India inaugurated a new state-of-the-art Consulate building in Shanghai, its first relocation in 32 years in China’s largest commercial hub. The Chancery at the Dawning Centre, Changning District, covers 1,436.63 square metres, more than double the size of the previous facility. Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat inaugurated the building, underscoring Shanghai’s importance for India’s eastern business community. The opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of India‑China diplomatic ties. The expanded consulate is expected to enhance consular services, trade facilitation, and people-to-people exchanges, supporting ongoing efforts to expand bilateral economic and cultural ties.
New Shanghai Consulate inaugurated after 32 years.
Chancery located at Dawning Centre, Changning District (1,436.63 sqm).
Inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat.
Aligns with 75th anniversary of India‑China ties.
Aims to strengthen consular, trade, and cultural links.
Roman Gofman Named Next Mossad Chief
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Major General Roman Gofman as the next director of Mossad, who will assume the role in June 2026. The appointment signals a strategic shift, placing a career military officer without a traditional intelligence background at the agency’s helm. Gofman previously served as military secretary to Netanyahu, a role that positioned him at the centre of security and policy deliberations. The transition comes as Israel faces regional security challenges and ongoing threats, requiring experienced leadership for intelligence gathering, covert operations, and national security planning. The selection underscores continuity and adaptation within Israel’s intelligence establishment.
Roman Gofman named Mossad chief-designate; takes over June 2026.
First-time appointment of a career military officer as Mossad head.
Former military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Former Flipkart executive Jeyandran Venugopal has been appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), signaling a significant leadership shift as the retailer approaches a potential public listing. In his new role, Venugopal will work with Isha Ambani and the broader leadership team under Mukesh Ambani and Manoj Modi. He previously led product, engineering, and data functions as CPTO at Myntra and Jabong, steering scale and profitability. The appointment aligns governance with Reliance Industries' expanding retail footprint across India, as the group pursues growth, integration with fintech initiatives, and strategic long-term expansion.
Venugopal named President & CEO of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd.
Former CPTO at Myntra and Jabong prior to this role.
Position aligns with a potential upcoming public listing.
Will collaborate with Isha Ambani and Manoj Modi.
Strengthens leadership during rapid expansion of Reliance Retail.
NASA to Launch Two Balloons from Antarctica to Study Neutrinos
NASA announced plans to launch two major scientific balloons from Antarctica early December to study extreme particles that shape the universe. The PUEO mission will target ultra-high-energy neutrinos from space, while the GAPS mission searches for antimatter linked to dark matter. Flights will depart from McMurdo Station and are expected to involve long-duration circumpolar trajectories spanning several weeks. The missions aim to shed light on fundamental questions about cosmic rays, neutrinos, and antimatter, contributing to our understanding of the universe’s composition and evolution through innovative balloon-borne experiments.
NASA launching two balloons from Antarctica in early December.
PUEO studies ultra-high-energy neutrinos; GAPS searches for antimatter.
Flights originate at McMurdo Station; long-duration missions planned.
Objectives include insights into dark matter and cosmic particles.
Balloon experiments provide cost-effective, extended data collection.
Simranpreet Brar Wins 25m Pistol at ISSF World Cup Final
Simranpreet Kaur Brar won the women’s 25-meter pistol event at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in Doha, equalling the junior world record with 41 of 50 shots. The 21-year-old fired under pressure to secure gold, contributing to India’s medal tally. In the same event, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar earned silver in the men’s 50-meter rifle 3-positions with 413.3 points, finishing 0.9 behind the winner. India stood second in the overall medal standings with five medals, including two golds, two silvers, and one bronze, underscoring the country’s continued strength in shooting sports.
Brar equalled the junior world record at ISSF World Cup Final 2025.
Aishwary Tomar wins silver in men’s 50m rifle 3-positions.
India finishes with five medals overall, two golds.
Event held at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in Doha.
FC Goa Clinches AIFF Super Cup Title
FC Goa emerged champions of the AIFF Super Cup, defeating East Bengal FC in a dramatic sudden-death shootout. The win marks Goa’s third Super Cup title and their first defense of the trophy, extending a record in the competition. Manolo Marquez’s team secured a place in the next season’s AFC Champions League with the victory. The tournament, held in Goa, showcased competitive knockout football and reinforced Goa’s status as a strong footballing state in India. The win capped a successful run in India’s domestic cup competitions this season.
FC Goa wins AIFF Super Cup title against East Bengal.
Victory decided in a sudden-death shootout.
Goa secures a spot in the next season’s AFC Champions League.
Third Super Cup title for FC Goa; first time defending the title.
Tournament held in Goa.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen Wins Australian Open
Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen won the Australian Open, claiming his first major title in professional golf. He triumphed by a single shot over former British Open champion Cam Smith at Royal Melbourne. South Korea’s Kim Si-woo finished third, with South Africa’s Michael Hollick and Adam Scott also in contention. The 26-year-old’s breakthrough elevates his standing on the world tour and signals a rising era for Danish golf. The victory added a new major to his resume and heightened anticipation for his performances in upcoming global events.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen wins Australian Open—first major title.
Wins by one shot over Cam Smith at Royal Melbourne.
Kim Si-woo finishes third; Adam Scott and others contend.
Marks a rising chapter for Danish golf on the world stage.
Assam launched the Sainik Tujhe Salaam initiative to honour Armed Forces veterans aged above 90, Veer Naris, and Veer Mothers. The programme includes annual home visits by district administrations and district sainik welfare offices. The state observed Armed Forces Flag Day with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attending, highlighting the government's commitment to veteran welfare and ongoing support for their families. The scheme complements broader public welfare and veterans' outreach across Assam, aiming to sustain recognition, assist with healthcare access, and ensure dignity for beneficiaries through coordinated administrative visits and services.
Assam launches Sainik Tujhe Salaam to honor veterans over 90.
Program includes annual home visits by district administrations.
Armed Forces Flag Day observed with Governor in attendance.
Veer Naris and Veer Mothers also recognised under the scheme.
Part of broader state efforts for veteran welfare.
Milind Sathe Appointed Maharashtra Advocate General
Senior Advocate Milind Sathe has been appointed Advocate General of Maharashtra by the state government. The appointment follows the resignation of Birendra Saraf in September 2025. As AG, Sathe will represent the state government in high courts and advise on legal matters across government departments. The decision aligns with Maharashtra’s ongoing efforts to ensure robust legal advocacy and strong constitutional governance. The appointment was formalised by the state cabinet and reflects the government’s plan to maintain continuity in legal affairs during a period of administrative transition.
Milind Sathe appointed Advocate General of Maharashtra.
Appointment follows Birendra Saraf’s resignation in Sep 2025.
AG will represent Maharashtra in high courts and advise on legal matters.
Part of broader efforts to ensure governance continuity.
DRDO Transfers Seven Indigenous Technologies to Armed Forces
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over seven indigenous technologies to the Indian Armed Forces in December 2025. The transfer supports the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which promotes domestic defence innovations by helping Indian industry, including MSMEs and start-ups. The event also approved 12 new projects spanning strategic, aerospace, naval, and electronic warfare (EW) domains, reflecting India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence. The TDF scheme aims to reduce reliance on imports and accelerate the fielding of frontline capabilities. The ceremony highlighted ongoing collaborations between DRDO and industry to bolster national security and strategic autonomy.
DRDO transfers seven indigenous technologies to armed forces.
Part of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
12 new projects approved across multiple defence domains.
Aims to reduce defence imports and boost self-reliance.
Strengthens collaboration with MSMEs and start-ups.
Ritu Raj Sinha, Managing Director of Tata Steel Utility Infrastructure and Services Ltd (TS UISL) in Jamshedpur, died unexpectedly at the age of 58. Appointed MD in November 2022, Sinha led urban infrastructure initiatives, including sanitation, waste management, and civic facilities, contributing to notable enhancements in public services. His leadership coincided with improved municipal outcomes, including Jamshedpur’s Swachh Survekshan rankings in 2024‑25. Sinha previously served as chief of corporate administration at Tata Steel, adding strategic depth to urban projects. His passing is a significant loss for the Tata group’s infrastructure arm and broader urban development in the city.
Ritu Raj Sinha dies at age 58; MD since November 2022.
Led TS UISL’s urban infrastructure projects.
Contributed to improved sanitation and civic facilities.
Under his tenure, Jamshedpur performed well in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25.
Former Tata Steel executive with broad corporate experience.
Bodhi Day 2025 was observed on 8 December by Buddhist communities around the world. The day commemorates Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, marking a turning point in Buddhist history. Observances focus on meditation, reflection, and compassion as pathways to liberation. The festival emphasizes the spread of wisdom and the practice of mindfulness across diverse communities. Schools, temples, and cultural groups held ceremonies, lectures, and community gatherings to honor the spiritual milestone and its enduring relevance in many traditions today.
Bodhi Day observed on 8 December 2025.
Commemorates Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
Focus on meditation, compassion, and wisdom.
Ceremonies and lectures held at temples and communities.
Fino Payments Bank to Convert to Small Finance Bank
Fino Payments Bank has become the first payments bank to secure in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to convert into a Small Finance Bank (SFB). The decision marks a milestone for India's financial inclusion strategy, allowing Fino to expand its operations beyond the limits applicable to payments banks. The RBI's approval comes after nearly two years since Fino submitted its application under the RBI's on-tap licensing guidelines for SFBs. Payments banks aim to serve small businesses, migrant workers, and low-income households but face restrictions on deposits above Rs 2 lakh per customer, and on lending and foreign exchange dealings. An SFB will broaden Fino's lending, deposits, and services for underserved segments including small farmers and micro-enterprises.
RBI grants in-principle approval for Fino to convert to an SFB.
First payments bank to receive such approval under on-tap licensing.
Conversion will expand deposit and lending capabilities.
Payments banks face Rs 2 lakh per-customer deposit cap and FX limits.
Targeted focus remains on underserved segments like small farmers.
SEBI Launches SWAGAT-FI for Trusted Foreign Investors
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched SWAGAT-FI, a Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors. The framework will merge the registration processes of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) to reduce entry barriers and repetitive compliance. It aims to streamline onboarding, KYC, and ongoing compliance as India positions itself as a premier global investment hub. Enforcement of SWAGAT-FI is planned from 1 June 2026. The reform seeks to attract low-risk foreign investment while maintaining market integrity and investor protections through a simplified, unified access point.
SWAGAT-FI merges FPI and FVCI registrations.
Aims to streamline onboarding and compliance for foreign investors.
Enforcement date set for 1 June 2026.
Intended to boost India’s appeal as an investment hub.
Balances ease of access with investor protection measures.
Tamil Nadu Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025 Unveiled
Tamil Nadu unveiled Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025 to attract investments and diversify domestic toy production. The policy targets both local and global toy makers to establish high-end manufacturing in the state, including electromechanical toys. To qualify for a special incentive package, projects must involve investments above Rs 50 crore and create at least 50 jobs, with eligibility to be met within a standard three-year investment period. The scheme includes infrastructure support, training, and market-access measures to foster a domestic toy ecosystem and boost local employment while positioning Tamil Nadu as a regional manufacturing hub.
Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025 announced in Tamil Nadu.
Incentives for projects > Rs 50 crore and 50 jobs.
Three-year achievement window for investment commitments.
Policy focuses on high-end toy manufacturing and local employment.
Aims to attract both domestic and international toy makers.
Dr. Renuka Iyer Appointed NCCN Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Renuka Iyer has been appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), with effect from 26 February 2026. She is a renowned oncologist with over 20 years of experience in academic medicine, research, and clinical practice, including work in gastrointestinal cancers and rare tumours. NCCN, a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers in the United States, publishes evidence-based guidelines used by clinicians worldwide. Dr. Iyer’s appointment marks a leadership transition for a major organisation that drives cancer-care standards and education, reflecting ongoing efforts to advance oncology practice and patient outcomes globally.
Dr. Renuka Iyer named NCCN Chief Medical Officer.
Appointment effective 26 February 2026; extensive oncology background.
NCCN develops widely used cancer care guidelines.
Over 20 years’ experience in academic medicine and research.
Leadership change at a major international oncology body.
UNESCO ICH Meeting in Delhi for Intangible Heritage
India is hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-governmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8 to 13 December 2025 at Red Fort, New Delhi. The six-day event reviews nominations and existing elements, and offers international assistance for safeguarding intangible heritage. India has nominated Diwali, the festival of lights, for inscription on the UNESCO ICH List this year. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat noted independent evaluations supported the proposal, with discussions centered on safeguarding living cultural traditions and promoting global appreciation of India’s heritage. The session fosters international cooperation in preservation efforts.
20th session of UNESCO ICH held in New Delhi, 8–13 December 2025.
Diwali nominated for UNESCO ICH inscription.
Event at Red Fort; aims to safeguard intangible heritage.
Independent evaluations reviewed the Diwali nomination.
India hosts a platform for international heritage collaboration.
Vijayawada hosted the third edition of the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Carnatic music festival in December 2025. The Union Ministries of Tourism and Culture, along with Sangeet Natak Akademi and Andhra Pradesh Tourism, supported the event to celebrate Telugu music traditions, promote music tourism, and support artisans. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh inaugurated the festival with senior officials in attendance. The festival showcased regional talent and highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, while positioning the city as a growing hub for Carnatic music and cultural tourism.
Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam festival held in Vijayawada (Dec 2025).
Festival supports Telugu music traditions and tourism.
Inaugurated by Kandula Durgesh; officials present.
Highlights regional Carnatic music and artisanship.
Strengthens Vijayawada’s cultural tourism profile.
IGNCA Launches Abhijeet Joag’s Book on Indian Identity
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) launched Abhijeet Joag’s book Bharat: That Is India – Reclaiming Our Real Identity in New Delhi. The event was attended by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and IGNCA Trust President Ram Bahadur Rai. The author argues that India’s sense of nationhood arises from an ancient cultural consciousness that predates the modern nation-state, emphasising dharma and the continuity of Indian thought. The book contributes to scholarly discourse on national identity and cultural heritage, inviting readers to reflect on historical narratives and how they shape contemporary discussions about India’s place in the world.
Abhijeet Joag’s Bharat: That Is India launched at IGNCA.
Event attended by Governor Khan and IGNCA officials.
Book argues for ancient cultural consciousness shaping nationhood.
Highlights dharma and continuity of Indian intellectual traditions.
Adds to public discourse on India’s cultural identity.
IBA India Litigation and ADR Symposium in New Delhi
The International Bar Association (IBA) hosted the Fourth IBA India Litigation and ADR Symposium in December 2025 at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. The event gathered leading Indian and international legal professionals to discuss developments in law, justice, arbitration, white-collar crime, and digital regulation. Presented by the India Working Group of the IBA Asia Pacific Regional Forum and supported by IBA committees, the symposium offered practical insights into dispute resolution and evolving legal standards. Participants explored how evolving governance, technology, and cross-border issues shape litigation and arbitration practices in India and beyond.
Fourth IBA India Litigation and ADR Symposium held in New Delhi.
Participants include Indian and international legal experts.
Topics cover arbitration, digital regulation, and governance.
Organised by IBA Asia Pacific and India Working Group.
Provides practical insights into dispute resolution trends.