US Launches Hawkeye Strike After ISIS-Killing of Americans in Syria
The United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike against Islamic State fighters in Syria following the deaths of two American soldiers earlier this month. President Donald Trump described the retaliation as very serious and ordered actions against those responsible for the killings. The operation underscores Washington’s intent to deter ISIS and protect American personnel in the region. Official statements emphasised accountability and commitment to regional stability, with continued monitoring of evolving security threats in Syria and surrounding areas. The development follows recent U.S. military activity and public statements stressing counterterrorism objectives.
US launches Hawkeye Strike targeting ISIS fighters in Syria.
Retaliation cited for Americans’ deaths earlier in the month.
President Trump characterized the action as very serious retaliation.
Policy cites deterrence and regional stability objectives.
Shashwat Sharma Named Airtel India MD & CEO; Gopal Vittal to Executive Vice Chairman
Bharti Airtel announced a leadership transition with Shashwat Sharma named Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel India, effective 1 January 2026. The appointment, approved by the Airtel board, marks a key step in succession planning and strategic restructuring at the senior management level. Sharma will lead Airtel India's operations, product strategy, and market execution across the consumer and enterprise segments. Gopal Vittal, currently Vice Chairman and Managing Director, will become Executive Vice Chairman, and will continue as a whole-time director for five years from January 2026, subject to shareholder approval. The changes aim to ensure leadership continuity while sharpening focus on long‑term strategy and governance.
Shashwat Sharma appointed MD & CEO of Airtel India, effective January 1, 2026.
Approval by Airtel board signals formal succession planning.
Gopal Vittal moves to Executive Vice Chairman role; retains as whole-time director for five years.
Transition subj. to shareholder approval; emphasis on long-term strategy and governance.
Hurun Rich List 2025: Deepinder Goyal Tops India’s Self-Made Entrepreneurs
The Hurun Rich List 2025 ranks India’s wealthiest self-made entrepreneurs, with Deepinder Goyal, founder and chief executive of Eternal (formerly Zomato), topping the list. Goyal overtakes Radhakishan Damani of DMart, highlighting the growing influence of digital startups. The top three are completed by Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal of InterGlobe Aviation, whose company is valued at about ₹2.2 lakh crore. Several well-known startup founders from Razorpay, Zerodha, and Dream11 dropped out of the top ten, reflecting ongoing valuation volatility in India’s startup ecosystem and shifting wealth dynamics amid rapid tech-led growth.
Deepinder Goyal tops Hurun Rich List 2025 among self-made Indians.
Goyal leads ahead of Radhakishan Damani of DMart.
InterGlobe Aviation founders Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal among the top three.
Several startup founders from Razorpay, Zerodha, and Dream11 dropped out of top ten.
RBI MPC Minutes Point to More Rate Cuts in 2026
The Monetary Policy Committee's December 2025 minutes indicate scope for further policy easing in 2026 due to a slowing economy and subdued inflation. The central bank had cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December 2025, bringing the total easing to 125 basis points for the year. GDP growth projection for FY2026 was raised to 7.3% from 6.8%, with H1 2026 growth expected to be around 6.7–6.8%. The committee maintained a neutral stance, while one member urged a more accommodative policy. External risks, including U.S. tariffs, remain a consideration.
MPC December 2025 minutes hint at further cuts in 2026.
Repo rate lowered to 5.25% in December 2025; 125 bps in 2025.
FY2026 GDP growth projected at 7.3%; H1 around 6.7–6.8%.
Neutral stance; one member favored more accommodation.
India A Defeats India Senior in Physical Disability T20 Series Final
In the Physical Disability T20 series, India A defeated India Senior in the third and final match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. India A posted 164 for eight in 20 overs after choosing to bat, with Akash Sanap contributing 32, Prasad Chavan 31, and Jitendra VN 25. For India Senior, Sunny Goyal took 3-17 and Imran Khan 2-49 as leading bowlers. The series marked a historic initiative to showcase adaptive cricket and inclusivity, reflecting broader efforts to promote sports for persons with disabilities at the national level. The win capped a competitive series and highlighted emerging talent in a new format.
India A beat India Senior in the final at Wankhede Stadium.
India A scored 164/8 in 20 overs; key contributions: Sanap, Chavan, Jitendra.
Leading bowlers: Sunny Goyal (3-17), Imran Khan (2-49).
Series marks a historic step for adaptive cricket in India.
Jharkhand Win Maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26
Jharkhand clinched the maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title for the 2025–26 season, defeating Haryana by 69 runs in the final at Pune. A dominant batting display from Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra propelled Jharkhand to a strong total, with Kishan scoring a blistering century and Kushagra contributing a brisk fifty-plus. The victory marks a milestone for Jharkhand in domestic cricket and adds momentum to the state’s cricketing prowess. The win is celebrated as a landmark achievement for the team and its supporters, reinforcing the rising profile of Jharkhand in India’s domestic circuit.
Jharkhand wins maiden SMAT title in 2025–26 season.
Final vs Haryana held in Pune; decisive 69-run win.
Ishan Kishan scored a century; Kushagra contributed a quick fifty-plus.
Marks a milestone for Jharkhand’s domestic cricket journey.
Jharkhand Clinched The Maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025
Jharkhand scripted history by winning their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title in the 2025–26 season. Led by a sensational batting display from Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra. Jharkhand defeated Haryana by 69 runs in the final held at Pune, marking a landmark moment in the state's domestic cricket journey.
The 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was the 18th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, an annual Twenty20 tournament in India.
Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates India’s 1st Nature-Themed Airport Terminal in Guwahati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport terminal in Guwahati, billed as the largest terminal in Northeast India. Built at about ₹4,000 crore, the facility is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and regional growth. The design draws on the region’s cultural and natural heritage, with interiors showcasing bamboo textures and rare orchids under the theme 'Bamboo Orchids'. The terminal is seven times larger than the previous facility and aims to accommodate rising passenger traffic and improve efficiency. The project aligns with broader infrastructure expansion plans for the Northeast and downstream economic opportunities.
PM Modi inaugurated Guwahati's new LGBI Airport terminal.
Cost around ₹4,000 crore; claimed largest terminal in Northeast India.
Design inspired by Northeast culture; 'Bamboo Orchids' theme.
Terminal is seven times larger than the old facility; targets higher traffic.
Union Govt Releases over Rs. 94 Cr under 15th Finance Commission Grants to Uttarakhand
The Union Government has released over 94 Crore rupees under the 15th Finance Commission Grants to Rural Local Bodies of Uttarakhand. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj today informed that the second installment of United Grants, amounting to over 9,410 crore rupees for 13 District Panchayats, 95 Block Panchayats, and 7,784 thousand Gram Panchayats has been distributed. Additionally, over 13 lakh rupees, representing the withheld portion of the first installment of United Grants for the financial year of 2025-26, have been released to 15 Gram Panchayats. The Ministry of Finance subsequently releases these grants in two instalments each financial year.
PM Modi, WHO Chief Inaugurate WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in Delhi (20)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office complex in the national capital during the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
The newly inaugurated complex will also house the WHO India Country Office, marking a significant milestone in India's partnership with the World Health Organisation and strengthening regional and global health cooperation.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister released the WHO technical report on training in Yoga and unveiled the book "From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush."
Diaspro Intech Unveils MARICHIKA, Portable SAR Image Disrupter
Diaspro Intech Private Limited, Noida, unveiled MARICHIKA, described as the world's first portable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image disrupter. This electronic warfare (EW) system counters adversaries' ability to obtain high-resolution radar imagery under adverse conditions. MARICHIKA’s portability enables rapid deployment at forward or temporary locations, offering flexible denial of reconnaissance. By disrupting SAR processing, the system can blur radar imagery without revealing its own presence in many scenarios. The company positions MARICHIKA as a milestone in modern EW, providing a portable capability to protect critical assets and sensitive installations in diverse environments.
MARICHIKA announced as world's first portable SAR image disrupter.
Portable EW system disrupts SAR processing; enhances mobility.
Useful for rapid deployment at forward or temporary sites.
Aims to counter adversaries’ high-resolution radar reconnaissance.
Haryana Assembly Passes Resolution on Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Year
On the opening day of the winter session, the Haryana Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru. Speaker Nayab Singh Saini announced the decision, citing the Guru’s life as a symbol of truth and human dignity. The government emphasised the enduring importance of his teachings for civilisational values and social harmony. The resolution aligns with state efforts to promote cultural and religious heritage, while encouraging inclusive education and public remembrance of historical figures who shaped Indian civilisation.
Haryana Assembly unanimously passes Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom milestone resolution.
Speaker Nayab Singh Saini announced the decision during winter session.
Resolution highlights values of truth, righteousness, and dignity.
Supports cultural heritage and inclusive public remembrance.
International Human Solidarity Day Observed Globally on December 20, 2025
International Human Solidarity Day is observed globally on 20 December each year to highlight unity and cooperation for social and economic progress. The United Nations established the observance through the 60/209 resolution in 2005, creating the World Solidarity Fund to combat poverty and promote shared development. The 2025 theme is Solidarity for Sustainable Development: Uniting Communities for a Shared Future. Governments, civil society, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate across sectors to reduce inequalities and enhance dignity. The day emphasizes practical actions to support human development and resilience in communities nationwide and worldwide.
International Solidarity Day observed on December 20, 2025.
UN resolution 60/209 (2005) established the observance.
Theme: Solidarity for Sustainable Development: Uniting Communities for a Shared Future.
Calls for cross-sector collaboration to reduce inequalities.
Jharkhand Passes Gig Workers Welfare Bill; Board to Oversee Welfare
The Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2025, secured assent from the governor and will become law after gazette notification. Passed during the monsoon session, the Bill enables formation of a Gig Workers’ Welfare Board with the labour department minister as ex-officio chairman and the secretary plus five members serving for three years. The measure aims to bring gig workers under a single platform to improve welfare and security. Officials emphasised that the Board will coordinate registration, welfare schemes, and social protection measures for workers operating on digital platforms within Jharkhand.
Governor gave assent to the Jharkhand Gig Workers Welfare Bill, 2025.
Bill creates a Gig Workers Welfare Board; membership for three years.
Labour minister named ex-officio chairman; gazette notification required for Act.
Aims to improve welfare and security for gig workers on digital platforms.
UP to Establish North India’s First Forest University in Gorakhpur
On 18 December 2025, Uttar Pradesh announced the establishment of North India’s first Forest University in Gorakhpur. The project will focus on forestry, wildlife conservation, climate science, and environmental technology, with about 125 acres of land identified near the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre. The state aims to invest around ₹500 crore in the project and works with central authorities for approvals. The university will train professionals for forest departments, promote biodiversity research, and support sustainable forest management and wildlife conservation. The initiative aligns with national goals on climate resilience and ecological protection.
Announcement dated 18 December 2025; Gorakhpur site identified.
125 acres near Jatayu Conservation Centre; ₹500 crore budget.
Aims to train professionals and advance biodiversity research.
Direct Tax Collections Up 8% YoY Through December 17, 2025
India’s direct tax collections rose 8% year-on-year from April 1 to December 17, 2025, with net direct tax receipts around ₹17 trillion and gross receipts about ₹20 trillion. Tax refunds totaled roughly ₹3 trillion in this period. Corporate tax collections grew by about 10.5%, while personal income tax, trusts, and securities rose by over 6%. Despite earlier tax cuts in February 2025, officials remain confident of reaching the full-year target of ₹25.2 trillion by 31 March 2026. The data reflect improving tax administration, stronger corporate activity, and steady collections amid macroeconomic headwinds.
Net direct tax receipts approx. ₹17 trillion; gross ₹20 trillion.
Refunds around ₹3 trillion; period: Apr 1–Dec 17, 2025.
Corporate tax +10.5%; personal taxes +6+%.
Full-year target: ₹25.2 trillion; optimism on revenue.
India to Get Its First Forest University in Gorakhpur
India plans its first Forest University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, to advance forestry, wildlife conservation, and environmental sciences. The project aims to train professionals for forest departments, conduct biodiversity and climate research, and support sustainable forest management. It would focus on agroforestry and environmental biotechnology while strengthening biodiversity protection. The university is expected to be located near the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, with collaboration between state and central authorities to facilitate approvals and implementation. The initiative underscores India’s emphasis on conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development through specialized higher education.
First Forest University planned for Gorakhpur, UP.
Singapore’s Changi Airport Named World’s Best in 2025
Singapore’s Changi Airport was voted the world’s best international airport in 2025 at Travel + Leisure’s India’s Best Awards. Readers praised overall travel experience, comfort, and facilities, including sky-lit interiors, indoor gardens and attractions like the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and butterfly gardens. The award, part of the 14th edition of India’s Best Awards, recognises excellence in airport design and passenger experience. Changi’s consistently strong performance in transit efficiency, amenities, and service levels contributed to its top ranking, reinforcing Singapore as a global hub for air travel and tourism.
Changi Airport named world’s best international airport for 2025.
Awarded by Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards.
Praise for transit experience, interiors, gardens, and attractions.
Karnataka Passes India’s First Anti-Hate Speech Law
The Karnataka Assembly passed the country’s first anti-hate speech legislation, the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, in December 2025. The law prescribes penalties including fines up to ₹1 lakh and jail terms up to seven years for repeated offences. Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the pre‑existing ten‑year repetition period was reduced to seven years. The bill defines hate speech as expressions that incite injury, disharmony, or enmity against individuals or communities and seeks to balance free speech with public order. The passage signals a major shift in India’s approach to regulating hate speech while addressing concerns about safety and social harmony.
Karnataka passes first anti-hate speech law in India.
Penalties: up to ₹1 lakh fine, up to seven years’ imprisonment for repeated offences.
Definition includes speech that incites enmity or hatred; focus on public order.
Government cites balance between free speech and safety.
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