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.

 

 

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.