India Hands Over Three Quick Impact Projects to Myanmar
India has handed over three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Myanmar to support socio-economic development in the Mandalay Region. A flexible rapier loom and a modern high-tech weaving machine, both made in India, have been installed at the Saunder Weaving and Vocational Institute in Amarapura. A single-storey building for the Girls Training School in Mandalay was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur and Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung. A third QIP focuses on tar-free gasification of agricultural waste, promoting rural electrification, clean energy development, and local capacity-building.
India handed over three QIPs to Myanmar
Rapier loom and weaving machine installed in Mandalay
Girls Training School building inaugurated
Tar-free gasification project for rural energy introduced
Aims to boost vocational education and energy access
Tamil Nadu Launches Smooth-Coated Otter Conservation Initiative
Tamil Nadu launched a focused conservation initiative to protect the smooth-coated otter in the Cauvery Delta. The species is the largest otter in Asia and a key indicator of wetland health. Otter groups, called bevvies, hunt cooperatively and help regulate fish populations. The programme aims to reduce human–wildlife conflict and protect freshwater habitats, with fieldwork in river canals, tributaries, and mangrove edges where otters shelter in holts along riverbanks.
Conservation initiative for smooth-coated otters in Cauvery Delta
Otters are key wetland indicators
Otter groups called bevvies used for hunting
Program targets habitat protection and conflict reduction
Starbucks Names Anand Varadarajan as Chief Technology Officer
Starbucks has named Anand Varadarajan, an Indian-origin technology executive, as its next Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Varadarajan will assume the role on January 19 and join Starbucks' Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol. He succeeds Deb Hall Lefevre, who retired in September. A nearly two-decade veteran of Amazon, Varadarajan most recently led technology and supply chain for Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores. Earlier stints include software engineering at Oracle and work with several startups. His appointment underscores the global reach of Indian-origin tech leaders in multinational firms. The move signals continued emphasis on digital platforms, data analytics, and customer experience.
Anand Varadarajan appointed EVP & CTO of Starbucks
Takes charge January 19; reports to CEO Brian Niccol
Succeeds Deb Hall Lefevre (retired Sept)
Former Amazon tech leader with ~19 years in the company
Prior roles include Oracle software engineer and startup work
Michaela Benthaus Becomes First Wheelchair User in Space
A German paraplegic engineer, Michaela Benthaus, became the first wheelchair user to travel to space. She joined five other passengers on a Blue Origin flight from west Texas. Benthaus, who was severely injured in a mountain bike accident seven years earlier, joined with Hans Koenigsmann, a former SpaceX executive who helped organize the mission and sponsor Benthaus’s trip. The historic flight highlighted inclusive space exploration and demonstrated how adaptive technologies enable people with disabilities to participate in high-profile science missions.
Benthaus first wheelchair user in space
Blue Origin flight from West Texas
Hans Koenigsmann helped organize and sponsor
Demonstrates inclusive space exploration
James Webb Telescope Detects Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet PSR J2322-2650b
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a lemon-shaped exoplanet, PSR J2322-2650b, located about 2,000 light-years from Earth. The planet orbits a millisecond pulsar and completes an orbit every 7.8 hours at nearly one million miles from its host. Its extreme environment challenges current models of planetary formation and survival, offering a rare glimpse into planetary diversity in distant systems.
JWST detects lemon-shaped exoplanet PSR J2322-2650b
Pakistan U19 Defeats India U19 in Asia Cup Final by 191 Runs
Pakistan’s Under-19 team defeated India’s U-19 side by 191 runs in the final of the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. Pakistan posted 347/8 in 50 overs, led by opener Sameer Minhas who scored 172 off 113 balls, including a century in 71 balls. India was bowled out for 156. It was Pakistan’s second U-19 Asia Cup title and the first since 2012, marking a notable moment in junior cricket history.
Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by 191 runs
Sameer Minhas 172 off 113 balls
Pakistan 347/8 in 50 overs
India all out for 156
Sukhman Singh Wins IGU 124th Amateur Championship
Noida golfer Sukhman Singh won the IGU 124th Amateur Championship of India at the Tollygunge Club, Kolkata. He defeated Harman Sachdeva of Haryana in a 36-hole final after leading 7 up with 29 holes to play. The IGU’s championship is the world’s longest-running amateur match play event, organized by the Indian Golf Union. The win adds to India’s growing success in domestic amateur golf and showcases emerging talent from the region.
Sukhman Singh wins IGU 124th Amateur Championship
Final against Harman Sachdeva
36-hole final; 7-up lead after 29 holes
IGU’s oldest amateur match play event
Tien Becker Wins Next Gen ATP Finals in Saudi Arabia
American player Tien Becker defeated Alexander Blockx 4-3(4) 4-2 4-1 to win the Next Gen ATP Finals in Saudi Arabia. The year-end event features the eight top players aged 20 and under, using a modified scoring format designed for dynamic play. Becker claimed the title after a competitive week, highlighting the rise of young talents in men’s tennis and the shifting landscape of junior pro competition.
Former Maharashtra Minister Shalinitai Patil Passes Away at 94
Shalinitai Patil, a veteran politician and former Maharashtra minister, died at the age of 94. She was the wife of former Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil and served in various Congress governments during the 1980s. Patil rose from a Satara district council member to president of the party’s women’s wing, and she represented Sangli in the Lok Sabha as well as Koregaon in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Her long political journey reflected a steadfast commitment to public service and social work.
Shalinitai Patil died at 94
Wife of former Maharashtra CM Vasantdada Patil
Held ministerial posts in 1980s Congress governments
Represented Sangli in Lok Sabha; Koregaon MLA
Led Congress women's wing
Yatin Oza Elected President of Gujarat High Court Advocates' Association
Senior Advocate Yatin Oza was elected president of the Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association (GHCAA) for the 19th time, continuing a long leadership stint. He first became president in 1994 at age 35. The December 2025 election included five candidates. Oza has served as vice president six times and secretary once. The GHCAA coordinates the activities of Gujarat’s high court lawyers and represents their interests in professional matters and advocacy initiatives.
Yatin Oza elected GHCAA president for 19th term
First presidency in 1994 at age 35
Five candidates in the 2025 election
Oza previously served as VP six times and secretary
Shunya Se Shatak Programme Marks Vajpayee Birth Centenary in Indore
A commemorative programme titled ‘Shunya Se Shatak: Ek Shatabdi Atal Bharat Ki’ marked the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Indore. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended, alongside Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Governor Mangubhai Patel. A statue of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai was unveiled at Daily College campus. The Chief Minister announced that on December 25, Home Minister Amit Shah would lay the foundation stone and inaugurate industrial projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore in Gwalior, highlighting continuing industrial and cultural initiatives connected to Vajpayee’s legacy.
Event commemorates Vajpayee’s birth centenary
Vice President attended in Indore
Statue of Ahilyabai unveiled
Amit Shah to lay foundation stone on Dec 25 for projects in Gwalior
Industrial projects worth > Rs 2 lakh crore to be inaugurated
National Mathematics Day 2025: Theme Mathematics, Art, and Creativity
National Mathematics Day is observed on December 22 to commemorate Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s most influential mathematicians. The observance, instituted by the Government of India in 2011, aligns with the National Mathematics Year in 2012. For 2025, the theme is Mathematics, Art, and Creativity, encouraging students to explore geometry and mathematics through design and innovation. Ramanujan’s legacy continues to inspire research and education in mathematics across India. The day is a reminder of India’s long-standing mathematical heritage and ongoing emphasis on STEM education.
National Mathematics Day observed on December 22
Ramanujan’s birth anniversary
2011 government institution; 2012 National Mathematics Year
PM Unveils Rs. 10,601 Crore Fertiliser Plant in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a Rs. 10,601-crore brownfield ammonia-urea fertiliser plant in Dibrugarh district, Assam. The Assam Valley Fertilisers and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) project aims to enhance urea production by 12.7 lakh metric tonnes annually, with commissioning targeted in 2030. The plant is expected to bolster industrial progress in the region and reduce dependence on imports for fertilisers. The project aligns with broader energy and rural development goals for the northeast.
Rs. 10,601 crore fertiliser plant foundation in Assam
AVFCCL project aims for 12.7 lakh MTPA urea capacity
Commissioning targeted for 2030
Aims to boost northeast industrial development
Part of broader energy and rural development goals
Meghalaya Introduces New Curriculum; Khasi and Garo Made Compulsory in Early Classes
The Meghalaya government announced that Khasi and Garo will be included in the Class-1 curriculum. The move aims to preserve local language and culture while simplifying learning. Textbooks will be optional this year and become compulsory from the next session, as several schools have aligned their syllabi. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the plan will strengthen cultural identity from the foundational years. The policy aligns with broader educational reforms and local language preservation efforts in the state.
Khasi and Garo added to Class-1 curriculum
Textbooks optional this year; compulsory next year
Strengthens local language and culture
CM Conrad K. Sangma announced the plan
Educational reform aligned with regional identity
President Murmu Grants Assent to SHANTI Bill; Private Firms to Enter Nuclear Sector
President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed by Parliament during the Winter Session. The law subsumes civil nuclear sector laws and opens the field to private players, repealing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. Under SHANTI, private companies and joint ventures can build, own, operate, and decommission nuclear plants with government licenses, while critical elements like uranium mining remain with the central government. This marks a major shift in India’s energy policy and private investment landscape. ([ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/parliament-winter-session-president-droupadi-murmu-grants-assent-to-shanti-bill-private-firms-to-enter-nuclear-sector-9862526?pfrom=home-ndtv_indianews&utm_source=openai))
Sreenivasan, Malayalam Actor and Filmmaker, Passes Away at 69
Sreenivasan, a veteran Malayalam actor, writer, and director, died at age 69. He was known for sharp humour and social messages, and his films gave voice to the common man while shaping modern Malayalam cinema. He entered cinema in 1976 with Manimuzhakkam, directed by P. A. Backer. His first lead role came in Sanghaganam (1979). He also appeared in Mela (1980). As a director, Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala are considered classics for their psychological depth and emotional honesty. Over his career, Sreenivasan won multiple Kerala State Film Awards and other honours for his contributions to cinema.
Sreenivasan was a veteran Malayalam actor, writer and director
Entered cinema in 1976 with Manimuzhakkam
First lead role in Sanghaganam (1979)
Directed Vadakkunokkiyanthram and Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala
Won multiple Kerala State Film Awards
Divya Kala Mela 2025 Concludes at Kartavya Path, New Delhi
Divya Kala Mela, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, concluded at Kartavya Path in New Delhi after a nine-day run. The event, held December 13–21, 2025, showcased the entrepreneurial work of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs from across India, emphasizing opportunity over sympathy. More than 2,362 Divyang participants contributed, generating business of over Rs. 23 crore. The closing ceremony included performances and exhibitions of handicrafts, textiles, and other creative works. The event reinforced inclusive growth and showcased disability empowerment in a national setting.
Divya Kala Mela concluded December 21, 2025
Nine-day event; Kartavya Path, Delhi
2,362+ Divyang participants; over Rs 23 crore in business
Showcased handicrafts, textiles, and creative works
Promoted disability empowerment and inclusive growth
Nepal Pavilion Wins Best Booth Award at CITM 2025 in Haikou
Nepal participated in the China International Travel Market (CITM) 2025 in Haikou from December 19–21, where the Nepal Pavilion won the Best Booth Award. Led by the Nepal Tourism Board with support from airlines and private partners, the Nepal booth showcased the Himalayas, a Buddhist stupa façade, and cultural and adventure offerings. The fair facilitated B2B networking and market insights, helping Nepal promote destination experiences to Chinese travel trade professionals. The award underscores Nepal’s growing presence in international tourism markets during 2025.
Nepal won Best Booth at CITM 2025 Haikou
Event took place December 19–21, 2025
Nepal showcased Himalayan and cultural experiences
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