Call Support +91-85588-96644
TCYonline

Login

Sign Up

Please enter a Username or Email ID
Please enter a password
Keep me logged in
Please enter your name
Please enter your mobile number
You can't leave Captcha Code empty
By submitting this form, you agree to the Terms & Privacy Policy.
OR

Sign Up via Facebook

Sign Up via Google

Sign Up via Twitter

Download Software
Tests given

Download TCY App

App Image
 
loading

General Awareness

googleplus facebook

Daily G.K. - Top Stories

29 Dec 2025

DAILY G.K. TEST

Start Test

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Armenia Unveils Official COP17 Butterfly Logo

Armenia unveiled the official logo for COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The emblem centers on a rare blue butterfly, Polyommatus eriwanensis, known as the Erivan Anomalous Blue, found near Yerevan. The design uses 23 colors to symbolize the 23 biodiversity targets and carries the slogan Taking action for nature. COP17 is scheduled to be held in Yerevan from October 19 to 30, 2026. The logo conveys the need for collective action across targets to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable development on a global scale.
  • Armenia reveals COP17 logo featuring the Erivan Anomalous Blue butterfly.
  • Logo includes 23 colors representing biodiversity targets.
  • Event to be held in Yerevan, Oct 19-30, 2026.
  • Slogan: Taking action for nature.
  • Emphasizes collective action for biodiversity goals.

China Opens World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang

China opened the world’s longest expressway tunnel in Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometre Tianshan Shengli Tunnel passes through the central Tianshan mountain range. The project reportedly sets two world records: longest expressway tunnel and deepest vertical shaft for a highway tunnel. Officials say the tunnel will shorten travel times, improve regional connectivity, and boost economic activity across Xinjiang. The achievement underscores China’s advances in infrastructure construction and high-level engineering, with potential implications for regional trade and mobility in western China.
  • Tianshan Shengli Tunnel opens in Xinjiang; length 22.13 km.
  • Reportedly longest expressway tunnel and deepest vertical shaft.
  • Aims to shorten travel time and boost connectivity.
  • Highlights China’s infrastructure and engineering capabilities.

Israel Recognises Somaliland as Independent State

Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so more than 30 years after Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. The mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister and Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The move marks a major diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa, with potential implications for regional security and relations with neighbouring states. Observers note that the decision could influence future recognitions and shaping of Somaliland’s international ties in the coming years.
  • Israel recognises Somaliland as an independent state.
  • First such recognition since Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of independence.
  • Mutual recognition signed by key leaders in December 2025.
  • Potential implications for regional diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
View Month Wise

ENVIRONMENT

Gujarat Becomes Tiger State After 33 Years

Gujarat has been reinstated as a tiger-bearing state after 33 years, according to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The inclusion in the All India Tiger Estimation 2026 follows evidence of tiger presence in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary and other habitats. Officials say this decision strengthens the country’s conservation narrative under Project Tiger and supports ongoing habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, and monitoring. The update highlights progress in tiger conservation and the importance of accurate population estimates for policy planning and ecosystem management.
  • Gujarat declared a tiger-bearing state after 33 years.
  • NTCA included Gujarat in AITE 2026 due to tiger presence.
  • Ratanmahal Sanctuary cited among habitats with tigers.
  • Supports broader Tiger Project goals and conservation policy.

Snow-Capped Mount Etna Erupts

Mount Etna, the volcano near Catania, Italy, erupted with a prominent plume and lava activity. A snow blanket covered the summit as eruptions produced lava fountains reaching up to 400 metres and a dense ash column. A new vent opened on the Voragine Crater’s eastern flank, an indicator of ongoing geological activity. Authorities warned of ash dispersion and possible air travel disruptions. The eruption underscores Etna’s status as one of Europe’s most active volcanoes and its potential to affect nearby communities and air traffic across the region.
  • Etna erupts with lava fountains up to 400 m.
  • Snow-covered summit accompanied by ash plume.
  • New vent opens on eastern flank of Voragine Crater.
  • Possible local disruption and air travel impacts.
View Month Wise

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

Jayshree Ullal Tops Hurun India Rich List 2025

Jayshree Ullal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arista Networks, has topped the Hurun India Rich List 2025. The list, released in late December 2025, shows Ullal with a net worth of Rs 50,170 crore, making her the richest Indian-origin professional manager globally. Ullal, who has led Arista since 2008, benefited from a rally in the company’s shares, driven by demand for cloud networking and data-centre infrastructure. She is followed by Satya Nadella, whose net worth is Rs 9,770 crore, and Sundar Pichai, at Rs 5,810 crore. The ranking reflects a shift in wealth accumulation among Indian-origin tech executives on the world stage.
  • Jayshree Ullal tops Hurun India Rich List 2025 with Rs 50,170 crore net worth.
  • Arista Networks CEO leads among Indian-origin professionals in global tech wealth.
  • Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai are second and seventh respectively in this list.
  • Surge linked to sustained rally in Arista share prices and data-centre demand.
  • Hurun list highlights Indian-origin leadership in global technology.
View Month Wise

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NTH and DRDO Lab Sign MoU on Research and Testing

The National Test House (NTH) and the Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE), a DRDO laboratory, signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration in research, testing, and capacity building. The MoU covers joint testing, shared facilities, and knowledge exchange to accelerate development of defence materials and consumer goods with national importance. Officials emphasise mutual support in testing and evaluation, especially where in-house facilities are limited. This partnership is expected to enhance technical capabilities and speed up validation processes for critical materials and technologies used by defence and civilian sectors.
  • MoU signed between NTH and DMSRDE (DRDO lab).
  • Focus on joint research, testing, and capacity building.
  • Shared facilities and knowledge exchange highlighted.
  • Aims to accelerate defence material development and validation.
  • Strengthens national technical capabilities.

Param Rudra Supercomputer Launched at IIT-Patna

The first Param Rudra supercomputer in Bihar was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna. This facility strengthens India’s National Supercomputing Mission and aims to boost advanced research in eastern India. The project was unveiled by Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, MeitY. The new system will support high-performance computing for scientific simulations, data analytics, and engineering research, enabling faster discoveries and collaborations with industry and academia. The Bihar hub is part of a broader national strategy to expand supercomputing capacity across the country.
  • Param Rudra supercomputer inaugurated at IIT Patna.
  • Part of India’s National Supercomputing Mission.
  • Aims to boost eastern India’s research capacity.
  • Inaugurated by MeitY official Amitesh Kumar Sinha.
  • Supports high-performance computing for science and engineering.
View Month Wise

SPORTS

Harmanpreet Kaur Breaks Meg Lanning’s T20I Captaincy Record

Harmanpreet Kaur set a record for the most wins as a captain in women’s Twenty20 internationals. Leading India to victory, she surpassed Meg Lanning’s 76 wins, achieving 77 wins in 130 matches as captain. This milestone places Harmanpreet at the top of the list for women’s T20I captaincy. The same match also saw Deepti Sharma reach 1,000 runs and 150 wickets in T20 internationals, a first for players across the men’s and women’s games. The results reflect India’s growing strength in women’s cricket on the global stage.
  • Harmanpreet Kaur becomes leading T20I captain by wins.
  • India’s 77th captaincy win for Harmanpreet in 130 matches.
  • Meg Lanning’s record surpassed in this match.
  • Deepti Sharma reaches 1,000 runs and 150 wickets in T20Is.

Surya Charishma Tamiri Wins Women’s Singles at 87th Senior National Badminton Championship

Surya Charishma Tamiri claimed the Women’s Singles title at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships held in Vijayawada. After dropping the opening game, Tamiri rallied to defeat Tanvi Patri with scores of 17-21, 21-12, 21-14. The event also featured prominent performances in Men’s Singles and Doubles categories, underscoring India’s depth in the sport. Tamiri’s victory adds to a sequence of strong showings by Indian women players at the national level and signals potential momentum for international competition in the coming year.
  • Tamiri wins Women’s Singles at 87th Senior National Championship.
  • Final scoreline: 17-21, 21-12, 21-14 against Tanvi Patri.
  • Event held in Vijayawada; national-level title impact hereafter.
  • Contributes to rising momentum of Indian women players.

P. V. Sindhu Elected Chair of BWF Athletes Commission (2026–2029)

P. V. Sindhu has been elected Chair of the Badminton World Federation Athletes Commission for the 2026–2029 term. The appointment positions Sindhu as a key voice for players within global badminton governance and as a member of the BWF Council. The Athletes Commission aims to improve transparency, include athlete perspectives in policy decisions, and strengthen the link between players and administrators. Sindhu’s leadership role follows her international achievements and her status as a two-time Olympic medalist, reinforcing India’s influence in global badminton circles.
  • P. V. Sindhu elected Chair of BWF Athletes Commission (2026–2029).
  • She will also serve on the BWF Council.
  • Commission seeks athlete input in governance and policy.
  • Sindhu is a prominent Indian figure in global badminton.
View Month Wise

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Modi Chairs Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi. The three-day event aimed to strengthen Centre-State partnership through structured dialogue on national development priorities. The conference adopted the theme Human Capital for Viksit Bharat, focusing on early childhood education, schooling, skilling, higher education, and sports. Six special sessions addressed deregulation, technology in governance, AgriStack for smart supply chains, one state, one world-class tourist destination, Atmanirbhar Swadeshi, and post-left wing extremism strategies. Chief Secretaries, senior state officials, and domain experts participated to craft a unified roadmap for inclusive growth.
  • Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in New Delhi.
  • Theme: Human Capital for Viksit Bharat with focus on education and skilling.
  • Sessions covered deregulation, governance technology, and AgriStack.
  • Emphasis on public-private collaboration for national development.
  • Aim: strengthen Centre-State partnership for inclusive growth.

Tripura Hosts Second Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit

Tripura hosted the second Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit in Agartala during December 2025-26. The event reconnects with Tripuri natives living outside the state, aiming to strengthen diaspora ties and foster inclusive growth. Organisers hope to leverage diaspora networks for investment, cultural exchange, and developmental partnerships. The summit reflects the state government’s broader policy to maintain emotional and economic links with people sharing Tripuri heritage, supporting both domestic and international engagement. Participants included community leaders, business representatives, and government officials, who discussed strategies for sustainable development and cross-border collaboration.
  • Second Prabashi Tripurabasi Summit held in Agartala, Dec 2025-26.
  • Focus on reconnecting with Tripuri natives abroad.
  • Aims: diaspora engagement for investment and development.
  • Event highlights cultural exchange and partnerships.
  • Part of broader Tripura policy to sustain homeland ties.

PM Modi Hails Year-End Achievements in Mann Ki Baat

In the year-end Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s progress across technology, science, culture, and global influence. He cited space missions, digital reforms, and youth-led innovation as key drivers of momentum. The Prime Minister underscored the country’s growing international stature and urged continued focus on national resilience, governance reforms, and inclusive development. The remarks align with ongoing policy efforts to deepen urban and rural development, energy security, and digital inclusion as India moves into the next calendar year.
  • Modi highlights tech, science, culture, and global influence.
  • Cites space missions and digital reforms as milestones.
  • Emphasizes resilience, governance reforms, and inclusive growth.
  • Signals continued focus on development priorities for 2026.
View Month Wise

DEFENCE

President Murmu Undertakes Dive Sortie Aboard INS Vaghsheer

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a dive sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer, a Kalvari-class submarine, off the Western Seaboard. The voyage began at Karwar Naval Harbour in Karnataka and lasted over two hours, during which the President interacted with the crew and observed sea demonstrations. She has become only the second Indian President to take a submarine sortie, following former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The event underscored the Navy’s operational readiness and the country’s maritime defence capabilities, highlighting the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief in observing frontline defence activities.
  • President Murmu completed a submarine sortie on INS Vaghsheer.
  • Event marked at Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka; duration over two hours.
  • She is the second Indian President to undertake such a sortie after Kalam.
  • Demonstrations showcased crew efficiency and naval readiness.
  • Significance lies in highlighting maritime defence capabilities.

Centre Launches First-Ever Weapon Database to Curb Terror

The Centre launched the first-ever weapon database to curb terrorism, titled 'Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm'. Prepared by the National Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the database will catalog government-owned weapons that have been looted, stolen, lost, or recovered from state police and CAPFs. The aim is to improve tracking, aid in investigations, and prevent illicit firearms from circulating. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the platform, calling it a crucial tool for national security and inter-agency coordination. The database is expected to evolve with new entries and cross-checks across agencies.
  • New database tracks looted, lost, or recovered government firearms.
  • Developed by NIA under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Aims to enhance tracking and inter-agency coordination.
  • Launched by Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • Will be updated with ongoing entries and cross-checks.
View Month Wise

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES

Rajasthan Launches e-Swasthya Samvad Platform

The Rajasthan government launched the digital platform e-Swasthya Samvad to improve governance, transparency, and coordination within the medical education department. The platform connects stakeholders across health services, enabling quicker decision-making and better implementation of health programmes. Officials say it will streamline communication, reduce delays, and support technology-driven reforms in medical education and health delivery. The initiative, announced under the direction of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Medical Education Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, seeks to enhance accountability and public service delivery through a centralized digital interface.
  • Rajasthan launches e-Swasthya Samvad platform.
  • Aims to improve governance and coordination in medical education.
  • Platform connects stakeholders for faster decisions.
  • Part of technology-driven health reforms.
  • Led by Chief Minister and Medical Education Minister.
View Month Wise

ART AND CULTURE

Veteran Art Director K. Shekhar Passes Away

Veteran art director K. Shekhar died at the age of 72 at his home in Thiruvananthapuram. A renowned figure in Malayalam cinema, Shekhar was celebrated for imaginative set designs and a distinctive creative approach. He is remembered for contributions to films like My Dear Kuttichathan and for crafting the famous anti-gravity room in the song Aalippazham Perukkaan, where a rotating steel rig created the illusion of floating. Colleagues recall his ability to translate ideas into large-scale visuals and his influence on stage and screen design across decades of cinema.
  • K. Shekhar passed away at age 72 in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Renowned for imaginative set designs in Malayalam cinema.
  • Noted for work on My Dear Kuttichathan and Aalippazham Perukkaan anti-gravity room.
  • Influenced generations of art direction in regional cinema.
  • Memorials highlight his creative approach and innovations.

International Cello Day Celebrated

International Cello Day is observed annually on December 29. The day honors cellists and the instrument’s rich history in classical and contemporary music. It was established in 2015 by a group of cellists who sought to highlight the art form and its practitioners. Celebrations typically include performances, collaborations, and educational events across music schools and cultural centres. The date also aligns with the birthday of famed cellist Pablo Casals, underscoring a link between historical legacy and modern performance. Musicians and educators use the day to promote cello education and new compositions.
  • International Cello Day observed on December 29.
  • Established in 2015 by cellists to celebrate the instrument.
  • Often features performances and educational events.
  • Coincides with Pablo Casals’s birthday in the broader narrative of cello culture.

Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates World Record Santa Claus on Sand

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a world record sculpture of Santa Claus using sand and apples at Niladri Beach, Puri, Odisha. The artwork, titled World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus, measured about 60 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and 22 feet in height. About 1.5 tonnes of apples accompanied the sand construction. The piece, unveiled on December 26, drew crowds and received recognition from the World Records Book of India. Pattnaik’s creation celebrated the Christmas spirit while promoting peace and harmony.
  • Pattnaik creates a world record Santa Claus sculpture.
  • Used 1.5 tonnes of apples with sand; dimensions ~60x45x22 ft.
  • Unveiled at Niladri Beach, Puri; recognized by World Records Book of India.
  • Celebrates Christmas and promotes peace and harmony.
View Month Wise

LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Bombay High Court Bars Civilian Awards as Name Prefixes

The Bombay High Court reaffirmed that India’s civilian honours, including the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards, are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes in a person’s name. The court stated that these honours signify national recognition but do not alter a person’s legal identity or records. The decision clarifies practices in judicial and official documents and aligns with other legal interpretations on the use of awards in naming conventions. Advocates note that this ruling supports uniform treatment of honours across government records and public documentation.
  • Honours like Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards not to be used as prefixes.
  • Court emphasises legal identity remains unchanged by awards.
  • Clarifies official records and naming conventions.
  • Observes consistency with broader legal standards on titles.
View Month Wise
Share on
Keep Yourself updated on Latest PTE Exam Pattern

Avail Free Topic-wise Tests and various other offers.