🇮🇳 National News
India’s NATGRID, a real-time intelligence and integrated data platform, is currently processing nearly 45,000 queries every month, allowing Superintendent of Police (SP)–rank officers to access interconnected databases.
- Aadhaar
- CCTNS
- Banking
- Telecom
- Airline information
Built in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, NATGRID enhances seamless information exchange, helps in monitoring terror networks, tracing financial crimes, and strengthening cybersecurity efforts.
Despite its strong capabilities, the system still faces issues such as slow login processes and delays in retrieving data.
Maharashtra has earned a Guinness World Record by installing 45,911 off-grid solar pumps for agriculture in just 30 days.
- Supported by the PM-KUSUM scheme and state solar programs
- Second only to China in rapid solar pump rollout
- Target: Surpassing 10.45 lakh solar pump installations
This achievement helps the state move closer to energy independence, lowering grid burden, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
Anant Ambani, founder of Vantara, has become the youngest and the first Asian to receive the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare from the Global Humane Society.
Recognized for its high-standard, science-based conservation model that integrates in situ and ex situ wildlife rehabilitation and biodiversity restoration.
The award honors his dedication to compassion, seva, and ecological protection while establishing Vantara as a global leader in endangered species recovery and ethical wildlife care.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin have inaugurated a dedicated Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru for servicing C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
- Heavy maintenance
- Structural refurbishment
- Avionics upgrades
- Training programs
This is India’s first exclusive MRO hub for C-130Js, ensuring long-term support for the Indian Air Force’s fleet of 12 aircraft and supporting future variants such as the KC-130J.
India has started preparations for hosting the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from 17–19 December 2025.
- Theme: “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being”
- Delegates from 100+ nations
- Focus on Ashwagandha and its adaptogenic, immune-boosting, and neuroprotective properties
The summit will discuss scientific research, digital health integration, biodiversity conservation, and international cooperation in traditional medicine, supported by the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.
Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, aged 3 years, 7 months, 20 days, has become the youngest FIDE-rated chess player globally, securing a rapid rating of 1572.
- Hailing from Madhya Pradesh
- Defeated several higher-rated adult opponents
- Began chess at just 30 months old
- Training 4–5 hours daily
His accomplishment further strengthens India’s growing reputation for nurturing young world-class chess talents.
💼 Business & Economy
CUTS International has introduced TRaNJA (Trade Not Just Aid), aiming to revitalise the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a transparent and rule-based trading platform.
- Co-chaired by Shashi Tharoor and Pascal Lamy
- Launched during a major conference in Tokyo
- 70% of world’s trade still governed by WTO rules
TRaNJA focuses on evidence-based policy recommendations, countering increasing protectionism, and promoting global collaboration to strengthen the multilateral trading framework.
The IMF has acknowledged India’s UPI as the largest real-time payments system globally, accounting for 49% of all instant payment transactions worldwide.
- 129.3 billion real-time payment transactions
- 5.45 crore+ digital payment touchpoints created
- 56.86 crore UPI QR codes deployed across India
India surpasses Brazil, Thailand, China, and South Korea, strengthened by government and RBI measures such as PIDF incentives, BHIM-UPI promotional schemes, and RuPay-UPI expansion.
SEBI has launched PaRRVA (Past Risk and Return Verification Agency), developed alongside NSE and Care Ratings, to authenticate historical returns claimed by regulated market players.
- Tackles misleading performance claims by finfluencers
- Offers standardized and independently verified performance data
- Prevents selective representation of returns
- Boosts investor confidence and market credibility
Tata Electronics and Intel have formalized an MoU to advance semiconductor manufacturing and packaging within India under the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Chip fabrication: Dholera, Gujarat
- High-end packaging technologies: Guwahati, Assam
The partnership aims to bolster India’s semiconductor and AI hardware ecosystem, support Intel’s manufacturing pipeline, and scale advanced chip packaging and AI-enabled PC solutions.
The Adani Group has announced a major investment of ₹2,500 crore to construct a 48-MW, AI-driven green data centre in Telangana.
- Emphasis on sustainability and power efficiency
- Supports cloud computing, AI processing, and HPC
- Aligns with Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
This project will enhance Telangana’s technology ecosystem and support national digital infrastructure initiatives.
🌐 International News
India has expanded Operation Sagar Bandhu, sending four additional naval ships carrying nearly 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies to Sri Lanka following the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
- Part of India’s Neighbourhood First policy
- Aligned with the MAHASAGAR framework
- Delivers essential goods, evacuation support, and medical help
The mission reinforces India’s reputation as a reliable Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) partner and deepens India–Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation.
📅 Important Days
Human Rights Day 2025 is observed annually on 10 December, honoring the fundamental rights to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness.
“Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials” (set by WHO)
The day traces back to 1948, when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Public awareness grew sharply when the UN Postal Administration released a Human Rights Stamp in 1952, receiving over 200,000 advance orders.
Nobel Prize Day, also marking the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, is observed on 10 December.
- Swedish inventor, chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist
- Known for creating dynamite and other explosives
- Later developed gelignite, a better alternative to dynamite
- Passed away on 10 December 1896 in Sanremo, Italy
Later in life, he redirected his wealth toward establishing the Nobel Prizes, reflecting his interests in science, literature, and peace.
Observed on 9 December, International Anti-Corruption Day raises awareness about the dangers of corruption and the need for transparency and accountability.
“Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” — emphasizing the role of young people in creating ethical governance.
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Denmark and Finland remain the least corrupt countries, while South Sudan and Somalia rank among the most corrupt. India has a score of 38, reflecting steady progress through digital governance reforms.
This day, observed on 9 December, marks its 10th anniversary in 2025 and reaffirms the global resolve to prevent genocide as framed under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Referencing Resolution A/RES/79/328, the meeting calls for enhanced state responsibility, stronger early-warning mechanisms, and firm action against incitement and hate speech.
The day emphasizes justice, accountability, and remembrance for genocide victims worldwide.
🕊️ Obituaries
Renowned Bengali actor Kalyan Chatterjee, famous for his natural performances and memorable supporting roles, passed away at 81 on December 8, 2025.
- Career spanning over fifty years
- Notable films: “Apanjan,” “Dhanyee Meye,” “Baishe Srabon,” “Kahaani”
- Worked with Satyajit Ray, Tapan Sinha, Rituparno Ghosh
Eminent labour rights leader Dr. Baba Adhav passed away at 95 in Pune on 9 December 2025.
- For over seven decades, fought for rights of informal sector workers
- Championed hamals, rickshaw pullers, and construction labourers
- Founded Hamal Panchayat
- Led One Village–One Water Source movement
Inspired by social reformers like Phule, Ambedkar, Shivaji, and Shahu Maharaj, Baba Adhav led transformative people’s movements centered on equality, dignity, and community upliftment.
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