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.

 

 

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.