🇮🇳 National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha during the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in New Delhi.
The initiative underlines India’s rich heritage of traditional medicine and promotes the AYUSH systems at an international level.
Ashwagandha, a prominent Ayurvedic medicinal plant, is highlighted for its role in stress management, immunity enhancement, and overall holistic well-being.
The move reinforces India’s commitment to integrating traditional medical knowledge with modern healthcare systems globally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, significantly strengthening aviation infrastructure in Northeast India.
The terminal features a nature-inspired design based on the theme “Bamboo Orchids”, reflecting Assam’s ecological richness. It showcases Assam’s biodiversity and cultural identity through bamboo structures, orchid motifs, and a unique Sky Forest concept.
It has the capacity to handle 13.1 million passengers annually, enhancing regional and international connectivity.
Key Features:
- DigiYatra integration
- AI-enabled operations
- Automated baggage handling systems
- Sustainable architectural elements
The facility supports tourism growth and economic development in the region.
Jammu & Kashmir inaugurated its first Gen Z Post Office at the AIIMS Vijaypur campus on 17 December 2025.
It is the first AIIMS institution in India to host a technology-driven, youth-oriented postal facility.
The inauguration was led by Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, with participation from senior postal officials and students.
This initiative is part of the Department of Posts’ campus modernisation programme, aimed at aligning services with Generation Z expectations.
Features Include:
- Modern layout and design
- Digital payment facilities
- Simplified service delivery
- Integrated access to postal, banking, and insurance services
PGIMER, Chandigarh was awarded India’s Best Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Institute for the second consecutive year.
The recognition was conferred by the Union Health Ministry at the ARISE 2025 National Conclave in New Delhi.
The institute was honoured for its excellence in evidence-based policymaking, cost-effective healthcare solutions, and equitable allocation of health resources.
PGIMER has played a key role in strengthening public health decision-making and supporting major programmes such as Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY.
💼 Business & Economy
The RBI Central Board, at its 620th meeting held in Hyderabad, approved a risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks.
The meeting was chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
Under the new system, low-risk banks may pay lower insurance premiums, while higher-risk banks may face increased costs or closer supervision.
Key Objectives:
- Enhance financial stability and banking resilience
- Improve risk management in the banking sector
- Promote accountability and discourage excessive risk-taking
- Strengthen depositor confidence without reducing existing deposit protection
The framework aligns India’s deposit insurance mechanism with global best practices.
The Ministry of Finance introduced a new unified logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to strengthen rural banking identity and trust.
The initiative follows the “One State One RRB” reform, which came into effect on May 1, 2025.
| Consolidation Details | Numbers |
|---|---|
| RRBs Merged | 26 |
| States/UTs Covered | 11 |
| Total RRBs Nationwide | 28 |
The dark blue colour symbolises trust and stability, while green represents growth and rural prosperity, reflecting RRBs’ role in rural development and welfare scheme delivery.
The new logo promotes modernisation, financial inclusion, and national-level uniformity.
🌐 International News
India and the Netherlands have deepened their economic cooperation by signing an MoU to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC).
The JTIC will function as a formal institutional framework to boost bilateral trade and two-way investments.
Committee Functions:
- Address trade barriers and regulatory challenges
- Promote smoother economic engagement
- Meetings held annually, alternating between India and the Netherlands
The initiative strengthens structured economic dialogue, improves the ease of doing business, and enhances India–Europe economic ties, with the Netherlands serving as a crucial gateway for Indian trade in Europe.
The United States and Jordan launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in Syria following an ISIS attack in Palmyra that resulted in the death of two US soldiers and injuries to others.
The joint forces conducted overnight airstrikes targeting more than 70 ISIS locations, using precision-guided munitions.
Operation Objectives:
- Degrade ISIS fighters and weapons stockpiles
- Destroy operational infrastructure
- Serve as a strong deterrent message to terrorist organisations
The mission reaffirmed the US doctrine of security through strength and highlighted robust military cooperation between the US and Jordan.
Scottish artist Nnena Kalu has made history by becoming the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize.
The 59-year-old artist, who is autistic, received the £25,000 award at a ceremony held in Bradford, England.
She was honoured for her bold abstract drawings and large-scale hanging sculptures.
Her work was praised for its strong visual impact and expressive power. The achievement marks a significant step forward for inclusion, representation, and accessibility in the global art community.
🔬 Science & Technology
German aerospace engineer Michaela Benthaus is set to become the first wheelchair user to travel to space.
She will fly aboard Blue Origin’s NS-37 mission, marking a major milestone in inclusive space exploration.
She has been using a wheelchair since suffering a spinal cord injury in 2018. Currently working with the European Space Agency, she actively advocates for accessibility and inclusivity in the space sector.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the LVM3-M6 mission on December 24, 2025, at 08:54 IST.
The launch will take place from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
| Mission Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch Vehicle | LVM3 (India’s most powerful) |
| Satellite | BlueBird-6 Communication Satellite |
| Client | AST SpaceMobile (US-based) |
| Commercial Partner | NSIL |
The mission highlights India’s expanding presence in the global commercial space market.
📅 Important Days
International Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on 20 December to promote global unity and shared responsibility.
The day emphasises international cooperation in addressing poverty, health disparities, social injustice, and inequality.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Date Observed | 20 December |
| World Solidarity Fund | Established in 2002 |
| Officially Proclaimed | 2005 |
Solidarity is recognised as a core principle of the United Nations. The day encourages collective action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, and Reduced Inequalities.
🕊️ Obituaries
Sreenivasan, a renowned Malayalam actor, writer, and director, passed away at the age of 69.
Widely regarded as the “voice of the common man”, he was celebrated for his sharp humour, realistic storytelling, and strong social themes.
His films skillfully combined entertainment with meaningful social commentary.
Known for his natural acting style and impactful direction, he received multiple Kerala State Film Awards. His demise marks a significant and irreplaceable loss to Malayalam cinema.
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