Prime Minister Modi receives Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred Ethiopia’s highest national honour, The Great Nishan of Ethiopia, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to India–Africa relations. The award, presented during a ceremony in Addis Ababa, marks a historic moment as Modi becomes the first global head of state to receive the honour. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali presented the award, highlighting strengthening bilateral ties and shared strategic interests. The honour underscores growing partnership and collaboration between India and Africa across trade, development, and regional security initiatives.
Modi awarded The Great Nishan of Ethiopia.
Ceremony held in Addis Ababa; presented by PM Abiy Ahmed Ali.
Modi first global head of state to receive the honour.
Recognises leadership and India–Africa partnership.
Significance for bilateral diplomacy and strategic ties.
Ukraine signals willingness to drop NATO bid in exchange for security guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated willingness to drop Ukraine’s bid to join NATO if Western allies provide stronger security guarantees. Speaking during talks with United States and European envoys, Zelenskyy said security assurances could bolster deterrence against Russia while he stressed that Ukraine would not concede territory. The comments come amid ongoing negotiations and international diplomacy aimed at ending the war. The discussion highlights the balancing act between alliance membership and tangible security commitments from Western partners.
Zelenskyy open to pausing NATO bid for guarantees.
Conditions discussed with US and European envoys.
Ukraine seeks stronger security assurances, not territory concessions.
Significant moment in ongoing diplomacy over NATO membership.
Implications for future security architecture in Europe.
India signs 27 agreements to combat drug trafficking; MoU with 19 countries
India has signed bilateral agreements with 27 countries and a memorandum of understanding with 19 countries to strengthen cooperation against illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said the government coordinates with international bodies such as BRICS, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and SCO to share information and intelligence. The Narcotics Control Bureau will lead joint operations, study best practices, and enhance cross-border enforcement. The agreements underscore India’s commitment to reducing trafficking, protecting public health, and supporting regional and global security through better information exchange and coordinated action.
27 bilateral agreements and 19 MoUs on drug trafficking cooperation.
NCB coordinates with BRICS, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and SCO.
Aims: information sharing, joint operations, and enforcement.
Focus on reducing illicit trafficking and protecting public health.
Strengthens India’s role in regional security cooperation.
NHAI unveils wildlife-safe road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) debuted India’s first wildlife-safe road feature on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh. The stretch includes table-top red road markings designed to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions as the route passes through Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve. The 11.96-kilometre section between Hiran and Sindoor lies about 60 kilometres from Jabalpur and traverses dense forest habitats. The initiative demonstrates a balance between road development and conservation, offering a potential model for wildlife-friendly infrastructure across India and encouraging drivers to slow down in ecologically sensitive zones.
Table-top red road markings deployed on NH-45, MP.
Aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions near protected areas.
Passes through Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
11.96 km stretch between Hiran and Sindoor; ~60 km from Jabalpur.
Represents wildlife-friendly infrastructure in India.
Miyana railway station receives National Energy Conservation Award 2025
Miyana Railway Station in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, was honoured with the National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2025. The award recognises energy efficiency and sustainable operations at railway stations. The National Energy Conservation Award is conferred by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power. The recognition underscores the contribution of Indian Railways to energy savings, cost efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The award highlights best practices in energy management, operations, and infrastructure improvements across major rail nodes, supporting national goals for energy efficiency.
Miyana Railway Station awarded NECA 2025.
Award presented by the President; BEE involvement.
Recognises energy efficiency in railway operations.
Supports India’s energy conservation and sustainability goals.
Uttar Pradesh tops India in crypto investment in 2025
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s top state for cryptocurrency adoption in 2025, leading in total invested value according to CoinSwitch’s India’s Crypto Portfolio 2025 report. UP accounted for 13 per cent of India’s total crypto invested value, the highest share among states. It was followed by Maharashtra at 12.1 per cent and Karnataka at 7.9 per cent. The report notes a shift in digital asset activity, with smaller cities and non-metro regions driving growth beyond traditional financial hubs. The data illustrate a broadening base of crypto participation, widening geographic spread across the country.
UP leads with 13% of India’s total crypto invested value in 2025.
Maharashtra 12.1%, Karnataka 7.9% follow.
Growth driven by non-metro regions and smaller cities.
Indicates broader geographic participation in crypto markets.
IDFC FIRST Bank launches Global Savings Account in USD and EUR for NRIs
IDFC FIRST Bank launched the IDFC FIRST Global Savings Account in USD and EUR, offered through GIFT City, Gujarat, for Non-Resident Indians. The account targets internationally mobile customers who want to hold, save, and remit funds in foreign currency without conversion risks or cross-border banking friction. The product aims to simplify foreign currency holdings and reduce costs associated with currency exchange. The Global Savings Account complements IDFC FIRST Bank’s existing NRI services and seeks to attract clients with a diversified currency portfolio and streamlined remittance options.
Global Savings Account available in USD and EUR.
Distributed via GIFT City, Gujarat for NRIs.
No currency conversion risks; reduced cross-border friction.
Targets internationally mobile customers with foreign currency needs.
India plans Maitri II: Antarctic research station to be completed by 2032
India plans to establish Maitri II, a next-generation research station in East Antarctica, with a target completion year of 2032. Maitri II will replace Maitri I (operational since 1989) and feature an all-weather facility with modern laboratories and enhanced logistics. The new station aims to support climate studies, glaciology, and environmental monitoring with advanced data collection capabilities. The project reflects India’s long-term commitment to polar science, international collaboration, and sustainable operations in extreme conditions, while expanding the country’s capacity for year-round scientific research in the Antarctic region.
Maitri II targeted for 2032 completion.
East Antarctica location; Maitri I (1989) being replaced.
All-weather facility with modern labs and logistics.
Focus on climate science, glaciology, and environmental monitoring.
Strengthens India’s long-term polar research presence.
IIT Kanpur partners with Unicorn Incubator for UpStart 2025 in Korea
IIT Kanpur’s Entrepreneurship Cell partnered with Unicorn Incubator, a South Korean firm, to bring UpStart 2025, its flagship business model pitching competition, to the Korean Peninsula. The event was held in Seoul at KITA Startup Space, COEX, and hosted 12 start-ups, with participation from Indian Startup India delegates and investors. Evify, a regional winner, joined the Indian delegation at the international venue. The collaboration aims to provide mentorship, resources, and global market exposure to early-stage founders, strengthening cross-border innovation ecosystems and supporting Indian tech entrepreneurship on a global stage.
IIT Kanpur partners with Unicorn Incubator for UpStart 2025.
Event held in Seoul, South Korea (KITA Startup Space, COEX).
12 start-ups participated; Evify among winners.
Strengthens cross-border mentorship and investment links.
Supports global exposure for Indian tech entrepreneurs.
58th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2025 kicks off at IIT Madras
The 58th Inter IIT Sports Meet 2025 began at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, running from 14 to 21 December 2025. IIT Madras hosts the event with IIT Hyderabad and IIT Tirupati as co-hosts. The opening ceremony featured Indian international cricketer Sai Sudharsan as Chief Guest, while Muin Bek Hafeez and Sridharan Sriram served as Guests of Honour. Athletes from all IITs compete across multiple sports during a week-long programme. The meet showcases emerging young talent and fosters national sports camaraderie among engineering institutes.
Inter IIT Sports Meet 2025 held at IIT Madras (Dec 14–21).
Co-hosts: IIT Hyderabad and IIT Tirupati.
Opening ceremony: Sai Sudharsan as Chief Guest.
Guests of Honour: Sridharan Sriram and Muin Bek Hafeez.
Event promotes talent and inter-institute competition.
Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma become joint top uncapped IPL 2026 buys
In the IPL 2026 auction, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma emerged as the joint most expensive uncapped players, both valued at Rs 14.20 crore. Veer, a 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, rose to prominence through performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Sharma, an all-rounder from a different Indian state, attracted interest from major franchises. The auction underscored the growing importance of domestic talent in shaping franchise strategies and financial planning for the league. Teams emphasized potential for immediate impact and long-term development of young players.
Both players fetched Rs 14.20 crore each in IPL 2026 auction.
Prashant Veer: 20-year-old left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from UP.
Gained prominence via Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performances.
Kartik Sharma: joint top uncapped buy with Veer.
Highlights the value of domestic talent in IPL economics.
FIFA Best Awards 2025 announced in Doha
FIFA announced the Best Awards 2025 in Doha, recognizing global football excellence. Ousmane Dembélé was named The Best men’s player for 2025, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed The Best women’s player. Sarina Wiegman received The Best women’s coach, and Hannah Hampton was named The Best goalkeeper. Luis Enrique was named The Best men’s coach. The ceremony also presented the Puskás Award and the Marta Award to standout performers. The event celebrated performances across the year, highlighting the depth of talent in both men’s and women’s football and the impact of coaches and keepers.
Dembélé named The Best men’s player 2025.
Bonmatí named The Best women’s player 2025.
Wiegman: The Best women’s coach; Hampton: Best GK.
Luis Enrique: The Best men’s coach.
Puskás and Marta awards announced alongside main honours.
B. Sairam appointed CMD of Coal India; takes charge 15 December 2025
Coal India Limited appointed B. Sairam as its Chairman-cum-Managing Director, with effect from 15 December 2025. He succeeds Sanoj Kumar Jha, who held the post in an additional capacity since 1 November 2025 after the superannuation of former CMD P. M. Prasad on 31 October 2025. Sairam has over 35 years of experience in the coal sector, including mine operations, planning, logistics and regulatory affairs. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining from National Institute of Technology, Raipur, and an MBA in energy management from NTPC School of Business. Previously, he served as Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited, another arm of CIL. His appointment signals leadership renewal and a focus on safety and efficiency.
Appointed CMD of Coal India Limited; effective 15 December 2025.
Sanoj Kumar Jha held the post on an acting basis since 1 November 2025.
Preceded the retirement of former CMD P. M. Prasad on 31 October 2025.
B. Sairam has 35+ years of coal industry experience.
Educational background: B.E. in Mining (NIT Raipur) and MBA in energy management (NTPC School of Business).
Former Director (Technical) at Central Coalfields Limited.
The Indian Navy commissioned INAS 335 (Ospreys), its second squadron of MH-60R multi-role helicopters, on 17 December 2025 at INS Hansa, Goa. The ceremony was led by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and attended by senior naval officers. The squadron strengthens maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue capabilities, contributing to enhanced regional security and readiness. This development mirrors ongoing modernization of the Navy’s aviation arm and expands operational reach along India’s western seaboard and beyond.
INAS 335 (Ospreys) commissioned on 17 December 2025.
Location: INS Hansa, Goa; Chief of Naval Staff presided.
MH-60R multi-role helicopters form the squadron.
Enhances maritime patrol, ASW, and SAR capabilities.
Advances naval aviation modernization.
Quad nations conclude first Field Training Exercise for disaster response
The Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—completed their first-ever Field Training Exercise focused on strengthening a shared logistics network for rapid civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific. Conducted at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on the sidelines of Operation Christmas Drop in December 2025, the exercise tested coordination and interoperability among the four countries. The initiative, known as the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPL N), seeks faster, coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Officials highlighted improved cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and joint operational readiness in response to natural disasters.
Quad Field Training Exercise completed in December 2025.
Participants: Australia, India, Japan, United States.
Location: Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; tied to Operation Christmas Drop.
Focus: shared logistics for civilian disaster response.
Aims: improve interoperability and rapid relief coordination.
Filmfare OTT Awards 2025: notable winners announced
The Filmfare OTT Awards 2025, held in Mumbai on 16 December 2025, honoured the best performances and productions from India’s streaming platforms. The ceremony highlighted crime thrillers, social dramas, and comedies and celebrated digital storytelling. Vikramaditya Motwane’s Black Warrant dominated several categories, while Paatal Lok Season 2 received critics’ accolades. The evening also recognized performances across acting, directing, and technical crafts in web series and original films. The awards underscore the growing prestige and influence of OTT content within India’s entertainment landscape, reflecting new viewing habits and industry investment in streaming formats.
Filmfare OTT Awards 2025 held in Mumbai on 16 Dec.
Black Warrant: major winner across categories.
Paatal Lok Season 2: critics’ honours.
Awards span acting, directing and technical crafts.
Signifies rising prestige of OTT content in India.
Raj Kumar Goyal appointed Chief Information Commissioner
President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Raj Kumar Goyal, former IAS officer, as the Chief Information Commissioner of the Central Information Commission in December 2025. The swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P. K. Mishra, and Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh. The CIC oversees information access and transparency in government. Goyal’s appointment follows a lengthy civil service career, with responsibilities including ensuring timely responses to Right to Information requests and strengthening accountability in federal governance.
Raj Kumar Goyal sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner.
Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan; December 2025.
Attendees included Vice-President and PM Secretary.
CIC responsibilities: access to information and transparency.
Goyal’s background: career IAS officer.
Bihar approves Saat Nishchay-3 programme for 2025-30
The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar approved the Saat Nishchay-3 programme for 2025-30. The plan foregrounds double employment and double income; prosperous industries; agricultural progress; quality education; accessible healthcare; and ease of living as core pillars. Bihar seeks to build on Saat Nishchay-1 and Saat Nishchay-2, expanding the development-with-justice approach. The cabinet decision aims to accelerate investment, boost job opportunities, and advance social and physical infrastructure across the state. Officials emphasized inclusive growth, with a focus on rural uplift, urban development, and improved public service delivery.
Italy becomes first country with UNESCO recognition for its entire national cuisine
Italy has become the first country to receive UNESCO recognition for its entire national cuisine. In December 2025, UNESCO inscribed Italian cooking on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its living traditions that reflect culture, identity, and community life. The decision, announced during UNESCO’s cultural assembly in Delhi, covers Italy’s diverse culinary practices, including pasta, cheese, wine, desserts, and regional foods. The inscription marks a landmark moment in how food heritage is understood globally and highlights cuisine as a shared social experience rather than merely recipes or dishes.
UNESCO inscribes entire Italian national cuisine as intangible heritage.
Recognition announced during UNESCO cultural assembly in Delhi.
Covers diverse culinary traditions: pasta, cheese, wine, desserts, regional foods.
Celebrates cuisine as living cultural practice and social experience.
First time a nation's entire cuisine receives UNESCO status.
Lok Sabha passes Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025
The Lok Sabha passed the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, providing for the repeal of 71 Acts and amendments to four Acts. The repeals include the Indian Tramways Act, 1886; the Levy Sugar Price Equalisation Fund Act, 1976; and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Determination of Conditions of Service of Employees) Act, 1988. The bill also updates terminology for registered posts and amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to rectify drafting issues. The measure aims to streamline obsolete laws and modernize administrative procedures, consistent with parliamentary efficiency and governance reforms.
Repeals 71 Acts; amends 4 Acts under the bill.
Notable repeals: Indian Tramways Act, 1886; Sugar Fund Act, 1976; BPC Act, 1988.
Amends: General Clauses Act, Civil Procedure Code, and Disaster Management Act.
Updates terminology for registered posts.
Aims to simplify and modernize the legal framework.
Vedanta demerger approved by NCLT Mumbai into five entities
The Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on 17 December 2025 approved Vedanta Limited’s demerger scheme, enabling the group to reorganise into five distinct, sector-specific entities. The order, issued by Judicial Member Nilesh Sharma and Technical Member Charanjeet Singh, permits the scheme under Sections 230 to 232 of the Companies Act. The separation will involve Vedanta Aluminium Metal, Talwandi Sabo Power, Malco Energy, and Vedanta Iron and Steel, along with their shareholders and creditors. A detailed order has not yet been uploaded on the NCLT website. The move aligns with Vedanta’s corporate restructuring strategy.
NCLT Mumbai approves Vedanta demerger into five entities.
Order under Sections 230-232 of the Companies Act.
Entities include Vedanta Aluminium Metal, Talwandi Sabo Power, Malco Energy, Vedanta Iron and Steel.
Shareholders and creditors to be affected by the restructuring.
+91-85588-96644
