenges encountered in crops such as sugarcane and paddy. Every subsystem reflects direct field feedback and iterative refinement.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Launches Two-Month Drive to Resolve All Pending Customer Complaints: RBI urges banks and other regulated entities to improve customer service and reduce grievances, emphasizing customer-centric policies and operations.A special two-month campaign will be held from 1st January next year to resolve all complaints pending for more than a month with the RBI Ombudsman.RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted previous initiatives such as Re-KYC, financial inclusion measures, and the “Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar” campaign to enhance customer experience.The RBI has also implemented transparency measures, including online applications for services, reviewing the Citizens’ Charter, and publishing monthly summaries of application disposal and pending cases.Despite disposing of more than 99.8% of applications within stipulated timelines, a recent surge in grievances has increased pendency, prompting the upcoming focused resolution drive.

 

2. PNB Launches Premium ‘Luxura’ RuPay Metal Card: Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched a new premium RuPay metal credit card ‘Luxura’, in New Delhi, targeting high-end customers.The bank also appointed Indian women’s cricket captain Harmanpreet Kaur as its first female brand ambassador during the launch event.The Luxura card offers reward points, milestone benefits, and hotel/dining privileges, helping PNB strengthen its presence in the high-value credit card market.