December 2025 Current Affairs Compilation | UPSC, OPSC, SSC, Banking & State Exams

International

1. India To Host BRICS SUMMIT in 2026: Brazil handed over the presidency to India during the 16th summit. This will be the fourth time India hosts the BRICS summit (previously in 2012, 2016, and 2021).

2. UNESCO Executive Board (2025-29): India’s re-election strengthens its role in global decision-making regarding education, science, and culture. The board is one of UNESCO's three constitutional organs.

3. India-Russia 23rd Annual Summit: PM Modi and President Putin adopted the "Programme 2030," focusing on expanding bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, enhancing energy cooperation, and developing the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor.

4. International Big-Cat Alliance (IBCA): Russia’s entry as the 19th member is significant for the conservation of species like the Amur Tiger and Snow Leopard. India launched IBCA to protect 7 major big cats.

5. Ethiopia's Highest Honor: PM Modi was conferred the "Nishan of Ethiopia" for his contribution to strengthening India-Ethiopia relations and championing the voice of the Global South.

National

1. Deepavali in UNESCO Intangible Heritage List: It becomes India's 16th element on the list. The inscription recognizes the "Festival of Lights" as a living tradition that promotes social cohesion and universal hope.

2. New Ramsar Sites (Total 96): Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan): Known for its historical palace and as a habitat for crocodiles and migratory birds.

   1. Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh): A vital wetland for waterbird conservation in the Bilaspur region.

3. Census 2026-27: This will be India's first digital census. The delay (from 2021) was due to the pandemic. The data will be crucial for the next delimitation of parliamentary constituencies.

4. WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: The New Delhi Declaration focused on integrating traditional medicine with mainstream healthcare through evidence-based scientific research.

5. Renaming PMO to "SEVA TEERTH": This move reflects a shift toward "citizen-centric" governance. "Seva Teerth" translates to "Pilgrimage of Service."

Awards

1. IAS Supriya Sahu (UNEP Champions of the Earth): Awarded in the "Inspiration and Action" category for her environmental leadership in Tamil Nadu, including the "Meendum Manjappai" campaign against single-use plastics.

2. Tessy Thomas (Mar Gregorious Award): Known as the "Missile Woman of India," she was recognized for her extraordinary contributions to India's defense technology and the Agni missile program.

3. Anant Ambani (Animal Welfare): Awarded for his "Vantara" initiative in Jamnagar, one of the world's largest animal rescue and rehabilitation centers.

4. Parveen Shaikh (Sanctuary Wildlife): Recognized for her research and conservation work on the critically endangered Gharials.

5. Col Prateek Roy receives Geddes Gavel Award(Australia).

   • It is a prestigious international award for urban planning excellence.

ECONOMY

1. "Your Money, Your Right" Movement: Aimed at helping citizens reclaim nearly ₹1.6 lakh crore in unclaimed deposits in banks and insurance companies through the UDGUM portal.

2. Bank of Baroda (Best Bank): Recognized for its digital transformation and robust growth in financial metrics during 2025.

3. RBI Strategy for Financial Inclusion (2025-2030): The "Panch-Jyoti" objectives focus on equitable access, gender-sensitive inclusion, and leveraging digital public infrastructure (DPI).

4. DHRUVA Digital Hub: Aims to provide every household with a 17-digit alphanumeric "Virtual Address" to simplify mail delivery and e-commerce logistics. Dept. of Posts draft to introduce Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA)—A draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023

Sports

1. Virat Kohli vs. Sachin Tendulkar: Kohli achieved his 52nd ODI century, breaking the long-standing record of 49. He now holds the record for most centuries in ODI history.

2. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Jharkhand's maiden win in this domestic T20 tournament marks a major milestone for Eastern India’s cricket development.

3. Odisha Masters Titles: Unnati Hooda (Women’s) and Kiran George (Men’s) are rising stars in Indian badminton, showcasing the success of the Gopichand-Odisha Badminton Academy.

4. Rohit Sharma breaks Shahid Afridi’s ODI sixes record.

   • Becomes highest six-hitter in ODI history.
5. Sankar Saraswat wins Guwahati Masters 2025.
   • Boosts India’s presence in badminton circuit.

6. India wins Silver in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

   • Shows consistent performance in international hockey.

States

1. Ladakh celebrates Losar Festival.
   • Marks Tibetan New Year and Buddhist traditions.
2. Ramban Sulai Honey highlighted in Mann Ki Baat.
   • GI tagged product promoting local economy.
3. J&K gets first Gen Z Post Office.
   • Reflects modernization of postal services.
4. IISF 2025 held in Haryana.
   • Theme focuses on Atmanirbhar Bharat through science.
5. Rajasthan digitises voter rolls fully.
   • First state to achieve this milestone.
6. EARTH Summit 2025 held in Gujarat.
   • Focus on sustainability and environment.
7. DRI busts ₹192-crore drug factory in Maharashtra.
   • Major crackdown under Operation Hinterland Brew.
8. Parvati-Agra Bird Sanctuary declared Eco-Sensitive Zone.
   • Ensures protection of biodiversity.
9. MP to introduce Rolling Budget from 2026-27.
   • Allows continuous budget adjustments.
10. Darjeeling Mandarin Orange gets GI tag.

• Boosts export potential.

1. Sikkim opens border tourism points.

• Promotes tourism and strategic awareness.

1. Mizoram declared Ginger Capital of India.

• • Recognizes agricultural strength of the state.

Science & Technology

1. ISRO launches Bluebird-6 Satellite.
   • Strengthens India’s space communication capabilities.
   • Exam angle: Know launch vehicle (LVM3) and its role in heavy satellite missions.
2. RESPOND Basket 2025 released.
   • Encourages academic research collaboration with ISRO.
   • Exam angle: RESPOND = Research Sponsored Programme supporting universities & institutes.
3. Galaxy ‘Alaknanda’ discovered.
   • Adds to India’s contribution in astronomy.
   • Exam angle: Discovered by NCRA-TIFR; important for radio astronomy studies.
4. NASA discovers lemon-shaped exoplanet.
   • Expands understanding of unusual planetary formations.
   • Exam angle: Located near a pulsar; exoplanets are planets outside our solar system.
5. 1.0 GHz Microprocessor DHRUVA launched.
   • Boost to indigenous semiconductor development.
   • Exam angle: Developed by C-DAC under MeitY’s microprocessor development programme.
6. IIT Delhi develops AI Lab Assistant AILA.
   • Automates scientific experimentation.
   • Exam angle: Uses AI + robotics; example of AI integration in research labs.
7. Param Rudra supercomputer launched at IIT Patna.
   • Enhances computational research capacity.
   • Exam angle: Part of National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) by MeitY & DST.
8. Avispray-10 agricultural drone launched.
   • Supports precision farming.
   • Exam angle: Used for pesticide spraying; linked to Digital Agriculture Mission.
9. FSSAI launches egg safety drive.
   • Ensures food safety standards.
   • Exam angle: FSSAI operates under Ministry of Health; regulates food quality in India.
10. Glow-Cas protein developed.

• Helps track gene editing processes.
• Exam angle: Related to CRISPR-Cas technology used in genetic engineering.

1. WHO issues guidelines on GLP-1 drugs.

• Important for obesity and diabetes treatment.
• Exam angle: GLP-1 drugs regulate blood sugar and appetite (e.g., semaglutide).

1. Buccal Mucosa Cancer linked to alcohol.

• Raises public health concerns.
• Exam angle: Type of oral cancer; also linked to tobacco use and poor oral hygiene.

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Environment

1. Gujarat became a Tiger State after 33 years with evidence of tiger presence in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary.
   Indicates westward tiger dispersal from MP; highlights habitat connectivity, conservation success, and importance of wildlife corridors under Project Tiger initiatives.
2. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve based documentary entitled "Enchanting Mukundra" released.
   Located in Rajasthan; part of Project Tiger. Documentary promotes awareness, eco-tourism, and conservation challenges like prey base and human-wildlife conflict.
3. Clouded Leopard sighted in Kakoi Reserve Forest, Assam's Lakhimpur division.
   Rare arboreal species; IUCN status Vulnerable. Presence indicates healthy forest ecosystem and biodiversity richness of Eastern Himalayan region.
4. Safari Services to be launched inside Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Mulugu district, Telangana.
   Located along Godavari river; known for dry deciduous forests. Safari aims to boost eco-tourism while ensuring regulated conservation practices.
5. 40th Asian Waterbird Census and 60th International Waterbird Census to be conducted at the Godavari Estuary.
   Conducted under Wetlands International; tracks migratory bird populations, wetland health, and supports Ramsar site conservation and biodiversity monitoring.
6. Capuchin Monkeys from South Africa imported to Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka.
   Exotic primate species; move aimed at conservation breeding and public awareness, but raises concerns about ecological balance and invasive species risks.
7. Scientists predict Africa's Afar region could become Earth's next ocean basin.
   Due to tectonic plate divergence (Arabian, Nubian, Somali plates); example of continental rifting leading to ocean formation over geological timescales.
8. Semi-Aquatic Spider species Dolomedes indicus found in Western Ghats.
   Indicates rich endemic biodiversity hotspot; Western Ghats is UNESCO World Heritage Site with high species endemism and ecological sensitivity.
9. 75% of Goniopora Corals wiped out at Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
   Major cause: ocean warming and coral bleaching; highlights climate change impact on marine ecosystems and need for global mitigation efforts.
10. NHAI introduces India's First Wildlife-safe Road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh.
    Includes underpasses, overpasses, and fencing; aligns with eco-sensitive infrastructure development to reduce roadkill and maintain animal movement corridors.

Military Exercises

1. 14th edition of India-Maldives bilateral exercise EKUVERIN took place in Kerala from 2nd-15th December.
   Focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations; strengthens India-Maldives defence cooperation and interoperability between their armed forces.
2. India-Nepal Armies Joint Counter-Terror Exercise: Surya Kiran-19 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand (25 Nov - Dec 2025).
   Annual bilateral exercise; enhances border security coordination, counter-terror operations, and long-standing military ties between India and Nepal.
3. Exercise Ekatha 2025 between Indian Navy and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) from Dec 15-17.
   Naval exercise focusing on maritime security, joint patrols, and search-and-rescue operations in the Indian Ocean Region.
4. India-UAE Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE 2025 (2nd edition) held at Abu Dhabi from 18-30 Dec.
   Conducted in desert terrain; focuses on joint combat operations, strengthening India-UAE defence partnership and West Asia strategic cooperation.
5. Hanuman Shakti - 5th Edition military exercise between Indian Army and Malaysian Army.
   Aims at improving joint jungle warfare tactics, interoperability, and strengthening India’s Act East policy through defence engagement.
6. Indian Army showcased homegrown technologies: Ikan AI & SAMBRIAN projects.
   Reflects push for defence indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat; AI-based surveillance and advanced battlefield management systems are key focus areas.

Index & Reports

1. India's UPI Tops as World's Largest Real-time Payment System (by IMF).
   IMF report highlights India’s digital payment leadership; UPI processes highest real-time transactions globally, driven by NPCI, boosting financial inclusion and cashless economy.
2. India Ranks 3rd globally in AI Competitiveness (Stanford University 2025).
   Stanford AI Index ranks India third due to strong talent pool, startup ecosystem, and government initiatives promoting artificial intelligence research and innovation.
3. Arton Capital's Passport Index 2025: India's Rank 67th; UAE topped as world's strongest passport.
   Index ranks passports based on visa-free access; UAE leads globally, while India improves mobility, reflecting diplomatic relations and global travel access.
4. Asia Power Index 2025 (Lowy Institute): USA (1st), China (2nd).
   Measures economic, military, and diplomatic influence in Asia-Pacific; highlights regional power dynamics, with India emerging as a key strategic player.
5. Global Food City Rankings 2025-26: Mumbai ranked 5th best; Naples (Italy) ranked 1st.
   Ranking evaluates cities on culinary culture, food quality, and global influence; Mumbai recognized for diverse cuisine, while Naples tops for heritage food.

Govt. Schemes & Bills

1. Central Govt. launches TEAM Initiative to boost MSME e-commerce participation.
   Initiative supports MSMEs in onboarding digital platforms, improving market access, exports, and competitiveness under Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
2. Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched Sujalam Bharat App for rural drinking water management under Jal Jeevan Mission.
   App monitors water supply, quality, and infrastructure; enhances transparency and real-time data tracking for rural households under Jal Jeevan Mission.
3. Project Mausam: Flagship cultural initiative of the Ministry of Culture to explore the Indian Ocean world.
   Aims to revive ancient maritime routes, cultural linkages, and trade networks connecting India with Southeast Asia, Africa, and Middle East.
4. SHAKTI Scholars: Launched by NCW to enhance young research fellowships.
   Focuses on women empowerment through academic research support; promotes gender studies and policy-based research among young scholars.
5. Viksit Bharat - GRAM Bill gets President's assent.
   Focuses on rural development, governance reforms, and infrastructure enhancement to achieve inclusive growth and strengthen grassroots democracy.
6. Lok Sabha passed Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy (SHANTI) Bill—Major reform in the nuclear sector.
   Aims to boost nuclear energy capacity, encourage private participation, and strengthen regulatory framework for clean energy transition.
7. Coal SETU: Policy for auction of coal linkage for seamless and transparent utilization.
   Introduces transparent allocation mechanism; ensures efficient coal distribution to industries, improving energy security and reducing supply bottlenecks.
8. Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill referred to Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC).
   Focuses on education reforms, institutional governance, and quality improvement; JPC review ensures detailed scrutiny before final legislative approval.

G.I. Tags

1. Ramanathapuram Chithiraikani Rice from Tamil Nadu.
   Traditional paddy variety known for resilience and taste; GI tag protects farmers, promotes agro-biodiversity, and ensures authenticity in markets.
2. Kavindapadi Naatu Sakkarai (Jaggery powder) from Erode, Tamil Nadu.
   Organic jaggery made using traditional methods; GI status boosts rural economy, preserves indigenous processing techniques, and ensures quality standards.
3. Arunachal Pradesh 'Dao'—Traditional handcrafted blade from Arunachal Pradesh.
   Indigenous multipurpose tool used by tribal communities; GI recognition preserves cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and supports local artisans’ livelihoods.
4. Amalsad Chikoo from Navsari, Gujarat.
   Known for sweetness due to coastal climate; GI tag enhances export potential and protects farmers from imitation products.
5. Warangal Chapata Chilli (Tomato chilli) from Telangana.
   Unique flat-shaped chilli with mild pungency; used in pickles, GI tag supports farmers and strengthens regional agricultural identity.
6. Ponduru Khadi from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.
   Hand-spun fine cotton khadi; GI status promotes sustainable textiles, rural employment, and preservation of traditional weaving practices.