NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. IIT Bombay Unveils India’s First Incubator-Linked Deep
Tech VC Fund and Releases Strategy Plan 2026–2030: IIT Bombay’s
SINE launched India’s first incubator-linked deep tech VC fund, the
₹250-crore Y-Point Venture Fund, aimed at supporting early-stage deep tech
startups and helping them transition from lab research to market-ready
innovations.The institute also unveiled its Strategy Plan 2026–2030, approved
by the Board of Governors chaired by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, focusing on
innovation-led growth and strengthening India’s deep tech ecosystem.The fund
will primarily invest in AI, advanced computing, advanced manufacturing,
materials, nuclear tech, space & defence, climate & cleantech, life
sciences, and healthcare, while the strategy plan promotes learning-centric,
experiential, and globally connected education pathways.
2. India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel-Cell
Passenger Vessel in Varanasi: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India’s first
indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel in Varanasi, marking a
major step toward clean and sustainable inland water transport.Launched at Namo
Ghat, the hydrogen-powered vessel showcases India’s advancing technological
capabilities and places the country among global leaders like China, Norway,
the Netherlands, and Japan operating hydrogen-driven vessels.The initiative
aligns with the government’s broader push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
modernise inland waterways, promote green energy, and enhance eco-friendly
connectivity and public convenience.
3. Raipur
Set to Make History with National Transgender Sports Meet: Raipur is set to host 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.
4. Siliserh
Lake Declared India’s 96th Ramsar Wetland: Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan’s Alwar district has been designated as a Ramsar site, becoming India’s
96th wetland of international importance. The recognition, announced by the
Convention on Wetlands, underscores the growing emphasis on conserving
ecologically significant water bodies across the country. Along with Siliserh,
the Kopra reservoir in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district has also been added to the global list. The Ramsar
designation highlights Siliserh Lake’s ecological value in terms of biodiversity conservation, water security, and climate resilience. Officials
noted that the status will strengthen protection measures while encouraging
sustainable use of wetland resources. Ramsar recognition also aligns India’s
conservation efforts with global commitments under international environmental
agreements. Constructed in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh, Siliserh Lake was
originally built to supply drinking water to Alwar city. Remnants of historic
aqueducts around the lake continue to reflect its engineering and heritage
value. Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav described the Ramsar
recognition as a shared achievement of local communities, stating that it would
boost conservation initiatives, promote eco-tourism, and improve water-resource management in the region.
5. Worsening
Air Quality Forces Delhi-NCR to Escalate Curbs Twice in One Day: Delhi-NCR witnessed a rapid escalation in
pollution control measures as authorities tightened restrictions twice within a
single day. With air quality deteriorating sharply on Saturday, the Commission for
Air Quality Management (CAQM)
first imposed GRAP Stage 3 measures and, within hours, escalated them to the
strictest Stage 4. The move followed a steep rise in the Air Quality Index,
raising public health concerns across the region. The decision was driven by a
sudden spike in pollution levels. The AQI crossed 400 by afternoon, entering
the ‘Severe’ category, prompting the implementation of GRAP-3. By evening,
readings climbed further from 431 at 4 pm to 441 at 6 pm, approaching the
‘Severe Plus’ threshold. Observing the upward trend, the CAQM invoked all
actions under GRAP-4 with immediate effect across the entire National Capital
Region. Authorities attributed the sharp decline in air quality primarily to
unfavourable weather conditions rather than a sudden rise in local emissions. A
weak Western Disturbance over north-west India led to low wind speeds, frequent
calm conditions, and a shift in wind direction. Increased moisture in the lower
atmosphere further contributed to smog and fog formation, trapping pollutants
close to the ground and severely reducing dispersion.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Deepavali Secures UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Status, Marking a Historic Milestone for India: Deepavali has
been officially added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
List, marking a historic moment for India during the 20th ICH Committee
Session held at the Red Fort, New Delhi.Leaders, including the PM, Vice President,
Union Ministers, and UNESCO, highlighted Deepavali’s universal message of light
over darkness, unity, cultural diversity, and community-driven traditions,
supported by artisans, farmers, diaspora, and various social groups.
The recognition strengthens India’s global cultural
presence, bringing the nation’s total entries to 16, and places responsibility
on India to preserve, promote, and safeguard the festival’s rich traditions for
future generations.
2. Pakistan
Faces Growing International Pressure Over Imran Khan’s Alleged Prolonged
Solitary Confinement: Pakistan is facing mounting international pressure over allegations that
former prime minister Imran Khan is being held in prolonged solitary
confinement in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Human rights groups, opposition
leaders, and international bodies have raised concerns that the detention
conditions violate international law and may amount to psychological torture.
Imran Khan has reportedly been confined for up to 23 hours a day since his
transfer to Adiala Jail in September 2023. According to claims placed before international
watchdogs, he has limited access to legal counsel and family members,
restricted outdoor activity, and no interaction with other detainees. Requests
by political associates to meet him have allegedly been denied repeatedly,
citing security and intelligence concerns. These restrictions
have intensified domestic criticism over transparency and due process. The
issue escalated after the United Nations Special
Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, formally flagged Khan’s detention
conditions. She stated that prolonged or indefinite solitary confinement is
prohibited under international human rights law. The rapporteur warned that
isolation exceeding 15 days constitutes psychological torture and urged
Pakistani authorities to take immediate corrective action. The UN intervention
has significantly raised Pakistan’s diplomatic exposure at
multilateral forums.
3. India
Steps Up Humanitarian and Infrastructure Aid to Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah: India has stepped up its
humanitarian and infrastructure assistance to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Under
Operation Sagar Bandhu, New Delhi has deployed engineering and medical teams to
restore damaged connectivity and support affected communities, reinforcing its
Neighbourhood First policy and long-standing bilateral ties. The Indian Army
has deployed an Engineer Task Force to Sri Lanka to assist in rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the
cyclone. Working alongside the Sri Lankan Army and the Road Development
Authority, Indian engineers have begun preparations at key sites, including
Chilaw and Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka. Damaged bridges have been
de-launched, and Bailey bridges are being installed to quickly restore road
connectivity in affected regions. A 48-member Engineer Task Force was airlifted
to Sri Lanka on a war footing. The team comprises specialised bridging experts,
surveyors, and watermanship specialists, supported by personnel trained to
operate heavy earth-moving machinery, drones, and unmanned systems. The
contingent has brought four sets of Bailey bridges, pneumatic boats, outboard
motors, HESCO bags, and heavy-payload drones, enabling operations in
challenging terrain and weather conditions.
4. Chile
Elects José Antonio Kast as President in Sharp Rightward Shift Since Return to
Democracy: Chile has
elected Jose Antonio Kast as its new president, marking the most right-wing
leadership shift since the country’s return to democracy. The runoff election
concluded after a polarising campaign focused on crime, migration, and economic
stagnation. Kast defeated leftist rival Jeannette Jara in a contest shaped by
public frustration with insecurity and slow growth. Kast, leader of the
Republican Party, secured victory in the second-round vote, consolidating
support from conservative and centrist voters. Although Jara led the first
round, right-wing candidates together commanded a strong majority, signalling a
broader shift in voter sentiment. Compulsory voting, reinstated for the first
time in over a decade, boosted turnout and amplified the result. Since
2010, Chile has alternated between left and
right governments, and the latest election followed this established pattern. Public
concern over crime dominated the campaign. Polls consistently showed security
as the top national issue, far outweighing healthcare, education, or economic
reform. Kast’s promises included tougher policing, expanded border controls,
and mass deportations of undocumented migrants. His rhetoric resonated with
voters alarmed by rising violent crime linked to organised gangs from across
the region, even as official data showed fear increasing faster than crime
itself.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India
to Recreate Ancient Sea Route as INSV Kaundinya Prepares for Historic Muscat
Voyage: India is set
to retrace its ancient maritime heritage as INSV Kaundinya, a hand-stitched replica of a 5th-century merchant ship, prepares for a
historic voyage to Muscat later this month. The wooden vessel has sailed from
the naval base at Karwar and is currently on an eight-day journey to
Porbandar, Gujarat, from where it will embark on its
international expedition across the Arabian Sea. INSV Kaundinya has been built using traditional
shipbuilding techniques once prevalent along India’s western coast. Constructed
on Divar Island in Goa, the 20-metre-long vessel has been
stitched and lashed with coconut husk rope, sealed using fish oil and natural
tree sap known as kundroos. No modern structural modifications have been
introduced, ensuring authenticity in design and sailing capability, closely
mirroring ancient Indian merchant ships depicted in historical records. The
voyage from Porbandar to Muscat will follow ancient maritime trade routes that
once connected India with West Asia, transporting spices, ivory, textiles, and
other goods. The expedition will be undertaken by a 16-member crew trained
extensively by the Indian Navy. Training included post-monsoon sea trials,
rigging exercises, and carpentry sessions conducted by traditional artisans,
ensuring the crew is equipped to manage the vessel under open-sea conditions.
SPORTS
1. India Shines with Six Medals at ISSF World Cup Final
2025 in Doha: India concluded the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in
Doha with six medals (2 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze), all coming
from rifle and pistol events as the country drew blank in shotgun.Simranpreet
Kaur and Suruchi Singh clinched gold with junior world record–equalling and
record-breaking performances in the 25m pistol and 10m air pistol events,
respectively.India secured three silver medals through Sainyam (women’s 10m air
pistol), Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (men’s 50m rifle 3 positions), and Anish
Bhanwala (men’s 25m rapid fire pistol).Samrat Rana added a bronze in men’s 10m
air pistol, while shotgun shooter Zoravar Singh Sandhu reached the men’s trap
final but finished seventh.
2. 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.
3. India
Stuns Defending Champions Egypt 3–0 to Reach Squash World Cup Final: India scripted a historic
moment in squash by defeating defending champions Egypt 3-0 to secure a place in the
Squash World Cup final. Playing in front of a packed crowd in Chennai, the
hosts delivered a composed and resilient performance against a strong Egyptian
side, reinforcing India’s growing stature in the global squash arena. The
victory marks India’s maiden entry into the tournament’s summit clash. India
made a confident beginning through Velavan Senthilkumar, who dispatched Ibrahim
Elkabbani in straight games. Displaying sharp control and consistency, Velavan
sealed the contest 7-1, 7-3, 7-6 to give India an early advantage. His calm
approach under pressure ensured Egypt were
denied early momentum, allowing India to dictate the flow of the semifinal tie.
The highlight of the tie came in the women’s singles, where India’s top-ranked
player Anahat Singh faced a stern test from Nour Heikal. In a high-intensity
five-game battle, Anahat emerged victorious 3-2. After dropping her first game
of the tournament, the teenager responded with precision and attacking play.
Despite injuring her left hand in the deciding game, Anahat showed remarkable
mental strength to close out the match, drawing loud applause from the home
crowd.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. 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.
Founded in 2015 by Capt. Nikunj Parashar, Mridul Babbar and Lakshay Dang, Sagar
Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd specialises in unmanned and autonomous systems
across maritime, aerial and land domains. The company supports defence,
commercial and scientific sectors through solutions in surveillance, intelligence, reconnaissance and logistics. Its long-term vision
includes creating a “Digital Ocean” powered by real-time data gathered from
autonomous platforms.
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. MahaCrimeOS AI focuses
on faster identification, investigation and resolution of cybercrime and
financial fraud cases. The system uses advanced analytics and agentic AI tools
to help police teams track digital trails, analyse data and coordinate
investigations efficiently. According to officials, the platform significantly
reduces the time taken to deliver justice to victims by streamlining workflows
and improving case outcomes.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. SEBI
Tightens Governance Norms to Strengthen Oversight of Market Institutions: The Securities and
Exchange Board of India has
revised governance norms for market
infrastructure institutions to
strengthen oversight, enhance public interest safeguards and improve
operational integrity. The new directions clarify the roles, responsibilities
and reporting structure of senior management personnel in MIIs and will come
into force from December 20, 2025. Through a circular issued on Friday, SEBI
outlined amendments aimed at bringing greater clarity to senior management
duties within MIIs. Executive Directors handling critical operations and
regulatory compliance will now be mandatory members of the governing board.
Their appointment process must be conducted through open advertisement,
reinforcing transparency and merit-based selection. SEBI has mandated that the
compensation and terms of appointment of Executive Directors require prior
approval from the regulator. Any subsequent change in their remuneration or
service conditions cannot be made without board approval. In addition, MIIs
must submit proposed names to SEBI at least two months before the last working
day of an existing Executive Director, ensuring continuity and regulatory
oversight.
2. Insurance
Sector Opens Up as Cabinet Approves 100% FDI: The Union Cabinet has approved a bill to raise foreign
direct investment in the insurance sector to 100 per cent, a major reform aimed
at expanding insurance penetration and attracting global capital. The move
follows the proposal announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the
Union Budget and marks a significant shift from the existing 74 per cent cap on
foreign ownership. According to official sources, the Insurance Laws
(Amendment) Bill, 2025, has received Cabinet clearance and is expected to be
introduced during the ongoing winter session of Parliament, which concludes on
December 19. The bill is among 13 key legislations listed for the session and
is designed to accelerate growth and development in the insurance sector while
improving ease of doing business. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the
Insurance Act, 1938, along with consequential changes to the Life Insurance
Corporation Act, 1956, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
Act, 1999. Besides raising the FDI limit to 100 per cent, the bill allows the
merger of non-insurance companies with insurance companies and provides for the
creation of a dedicated policyholder fund. Guardrails include a requirement
that at least one key managerial position, such as chairman, managing director,
or CEO, be held by an Indian citizen.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. State Award-winning Malayalam actor Akhil Vishwanath was found dead at 30: State Award-winning Malayalam actor Akhil Vishwanath was found dead at his residence on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the film industry. The 30-year-old actor, known for his acclaimed performance in Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s film “Chola”, was discovered by his mother at their home. His untimely death has triggered an outpouring of grief from filmmakers, actors and film workers. According to reports, Akhil Vishwanath was found hanging inside his house. His mother, Geetha, reportedly discovered him while preparing to leave for work. Akhil had been working as a mechanic at a mobile phone shop in Kottali, though he had stopped attending work for some time. His father, Vishwanathan, is currently undergoing treatment after sustaining serious injuries in a recent bike accident. Police have initiated standard procedures, and further details are awaited. Akhil Vishwanath began his association with cinema at a young age. As a student, he won the State Government Award for Best Child Artist for his role in the telefilm “Mangandi”, in which he acted alongside his brother Arun. Both brothers received the award in the same year. Akhil later rose to prominence with “Chola”, which earned the Kerala State Film Award in 2019 and brought him critical acclaim for his nuanced performance.
