Friday, Dec 19

Daily Current Affairs: 19 December 2025

Daily current affairs for 19 December 2025 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 19 December 2025. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Ram Vanji Sutar passes away at 100, sculptor of Statue of Unity
  2. Deepinder Goyal topped Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025 list
  3. Peter Arnett, Pulitzer-winning war reporter, dies aged 91
  4. Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited promotes Bharat Taxi rollout with 56,000 drivers registered.
  5. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) records unemployment rate at 7-month low of 4.7%.
  6. Amazon Pay launches UPI Biometric Authentication for PIN-free payments up to ₹5,000.

Ram Vanji Sutar passes away at 100, sculptor of Statue of Unity

Key Updates:

  • Ram Vanji Sutar, creator of the 522-foot Statue of Unity, passed away at his Noida residence at age 100.
  • He was awarded Padma Shri in 1999 and Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contributions to Indian sculpture.
  • Sutar sculpted the 108-foot bronze Statue of Prosperity at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
  • He had been working with his son Anil Ram Sutar since 1994 on monumental sculptures across India.

Similar / Past Coverage

PM Modi Unveiled Tallest Ram Statue in South Goa (End of November)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 77-feet bronze statue of Lord Ram in Partagali, South Goa. The Goa government stated that this 77-feet statue of Lord Ram is the tallest Ram statue in the world.

Deepinder Goyal topped Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025 list

[IDFC First Private, Hurun India]

Key Updates:

  • Deepinder Goyal of Eternal leads Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025.
  • Eternal’s valuation rose 27% to Rs 3.2 lakh crore.
  • Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal of InterGlobe Aviation (Indigo) debuted in the top three with a valuation of Rs 2.2 lakh crore.
  • Peyush Bansal of Lenskart was ranked 10th after the company went public at a valuation of Rs 70,236 crore.

Similar / Past Coverage

EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025: Top Donors and Trends (Start of November)

India’s most generous individuals have collectively donated ₹10,380 crore in 2025, according to the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, which features 191 philanthropists, including 12 new entrants. Shiv Nadar &…

Anusandhan Fund & Deep-Tech Focused FFS 2.0: Union Government’s Push for Indigenous Innovation (End of October)

Scheme Name: Anusandhan Fund (proposed) – Union Commerce & Industry Minister announced a Rs 1 lakh crore corpus to provide "long-tenure, low-cost loans to promote innovation." Scheme Name: Fund of Funds for Start-ups…

Peter Arnett, Pulitzer-winning war reporter, dies aged 91

Key Updates:

  • Peter Arnett, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and war correspondent, died surrounded by family and friends in California while receiving hospice care for prostate cancer.
  • Arnett won the Pulitzer Prize for international reporting in 1966 for his Vietnam War coverage while working for the Associated Press (AP).
  • He joined Cable News Network (CNN) in 1981 and became known for reporting on the first Gulf War from Baghdad, where he interviewed then-president Saddam Hussein.
  • In 1997, Arnett became the first Western journalist to interview Osama Bin Laden at a secret hideout in Afghanistan.
  • Arnett was dismissed by National Broadcasting Company (NBC) after giving an interview on Iraqi state television that was viewed as critical of United States military strategy, and was hired by the Daily Mirror the same day.

Similar / Past Coverage

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney dies at 84 (Start of November)

Full Name & Role: "Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a force in Republican politics for over 30 years and one of the most powerful people to hold the second-highest office in the U.S., has died." Cause & Surroundings…

Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited promotes Bharat Taxi rollout with 56,000 drivers registered.

[Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited]

Key Updates:

  • Bharat Taxi will launch in Delhi on January 1 and offers auto-rickshaws, cars, and bike taxis.
  • Under the cooperative model, drivers retain nearly 80% of their earnings with a zero-commission structure.
  • Beta trials for consumers started in Delhi, and the app is available on Google Play with an iOS version expected soon.

Similar / Past Coverage

PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains: Routes, Travel Time, and Objectives (Start of November)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains. The new routes include Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow Junction–Saharanpur, Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, and Bengaluru–Ernakulam.

Delhi Government bans entry of non-BS-VI compliant commercial goods vehicles registered outside city from November 1 (Start of November)

Policy: Entry ban on non-BS-VI compliant commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi effective from November 1 Objective: "to curb rising air pollution in the city due to vehicular emissions"

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) records unemployment rate at 7-month low of 4.7%.

[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]

Key Updates:

  • Unemployment Rate for persons aged 15 years and above declined to 4.7% in November 2025, the lowest since April 2025.
  • Rural unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in November 2025, while urban unemployment rate decreased to 6.5%.
  • Female unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% in November 2025 from 5.4% in October 2025.
  • Male unemployment rate decreased to 4.6% in November 2025 compared to 5.1% in October 2025.
  • Worker Population Ratio for persons aged 15 years and above rose to 53.2% in November 2025 from 52.8% in April 2025.
  • Labour Force Participation Rate among persons aged 15 years and above increased to 55.8% in November 2025, the highest since April 2025.
  • Rural female Labour Force Participation Rate increased from 35.2% in June 2025 to 39.7% in November 2025.

Similar / Past Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Reduces Repo Rate to 5.25 Percent (Start of December)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) delivered a 25-basis-point reduction in the repo rate, bringing it down to 5.25 percent. The central bank cut policy rates by a cumulative 125 basis points…

Amazon Pay launches UPI Biometric Authentication for PIN-free payments up to ₹5,000.

[Amazon Pay]

Key Updates:

  • Amazon Pay enables fingerprint or face scan approval for UPI transactions without entering a PIN.
  • The facility covers transactions up to ₹5,000 across sending money, merchant payments, scan-and-pay and balance checks.
  • Biometric data remains on the user’s device and is not shareable, adding an extra security layer.
  • Over 90% of customers chose biometric authentication for eligible peer-to-peer UPI transactions in early adoption data.
  • The feature is currently available to Android users.

Similar / Past Coverage

NPCI Launches AI-Powered 'UPI Help' for User Queries, Grievances, and Mandate Management (End of October)

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered support system called ‘UPI Help’. The AI assistant will initially focus on digital payment-related…

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) completes AI-based Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling rollout by 2026

[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will fully implement Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven highway management systems across India by the end of 2026.
  • The new AI-based system will replace the existing FASTag mechanism, allowing vehicles to cross toll points at a maximum speed of 80 km per hour without stopping.
  • The government aims to reduce toll plaza waiting time to zero minutes using satellite-based number plate recognition integrated with AI.
  • The implementation of the MLFF system is projected to result in annual fuel savings worth ₹1,500 crore.
  • Government revenues from toll collection are expected to increase by ₹6,000 crore following the full implementation of the new technology.
  • The existing FASTag system has already increased toll income by at least ₹5,000 crore and reduced waiting times from 3-10 minutes to 60 seconds or less.

Similar / Past Coverage

MoRTH targets awarding 10,000 km of NH projects in FY 2026 (Mid of November)

Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Objective: Award 10,000 km of National Highway projects in FY 2026, up from 6,000 km awarded in FY…

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) overhauls mutual fund regulations and cuts expense ratio limits

[Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]

Key Updates:

  • Total Expense Ratio shall now be the sum of BER, brokerage, regulatory levies and statutory levies.
  • Base expense ratio limits for equity-oriented schemes and other than equity oriented schemes under various AUM slabs have been cut by up to 15 basis points.
  • Base expense ratio limit for index funds or ETF revised to 0.9 per cent from 1 per cent.
  • Close-ended equity-oriented schemes BER limit now stands at 1 per cent as against 1.25 per cent.
  • Maximum brokerage fee that mutual funds pay on cash market transactions halved to 6 bps from 12 bps.
  • Brokerage cap for derivative transactions revised downwards to 2 bps from 5 bps, excluding applicable levies.
  • SEBI removed the additional 5 bps expense allowance currently permitted to be charged to schemes with exit loads as a transitory measure.

Similar / Past Coverage

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clears Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) as offline payment aggregator.

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL)]

Key Updates:

  • Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL) received RBI authorisation to operate as a payment aggregator for physical (offline) payments and cross-border transactions.
  • PPSL now holds Payment Aggregator licences across all key segments, enabling end-to-end payment aggregation services across online, offline and cross-border use cases.
  • PPSL had already received online payment aggregator authorisation from RBI on November 26, 2025, under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

Similar / Past Coverage

PhonePe Receives Final RBI Authorization to Operate as Online Payment Aggregator (End of September)

PhonePe has received the final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as an online payment aggregator. PhonePe's digital payments app has over 65 crore registered users and a merchant acceptance network…

Junio Payments Secures RBI In-Principle Authorisation for Prepaid Payment Instruments (Start of November)

IANS Junio Payments Pvt Ltd (JPPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstPay Technologies, has secured in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs). The…

Airtel Payments Bank (APB) enables EV wallet recharges on Bharat Connect via Airtel Thanks app.

[Airtel Payments Bank (APB), Bharat Connect]

Key Updates:

  • Airtel Payments Bank (APB) has partnered with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) to launch EV wallet recharges on the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform through the Airtel Thanks app.
  • Users can top up their EV wallets instantly and interoperably by selecting ‘Recharge EV’ under the Pay Bills section of the Airtel Thanks app.
  • The facility is available to all Airtel Thanks app users and the recharge amount is reflected instantly in the EV wallet.
  • Airtel Payments Bank (APB) operates a nationwide network of over 5 lakh active banking points.

Similar / Past Coverage

PhonePe Receives RBI Final Authorization to Operate as Online Payment Aggregator (End of September)

PhonePe has received the final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator. PhonePe's digital payments app has over 65 crore (650+ million) registered users as of August…

Minorities Rights Day reinforces diversity as national strength

Key Updates:

  • Minorities Rights Day in India is observed every year on 18 December.
  • The day is meant to preserve, protect and promote the rights of minority communities.
  • It highlights constitutional rights and protections available to minority groups.

Similar / Past Coverage

National Pension System (NPS) allows 80% lump sum withdrawal for non-government subscribers

Key Updates:

  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) notified the amended PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System (NPS)) Regulations, 2025, on December 16.
  • Eligible NPS members can now withdraw up to 80 per cent of their retirement corpus as a lump sum at the time of exit.
  • The revised rules apply to subscribers under the All Citizen Model and Corporate NPS, bringing relief to non-government sector employees.
  • The compulsory annuity purchase requirement for non-government subscribers has been reduced to a minimum of 20 per cent of the accumulated pension wealth.
  • Subscribers with accumulated pension wealth up to Rs 8 lakh can withdraw the entire amount as a lump sum.
  • For accumulated pension wealth between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 12 lakh, lump sum withdrawal is capped at Rs 6 lakh, with the balance available for annuity purchase or systematic unit withdrawal over a period of up to six years.
  • For accumulated pension wealth above Rs 12 lakh, at least 20 per cent of the corpus must be used to purchase an annuity, while up to 80 per cent becomes available for withdrawal.

Similar / Past Coverage

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Resignation Rules: Forfeiture of Assured Payout (Start of November)

Scheme Name: Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under National Pension System (NPS) for Central Government employees. Forfeiture Rule: Resignation from service leads to forfeiture of the assured payout under UPS, unless the…

Gen Z Post Office Launched at AIIMS Vijaypur to Enhance Digital Banking and Technology-Driven Services

[AIIMS Vijaypur]

Key Updates:

  • The Department of Posts (India Post) inaugurated Jammu & Kashmir’s first “Gen Z Post Office” at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Vijaypur campus on December 17, 2025.
  • The initiative aims to transform traditional postal counters into youth-centric, technology-enabled service hubs tailored to the evolving needs of Generation Z.
  • The facility provides integrated access to postal, banking, and insurance services under one roof, with support from the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).
  • Key features designed for students and campus residents include interactive kiosks, Wi-Fi zones, and personalized stamp services.

Similar / Past Coverage

DHRUVA Scheme: UPI-like Labels for Digital Address Sharing (Start of December)

The Department of Posts released a draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023, to introduce the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address (DHRUVA) system. DHRUVA will let users replace textual addresses with…

IPPB-EPFO MoU: doorstep Digital Life Certificate service for pensioners (Start of November)

India Post Payments Bank signed an MoU with EPFO to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate services to EPFO pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. IPPB will use its network of over 1.65 lakh post…

Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill 2025: Minimum Wage & Welfare Board

[Jharkhand]

Key Updates:

  • The Bill enables formation of a Gig Workers’ Welfare Board chaired ex-officio by the labour department minister.
  • Aggregators engaging gig workers must register with the Board; violation attracts a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
  • The Act will ensure minimum wages for gig workers based on duration and nature of work and provide for social security, identity cards and medical insurance.

Similar / Past Coverage

Labour codes: What changes for workers and employers (End of November)

Effective November 21, the four labour codes replace 29 central labour laws. The codes aim to ease regulations and compliance norms for employers and ensure uniformity in wage structure and social security protection for…

Uttar Pradesh Forest University: Rs 500 crore outlay for specialised forestry and wildlife education

[Uttar Pradesh]

Key Updates:

  • The Uttar Pradesh government has finalised the Detailed Project Report for the forest university and allotted Rs 500 crore for the project.
  • The 125-acre campus will be located near the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Center in Gorakhpur.
  • The university will offer degree and diploma programmes in forestry, agroforestry, social forestry, horticulture, ecology, natural resources and climate change.

Similar / Past Coverage

TRAI mandates 1600-series adoption by IRDAI-regulated entities for service calls

[TRAI, IRDAI]

Key Updates:

  • Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated that entities regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) must adopt the '1600' series numbers by February 15, 2026 for making service and transactional calls to consumers.
  • The direction was issued on December 16, 2025, in consultation with IRDAI, to enhance consumer trust, curb spam, and prevent fraudulent activities through voice calls.
  • The '1600' numbering series has been assigned by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for allocation to entities in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector and government organisations to distinguish their service and transactional calls from other commercial communications.
  • About 570 entities have already adopted 1600 series numbers, subscribing to over 3,000 numbers, as part of TRAI’s ongoing engagement with telecom service providers and BFSI regulators.

Similar / Past Coverage

National Consumer Helpline (INGRAM) Adds Dedicated GST Grievance Category (End of September)

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution has activated a dedicated category on the INGRAM portal to handle consumer queries and complaints related to GST. The helpline will share data and insights…

PhonePe Receives RBI Final Authorization to Operate as Online Payment Aggregator (End of September)

PhonePe has received the final authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator. PhonePe's digital payments app has over 65 crore (650+ million) registered users as of August…

DPIIT launches e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) digital module

[DPIIT]

Key Updates:

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launched an online module on the National Single Window System (NSWS) for digital generation of sponsorship letters for the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa).
  • The facility is open to both production-linked incentive (PLI) beneficiary firms and non-PLI companies.
  • Foreign professionals can use the digitally generated sponsorship letters to apply for e-visas and visit Indian manufacturing facilities for services such as machine installation, quality checks, training and plant design.

Similar / Past Coverage

USCIS ends cheque, money order payments: What new debit rule means for H-1B and F-1 applicants (Start of November)

USCIS has discontinued payments by cheque and money order for all immigration filings. Applicants must now authorise payments through electronic debit using Form G-1650, which allows USCIS to withdraw funds directly from…

Sultanate of Oman confers Order of Oman on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

[Sultanate of Oman]

Key Updates:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Order of Oman, the Sultanate's uniquely distinct civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
  • Prime Minister Modi received the award during his ongoing two-day visit to Oman, the final leg of his three-nation tour that included Jordan and Ethiopia.
  • His visit to Muscat marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, with both sides focusing on deepening strategic partnership in trade, investment, energy, defence and culture.

Similar / Past Coverage

Bahrain Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa receives INTERPOL Medal of the Highest Order (Start of November)

Bahrain's Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa awarded the INTERPOL Medal of the Highest Order Award presented by INTERPOL President during the Middle East International Border Management and Technology…

Indian Army inducts tanks, artillery guns and engineering equipment into Kashmir Valley by Military Special Train

[Kashmir Valley]

Key Updates:

  • The Indian Army successfully inducted tanks, artillery guns, and engineering equipment into the Kashmir Valley using a Military Special Train.
  • The operation involved seamless transportation of heavy assets from the Jammu region to Anantnag in southern Kashmir.
  • The move was conducted as part of a validation exercise demonstrating enhanced mobility and logistical capability.
  • The milestone was achieved in close coordination with the Ministry of Railways, leveraging the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
  • The USBRL project features iconic structures like the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and provides all-weather connectivity.

Similar / Past Coverage

Six New Initiatives Launched to Boost Logistics and Trade Competitiveness under Make in India (End of September)

Report on Assessment of Logistics Cost in India: prepared by NCAER for DPIIT, first comprehensive estimate puts India’s logistics cost at 7.97% of GDP using hybrid methodology (nation-wide surveys + secondary data).…

Afghanistan advances Kunar River diversion project threatening Pakistan water supply

[Afghanistan, Pakistan]

Key Updates:

  • Afghanistan’s technical committee has approved a proposal to transfer water from the Kunar River to the Darunta Dam in Nangarhar.
  • The Kunar River originates in Pakistan’s Chitral district, flows into Afghanistan, then re-enters Pakistan to join the Kabul River which merges with the Indus near Attock.
  • Pakistan has no formal water-sharing agreement or arbitration mechanism with Afghanistan concerning transboundary rivers.

Similar / Past Coverage

Taliban to Appoint First Diplomat in Delhi; India Upgrades Kabul Mission (Start of November)

"India and Afghanistan are set to further ramp up their diplomatic relations with the appointment of a diplomat by the Taliban regime here this month." "This will be the first official placement of a diplomat by the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Adwa Victory Memorial and Museum in Ethiopia

[Ethiopia]

Key Updates:

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at the Adwa Victory Memorial and Museum in Addis Ababa.
  • The memorial commemorates Ethiopia’s victory in the 1896 Battle of Adwa against Italian forces.
  • The museum houses artefacts, weapons, historical dioramas, conference halls, an amphitheatre, and a library.
  • PM Modi’s visit highlights India’s recognition of Ethiopia’s legacy of independence and anti-colonial resistance.

Similar / Past Coverage

PM Modi Unveiled Tallest Ram Statue in South Goa (End of November)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 77-feet bronze statue of Lord Ram in Partagali, South Goa. The Goa government stated that this 77-feet statue of Lord Ram is the tallest Ram statue in the world.

Israel announces plan to open embassy in Suva in 2026

[Israel]

Key Updates:

  • Israel will open an embassy in Suva in 2026, three months after Fiji established its embassy in Jerusalem.
  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the decision and informed Fiji’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during a phone call.
  • Sa’ar stated the embassy will strengthen Israel’s diplomatic presence across the Pacific and deepen ties with other Pacific island nations.

Similar / Past Coverage

India-Israel launch FTA negotiations in Tel Aviv (End of November)

India and Israel signed Terms of Reference to begin Free Trade Agreement negotiations Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Israel’s Minister of Economy Nir Barkat co-chaired the India-Israel Business Summit themed 'Gateway…

India-Israel sign MoU on defence cooperation during 17th JWG meeting in Tel Aviv (Start of November)

MoU signed during 17th Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence cooperation co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General of Israeli Ministry of Defense Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram in Tel Aviv MoU…

India and Oman sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with wide tariff cuts and services access

[Oman]

Key Updates:

  • India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that will give duty-free access to over 98% of India’s exports to Oman.
  • India agreed to cut tariffs on select Omani products such as dates, marbles and petrochemicals.
  • Oman has offered zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India’s exports to the country.
  • India will provide tariff liberalisation on 77.79% of its total tariff lines, covering 94.81% of imports from Oman by value.
  • Oman has made commitments across a wide range of services sectors, including computer-related services, professional and business services, audio-visual services, research and development, education and health services.
  • Oman has offered wide-ranging commitments under Mode 4, including raising the quota for intra-corporate transferees from 20% to 50%, and extending the permitted stay for contractual service suppliers from 90 days to two years.
  • The agreement allows 100% foreign direct investment by Indian companies in major services sectors in Oman through commercial presence.
  • India–Oman bilateral trade stood at about $10.5 billion in 2024–25, with exports of $4 billion and imports of $6.54 billion.
  • This is India’s second CEPA with a GCC member after the UAE agreement implemented in May 2022.

Similar / Past Coverage

US withdraws sanctions waiver for India-developed Chabahar port in Iran (End of September)

The United States is withdrawing the sanctions waiver granted to Iran’s Chabahar port, which is being developed by India. The 2018 waiver was provided during the first term of President Donald Trump.

India, Canada to resume trade pact talks (End of November)

India and Canada have agreed to formally resume talks on an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership. India aims to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, while Canada sets a target of $70 billion by the…

Israel approves $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, largest in Israeli history

[Israel, Egypt]

Key Updates:

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has approved a $35 billion natural gas export deal to Egypt, the biggest gas deal in Israeli history.
  • The gas will be delivered to Egypt over the next 15 years by U.S. energy giant Chevron, a key owner of the gas field off Israel’s coast in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Half of the proceeds are expected to go to Israel’s state coffers.
  • German lawmakers approved an expansion of a defense agreement for Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system, bringing the deal value from $3.5 billion to $6.5 billion, making it the largest Israeli defense export deal ever.

Similar / Past Coverage

Hostage Remains Transferred in Gaza Ceasefire (Start of November)

Palestinian militants handed over remains of two hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed it had facilitated the transfer of the remains as a 'neutral intermediary.'

Kazakhstan to Join Abraham Accords; Trump Hosts Central Asian Summit (Start of November)

Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords between Israel and Muslim majority countries. Proof: "Kazakhstan is set to join the Abraham Accords between Israel and Muslim majority countries"

Indian Air Force hosts Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with Russian Federation Aerospace Force

[Russian Federation]

Key Updates:

  • Exercise AviaIndra-2025 is being hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) from 15 to 22 December.
  • The exercise is part of the AviaIndra series which began in 2014.
  • Personnel from both forces will conduct joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters.
  • The exercise aims to enhance bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and aerospace synergy between India and Russia.

Similar / Past Coverage

India withdraws from Ayni airbase in Tajikistan after bilateral agreement ends (Start of November)

India withdrew from the Ayni airbase in Tajikistan after a bilateral agreement on stationing Indian personnel ended in 2022 The base had a detachment of IAF helicopters, a repair facility and maintenance equipment

India issues NOTAM for large-scale IAF exercise across Northeast (Start of November)

NOTAMs issued for IAF exercise covering entire northeastern region bordering China, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh Active NOTAM dates: November 6 & 20; December 4 & 18; January 1 & 15

India and Saudi Arabia sign Visa Waiver Agreement to boost official travels and bilateral exchanges

[Saudi Arabia]

Key Updates:

  • Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, signed the bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement.
  • The agreement covers holders of diplomatic, special and official passports and aims to facilitate official travels and boost bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
  • Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Parliament of India will soon constitute the India-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group.
  • Major General Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee from the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, met with Speaker Birla to emphasize parliamentary diplomacy and institutional collaboration.

Similar / Past Coverage

India Becomes World’s Largest Market for Large Language Model (LLM) Adoption

Key Updates:

  • India has emerged as the world’s largest and most active market for large language model (LLM) adoption, according to an analysis by Bank of America (BofA).
  • The country now leads globally in the number of users for popular AI apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity, both in terms of monthly active users (MAUs) and daily active users (DAUs).
  • India has the second-largest online population in the world, with more than 700-750 million mobile internet users who consume 20-30 GB of data a month at around $2.
  • Telcos such as Jio and Bharti Airtel are offering complimentary subscriptions to paid versions of AI apps like Gemini and Perplexity.
  • India could emerge as a testing ground for the next phase of AI, known as agentic AI, which are applications that can reason, plan and execute tasks independently.

Similar / Past Coverage

CSIR–CFTRI develops annatto-based natural colourants for dairy and food sectors

[CSIR–CFTRI]

Key Updates:

  • CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR–CFTRI) has developed a batch-type percolation technique to extract annatto dye into crystal-like form usable as water-soluble, oil-soluble or refined powder formulations.
  • A continuous power-operated annatto seed separator of 100 kg/hr input and 40 kg/hr seed output was engineered for low-cost, easy-to-fabricate pod seed separation.
  • Tailor-made water-soluble carbonate annatto formulations suit hard-boiled candies, vermicelli, gold fingers, biriyani and vegetable manchurian, while PG-based versions suit butter, cheese, biscuit cream, bakery cream, icing cream and traditional sweets like boondi laddu and motichoor laddu.
  • Forest College and Research Institute (FC & RI), Mettupalayam, has framed precision silvicultural and canopy management practices to maximise annatto seed yield under its moderate drought-tolerant, low-water requirement profile planted during June–September monsoon.

Similar / Past Coverage

WEF report flags seven deep-tech innovations set to redefine global agriculture (Start of November)

Seven deep technologies identified: generative AI, robotics, computer vision, edge IoT, CRISPR-based genome editing, nanotechnology, and satellite-enabled remote sensing ICAR’s CRISPR-edited DRR 100 rice shows 19% yield…

Thousands of dinosaur footprints discovered in Stelvio National Park (SNP)

[Stelvio National Park (SNP)]

Key Updates:

  • Thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back 210 million years have been found in a national park in northern Italy.
  • The footprints - some of which are up to 40cm (15in) in diameter - are aligned in parallel rows, and many show clear traces of toes and claws.
  • It is thought the dinosaurs were prosauropods - herbivores with long necks, small heads and sharp claws.
  • In the Triassic period - between about 250 and 201 million years ago - the wall was a tidal flat, which later became part of the Alpine chain.
  • The prosauropods, which could be up to 10m (33ft) long, walked on two legs but in some cases handprints were found in front of footprints.
  • The area is remote and not accessible by paths, so drones and remote sensing technology will be employed instead.
  • The Stelvio National Park (SNP) is located in the Fraele valley by Italy's border with Switzerland, near where the Winter Olympics will take place next year.

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Italian cooking awarded Unesco cultural heritage status (Mid of December)

Italian cooking has been awarded special cultural heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been pushing for Italy's cuisine to be…

Jammu to host first International Dangal for Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir title

[J&K]

Key Updates:

  • The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration with the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association is organising the first International Dangal at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu.
  • The Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir title bout will be open to wrestlers above 85 kg; the winner receives ₹50,000 along with the traditional Gurj and Patta.
  • Over 100 wrestlers from India and abroad, including Iran, will compete in open-category matches.

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Abbreviations and their full forms mentioned in the article (Start of November)

J&K refers to Jammu and Kashmir, as seen in 'J&K's Kishtwar'. TOI refers to Times of India, indicated by 'TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM'.

India to host inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship (Mid of December)

Over 24 countries will compete in the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9 to 14 next year, for which the venue is yet to be finalised in India. The event will see 16 men's and as many women's teams…

India tops World Anti-Doping Agency list as worst dope offender for third straight time

[World Anti-Doping Agency]

Key Updates:

  • India recorded 260 adverse analytical findings (AAFs) in 2024, the highest among nations that conducted 5,000 or more tests.
  • India's positivity rate stood at 3.6 per cent, based on 7,113 tests conducted by the National Anti-Doping Agency (Nada).
  • France tested 11,744 samples and recorded 91 anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs), a 0.8 per cent positivity rate.
  • Russia had 76 ADRVs from 10,514 samples, a 0.7 per cent rate.
  • China recorded 43 dope failures with a 0.2 per cent positivity rate from 24,214 samples.
  • The US anti-doping agency conducted 6,592 tests and had a positivity rate of 1.1 per cent.

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India elected member of Interpol Asian Committee at Singapore conference (End of September)

India was elected as a member of the Interpol Asian Committee. The election occurred during the 25th Asian Regional Conference held in Singapore.

UNEP: Global GHG emissions hit record 57.7 Gt CO2e in 2024, India posts largest jump (Start of November)

Global greenhouse-gas emissions rose 2.3 % in 2024 to a record 57.7 gigatonnes CO2 equivalent (UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025). India recorded the biggest year-on-year increase in emissions, followed by China, Russia…

Manu Bhaker wins senior women’s 25m sports pistol gold at 68th NSCC

Key Updates:

  • Manu Bhaker claimed gold in the senior women’s 25m sports pistol final with a score of 36 at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi.
  • Divya T.S. took silver with 32 hits and Anjali Choudhary secured bronze with 28 hits in the same event.
  • Simranpreet Kaur Brar won the junior women’s 25m sports pistol gold, scoring 39 in the final.

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Singapore Changi Airport named world's best international airport in 2025

[Singapore]

Key Updates:

  • Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the best international airport in the world for 2025 at India’s Best Awards, by Travel+Leisure.
  • The award was announced as part of the 14th edition of India’s Best Awards, which honours leading names in travel and hospitality based on an online voting process.
  • Readers of Travel+Leisure India’s Best Awards chose Changi for its exceptional travel experience, comfort, and facilities.

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Oman Airports First Globally to Deploy Wi-Fi 7 (Mid of November)

Oman Airports has become the first airport operator globally to roll out Wi‑Fi 7. The upgrade was introduced in partnership with Huawei and is fully operational across the country’s airports.

QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 released by Quacquarelli Symonds (Start of November)

QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026 is published by global higher-education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds. The University of Hong Kong is ranked Asia’s best university in the 2026 edition.

The Oscars to stream on YouTube starting in 2029

Key Updates:

  • The Academy Awards will begin streaming exclusively on YouTube in 2029, the latest big change in Hollywood.
  • The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement, saying that it signed a multi-year deal that will give YouTube the exclusive global rights to the Oscars until 2033.
  • The Oscars, which is planned for 15 March, has aired for a half a century on ABC.
  • ABC, which has streamed the awards since 1976, said that it was looking forward 'to the next three telecasts' it will still host.
  • Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement that the partnership will expand access to the work of the Academy to a worldwide audience.
  • YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars 'one of our essential cultural institutions' and stated the partnership would inspire a new generation of film lovers.
  • Over decades, viewership of the awards show has declined, though there was a slight uptick in 2025, with a significant number of younger viewers tuning in from cell phones and computers.
  • Warner Bros Discovery on Wednesday recommended its shareholders reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance for a rival bid from streaming giant Netflix.

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Neal Mohan named TIME's 2025 CEO of the Year (Start of December)

Neal Mohan, CEO of Google-owned YouTube, was named TIME Magazine's 2025 CEO of the Year. He took charge as YouTube CEO in 2023 after Susan Wojcicki stepped down.

PM Modi’s first-ever State Visit to Ethiopia

[Ethiopia]

Key Updates:

  • PM Modi will arrive in Ethiopia on Tuesday for his first-ever State Visit to the African nation.
  • The visit is held at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
  • Modi will address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament and meet members of the Indian diaspora.
  • Addis Ababa is hosting an Indian Prime Minister for the first time since 2011.

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International Migrants Day observed on December 18 with theme 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development'

Key Updates:

  • International Migrants Day is observed each year on December 18 to acknowledge the millions of people who leave their homes in search of safety, opportunity and dignity across borders.
  • The theme for International Migrants Day 2025 is 'My Great Story: Cultures and Development.'
  • On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated December 18 as International Migrants Day.

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World Arabic Language Day observed on December 18

Key Updates:

  • World Arabic Language Day is officially observed on December 18.
  • The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established this day in 2010.
  • On December 18, 1973, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 3190, which made Arabic the sixth official language of the organization.
  • Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people daily.
  • Arabic became the lingua franca of science, mathematics, and philosophy during the Golden Age of Islam.

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CBSE Hosts First International Sahodaya Conference in Dubai (Start of November)

"The first International and 31st Annual Conference of Sahodaya School Complexes opened today at the Grand Hyatt Dubai." "Organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education and guided by the National Education Policy…

Saudi Arabia launches 2nd ‘Global Harmony’ initiative with India Week at Riyadh Season (Start of November)

Event: Second edition of Saudi Arabia’s ‘Global Harmony’ initiative inaugurated under Riyadh Season Participants: Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and General Entertainment Authority (GEA)

Air India wins Travel + Leisure Best Domestic Airline Award

[Air India]

Key Updates:

  • Air India has been recognised as the ‘Best Domestic Airline’ at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025, for the second consecutive year.
  • The recognition is decided through a customer vote and reflects the trust placed in Air India by its patrons.
  • The award underscores the strides made by Air India in delivering an elevated product and service experience across touchpoints for millions of passengers.
  • Air India is investing significantly in modernising its fleet and enhancing customer experience, including a USD 400 million retrofit programme to refurbish existing aircraft cabins.

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Baba Kalyani wins Indian of the Year 2025 in Business category (End of November)

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, received the Indian of the Year 2025 award in the Business category at CNN-News18’s annual ceremony. He was honoured for advancing India’s “Make in India”…

UDAN Scheme Extended Beyond April 2027: 649 Routes Operationalised (End of October)

Scheme Name: UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik); Launch: October 21, 2016; first flight 27 April 2017 Objective: Regional air connectivity; 649 routes operationalised connecting 93 unserved/underserved airports, 15 heliports…