10th December 2025

1. India’s nuclear power generation capacity projected to reach 21,880 MW by 2032
2. Japan’s JERA signs its first long-term LNG export agreement with Torrent Power
3. Zen Technologies wins a ₹120-crore contract to establish India’s first Combat Training Node in Madhya Pradesh
4. India and Israel launch a joint venture, ‘Semiophore Ltd.’, to advance sustainable agricultural technologies
5. DoT mandates SIM-binding for messaging apps to curb digital fraud
6. RBI imposes a monetary penalty of ₹99.30 lakh on J&K Bank
7. IDFC First Bank introduces a premium FD-backed credit card with zero forex markup
8. Airpay receives RBI approval to operate as a cross-border payment aggregator
9. Bharti Airtel partners with Google to roll out RCS messaging in India
10. TASL collaborates with Lockheed Martin to set up a C-130J maintenance hub in Bengaluru
11. YouTube’s India-origin CEO Neal Mohan named TIME CEO of the Year
12. Anant Ambani becomes the youngest recipient of the Global Humane Society’s Animal Welfare Award
13. Indian Army’s Col Pratheek Roy receives the Geddes Gavel Award in Australia
14. India secures six medals at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha
15. India prepares to host the Squash World Cup for the third straight time
16. Lithuania declares a national emergency following balloon incursions from Belarus
17. Microsoft announces a USD 17.5-billion investment in India to expand AI access at population scale
18. Human Rights Day – December 10
19. Veteran Bengali actor Kalyan Chatterjee passes away
20. Raveena Tandon receives PETA India’s top annual award
21. Adani Group to set up a ₹2,500-crore AI-enabled green data centre in Telangana
22. Veteran social activist Baba Adhav passes away
23. Overview of India’s National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) and its real-time intelligence capabilities
24. Maharashtra sets a Guinness World Record for large-scale deployment of solar pumps in agriculture
25. CUTS International launches the TRaNJA initiative to revitalise the WTO

National News

1. India’s Nuclear Power Capacity To Reach 21,880 MW By 2032

• What:
  • India’s nuclear power generation capacity will increase from 8,780 MW to 9,480 MW by 2025-26, 13,480 MW by 2029-30, and 21,880 MW by 2031-32 as ongoing projects get commissioned.
• Why:
  • To expand the country’s nuclear energy capacity through commissioning current projects and future developments.
• Tell me more:
  • Currently, three 700 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units (RAPS-8 in Rajasthan and GHAVP-1 & 2 in Haryana) are under construction.
  • Ten additional 700 MW reactors are in pre-project stages at Kaiga (Karnataka), Chutka (Madhya Pradesh), Gorakhpur (Haryana), and Mahi Banswara (Rajasthan).
  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) including BSMR-200 (200 MWe), SMR-55 (55 MWe), and a 5 MW thermal high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen production.
  • SMRs like BSMR-200 and SMR-55 can serve captive power needs for energy-intensive industries, replace retiring fossil fuel plants, and provide power to remote and off-grid locations.
  • High-temperature gas-cooled reactors will help produce hydrogen as clean fuel for transport and process industries.

2. Government’s SIM-Binding Rule Faces User Resistance In India

• What:
  • A new government directive requires messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to implement continuous SIM-binding and enforce logout every six hours on web versions within 90 days.
• Why:
  • To reduce digital fraud by improving the traceability of scammers on messaging platforms.
• Tell me more:
  • Nearly 60% of users said they would be impacted by the SIM-binding rule, and half of them oppose it due to expected disruption and inconvenience.
  • About 39% of respondents regularly use messaging apps on devices without SIM cards, like tablets and laptops.
  • Only 2 in 3 users believe SIM-binding will improve safety and reduce misuse, while many fear complications for users with multiple devices.
  • The rule requires users to log into web apps using QR codes every six hours, with compliance reports due in 120 days.
  • Earlier, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) withdrew an order mandating the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones after public backlash.

3. NATGRID Receives 45,000 Requests Monthly To Assist Investigations

• What:
  • The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) receives around 45,000 monthly requests from police and investigating agencies to access government and private databases in real-time.
• Why:
  • To help law enforcement agencies access consolidated and secure data quickly for investigations without needing multiple sources or FIR registration.
• Tell me more:
  • NATGRID started operating last year after being conceptualized in 2009 following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
  • The platform provides access to data including driving licenses, Aadhaar, airline records, bank accounts, and social media posts on specific issues.
  • Access has been extended to Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers, whereas earlier only ten central agencies could use it.
  • Some state police officers face challenges with login times and delays despite NATGRID’s aim to provide real-time information.
  • In 2020, NATGRID signed an MoU with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to link to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) covering about 14,000 police stations.

Source: TH

State News

1. Adani Group Invests ₹10,000 Crores In Telangana Infrastructure

• What:
  • Adani Group has invested nearly ₹10,000 crores in Telangana over three years, creating over 7,000 jobs and developing infrastructure and manufacturing facilities.
• Why:
  • To support Telangana’s growth in sectors like defense manufacturing, green data centers, renewable energy, and cement production.
• Tell me more:
  • The group built India’s first UAV manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, supplying Indian Armed Forces and global markets, employing over 1,500 local youth.
  • Adani is setting up a 48 MW green data center in Telangana with an investment of ₹2,500 crore.
  • Over ₹4,000 crores have been spent on road infrastructure, building more than 100 km of highways connecting key districts.
  • Adani Cement has invested over ₹2,000 crore to establish cement plants with a combined capacity of 7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in Ganeshpahad, Tandur, and Devapur.
  • Telangana is holding the Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025 to discuss energy, IT, healthcare, and startups, with participation from WHO, World Bank, ADB, and UNICEF.

2. MSEDCL Sets Guinness Record With 45,911 Solar Pumps Installed

• What:
  • Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) installed 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in 30 days, earning a Guinness World Record.
• Why:
  • To advance India’s clean energy transition, provide reliable irrigation, and reduce dependence on conventional power in drought-prone areas.
• Tell me more:
  • This makes Maharashtra the fastest-deploying solar agriculture state in India and second globally after China for solar pump deployment in one region.
  • The pumps were installed under the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana schemes.
  • The installation plan allocated pumps based on farm size with 3 HP pumps for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms.
  • MSEDCL implemented transparent vendor selection, strict service-level agreements, and real-time digital tracking.
  • GK Energy contributed nearly 17% of the installations during this record-setting project.

Source: ET

International News

1. Lithuania Declares Emergency Over Balloon Incursions From Belarus

• What:
  • Lithuania has declared a nationwide emergency due to repeated incursions of weather balloons carrying smuggled cigarettes from neighboring Belarus.
• Tell me more:
  • About 600 smuggling balloons and nearly 200 drones entered Lithuanian airspace in 2025, causing repeated closures of Vilnius airport.
  • Lithuania is a member of both the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Source: BBC

2. CUTS International Launches TRaNJA To Reposition WTO

• What:
  • CUTS International launched the global initiative “Trade Not Just Aid: Winners and Losers in the WTO” (TRaNJA) to promote a positive narrative and reform for the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• Why:
  • To reinvigorate the multilateral trading system amid rising unilateralism and protectionism and emphasize the WTO’s crucial role in global trade.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch took place at the event “Shaping the Future of Global Trade” held in Tokyo with nearly 30 experts from 16 countries participating.
  • The TRaNJA steering committee is co-chaired by Shashi Tharoor, former Indian foreign minister, and Pascal Lamy, former WTO Director General, with 21 global members.
  • WTO accounts for about 70% of global trade on non-discriminatory Most Favoured Nation (MFN) terms, raising trade volumes over 45 times since the 1950s.
  • CUTS Secretary General Pradeep S. Mehta emphasized the need for a single agenda among major WTO players and middle powers to drive meaningful reform.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Torrent Power Signs LNG Deal With Japan’s Jera For 10 Years

• What:
  • Torrent Power Ltd has signed a 10-year agreement with Japan’s Jera Co., Inc. to buy up to 0.27 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) starting from 2027.
• Why:
  • To meet rising power demand and support peak loads through gas-based power plants and city gas distribution networks.
• Tell me more:
  • The LNG will be used to run Torrent Power’s 2,730 MW combined cycle gas-based power plants (GBPPs) and support Torrent Gas Ltd’s (TGL) city gas distribution (CGD) supplying households, CNG vehicles, and industrial consumers.
  • Torrent Power plans to explore medium- and long-term LNG purchases for its GBPPs and CGD networks to ensure reliable energy supply and diversify its portfolio.
  • Torrent Power’s total installed generation capacity is 4.96 gigawatt peak (GWp), including 2.73 GW gas-based, 1.87 GW renewable, and 362 MW coal-based capacity.
  • Renewable projects (3.6 GWp), pumped storage capacity (3 GW), and additional coal-based capacity (1.6 GW) are under development.
  • The company distributes around 31 billion units of electricity to 4.21 million customers across Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNH & DD), suburban Mumbai, and Agra.

2. RBI Imposes Rs 99.30 Lakh Penalty on Jammu and Kashmir Bank

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a Rs 99.30 lakh monetary penalty on Jammu and Kashmir Bank for violating Banking Regulation Act (BR Act) provisions and non-compliance with RBI directions.
• Why:
  • Due to failure to follow RBI rules on the Internal Ombudsman Scheme 2018, Customer Service in Banks, and Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions.
• Tell me more:
  • The bank did not transfer eligible funds on time to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.
  • It lacked face matching technology in Video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP) and did not verify customers’ economic and financial information during V-CIP.
  • The penalty was imposed under Section 47 A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act).

Source: PSUC

3. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card

• What:
  • IDFC FIRST Bank launched the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card, an upgraded, feature-rich version of its secured credit card backed by fixed deposits.
• Why:
  • To offer premium benefits and affordability on a fixed deposit-backed secured credit card with enhanced rewards and travel perks.
• Tell me more:
  • The unified statement covers both the physical and virtual cards.
  • IDFC FIRST Bank serves 35 million customers and operates through 1,041 branches across over 60,000 cities, towns, and villages.
  • The bank focuses on ethical, digital, and social good banking with fintech-grade digital experiences.

Source: TP

4. Airpay Approved by RBI as Cross-Border Payment Aggregator

• What:
  • Airpay Payment Services received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a cross-border payment aggregator, completing its authorisations under the unified payment aggregator (PA) framework.
• Why:
  • To provide Indian businesses with reliable, compliant, and fast payment services for both domestic and global transactions.
• Tell me more:
  • Airpay is now licensed to operate as a payment aggregator across online, physical, and cross-border categories.
  • The company aims to support Indian enterprises, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in domestic and international markets.
  • It expects a 30-40% growth in processing volumes within 6-12 months and anticipates cross-border flows contributing over 20% of its revenue.

5. Bharti Airtel Partners with Google to Launch RCS Messaging

• What:
  • Bharti Airtel has partnered with Google to offer Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging on its network, charging Rs 0.11 per message with an 80:20 revenue share arrangement.
• Why:
  • To enable a new messaging platform with enhanced features while ensuring spam protection through Airtel’s AI-based spam filter.
• Tell me more:
  • Airtel initially resisted partnering over concerns about spam and sought regulatory support to include OTT channels under anti-spam laws.
  • Google agreed to integrate RCS messaging with Airtel’s spam filter, leading to the partnership.
  • With Airtel onboard, all three major Indian telecom operators now support RCS, positioning it as a strong competitor to WhatsApp in business messaging.
  • The next step includes enabling off-net RCS interoperability, which may introduce interconnect usage charges among operators.
  • RCS, developed by GSMA in 2007, offers features like read receipts, file sharing, group chats, location sharing, and encryption to replace traditional SMS.

6. Microsoft Commits $17.5 Billion Investment in India for AI Infrastructure

• What:
  • Microsoft announced a $17.5 billion investment in India over the next four years (2026-2029) to develop AI infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities.
• Why:
  • To support India’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and drive AI adoption at a population scale.
• Tell me more:
  • This investment is Microsoft’s largest in Asia and follows a previous $3 billion commitment made in January 2025.
  • The investment exceeds the $15 billion committed recently by Google, Adani Group, and Airtel for an AI hub in Visakhapatnam.
  • Microsoft plans to launch sovereign public and private clouds based in India, offering built-in compliance and governance controls.
  • Microsoft operates cloud regions in Gujarat and Maharashtra in partnership with Reliance Jio, making it the largest hyperscaler in India.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. India’s First Combat Training Node Established at Infantry School Mhow

• What:
  • Zen Technologies received a Rs 120 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, to set up India’s first Combat Training Node (CTN) at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
• Why:
  • To develop indigenous, world-class defense training capabilities that improve readiness, reduce costs, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
• Tell me more:
  • The CTN will include over 60 training simulators and solutions.
  • It represents a shift from importing foreign systems to building battle-tested indigenous defense technology.
  • The project supports rapid feedback and development cycles based on operational lessons.
  • Foreign vendors face constraints due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and commercial restrictions, which Indian companies like Zen can overcome.

2. Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin Launch MRO Facility

• What:
  • Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) and Lockheed Martin announced a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
• Why:
  • To strengthen India’s defence sustainment ecosystem and support both domestic and international C-130 operators.
• Tell me more:
  • The IAF currently operates 12 C-130J aircraft used for strategic airlift, special operations, and humanitarian missions.
  • The facility, starting construction in New Delhi with completion by end-2026, will begin operations in early 2027.
  • It will provide depot-level and heavy maintenance, component repair, structural restoration, avionics upgrades, and training for engineers and technicians.
  • TASL already manufactures C-130 empennages and other aerostructures and recently delivered its 250th C-130J tail assembly.
  • The new center will join Lockheed Martin’s Certified Service Centers, supporting C-130J, KC-130J, and legacy C-130 B-H variants.

Source: N18

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. India and Israel Launch Joint Venture For Crop Protection Technology

• What:
  • India and Israel launched a joint venture, Semiophore Ltd., to manufacture and commercialize Indian pheromone-based crop protection technologies globally.
• Why:
  • To strengthen agricultural cooperation and promote sustainable, climate-resilient crop protection solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Semiophore Ltd. is a 50-50 partnership between ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India) and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. (Israel).
  • This is the first time Indian semiochemical technology is out-licensed and produced in Israel.
  • The venture aims to reduce insecticide use by over 80% with ultra-low-dose pheromone dispensers, mating disruption platforms, and controlled-release systems.
  • Target global markets include Israel, Brazil, and the United States.
  • The announcement was made at the First International Science & Technology Clusters Conference in New Delhi, which had delegates from over 38 countries.

Source: TI

Awards

1. TIME Names YouTube CEO Neal Mohan As 2025 CEO of The Year

• What:
  • TIME Magazine named Neal Mohan, CEO of Google-owned YouTube, as the 2025 CEO of the Year.
• Why:
  • Because under Mohan’s leadership since 2023, YouTube has increased its dominance in the attention economy amid strong competition.
• Tell me more:
  • Mohan joined Google in 2008 and became YouTube’s Chief Product Officer in 2015.
  • Neal Mohan studied electrical engineering at Stanford University.
  • He was born in Indiana, USA, and moved to Lucknow, India, at the age of 12.

2. Anant Ambani Receives Global Humanitarian Award For Animal Welfare

• What:
  • Anant Ambani was honoured with the Global Humanitarian Award for Animal Welfare by the Global Humane Society, becoming the youngest and first Asian recipient.
• Why:
  • For his leadership in establishing Vantara, a comprehensive wildlife rescue and conservation initiative focused on animal welfare and species protection.
• Tell me more:
  • Vantara conducts large-scale rescues, provides high-quality medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and protects threatened species.
  • The initiative combines scientific research, global conservation partnerships, and strong commitment to animal welfare.
  • The award ceremony took place in Washington DC, attended by leaders in wildlife conservation.
  • Past recipients of the award include US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and celebrities like Betty White.

3. Col Prateek Roy Receives Geddes Gavel Award at Australian Defence College

• What:
  • Col Prateek Roy of the Indian Army received the Geddes Gavel Award after completing the Defence Strategic and Studies Course at the Australian Defence College.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes the student demonstrating the greatest understanding of factors influencing regional relationships and decision-making across political, diplomatic, military, cultural, and economic areas.
• Tell me more:
  • India and Australia maintain close defence ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering trade, defence, education, science, space, energy, and people-to-people links.
  • Recent visits by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh resulted in discussions on Indo-Pacific developments and signing of key defence agreements.
  • Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles described the new defence agreement as a significant step strengthening operational cooperation between armed forces.

4. Bollywood Actor Raveena Tandon Named PETA India Person of the Year 2025

• What:
  • PETA India named Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon as its 2025 Person of the Year for her dedication to animal welfare and promoting empathy for all living beings.
• Tell me more:
  • Raveena partnered with PETA India to present a life-sized mechanical elephant to Karnataka’s Thousand Pillars Jain Temple honoring its decision not to own or use live elephants.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. Human Rights Day – December 10

• Theme – Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN on December 10, 1948.

Source: UN

Sports

1. India Shooters Win Six Medals at ISSF World Cup Final 2025

• What:
  • Indian shooters won six medals at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in Doha, including two gold, three silver, and one bronze.
• Why:
  • To showcase Indian shooters’ strong performances, especially in pistol events, concluding the 2025 ISSF shooting season.
• Tell me more:
  • Gold medals were won by Simranpreet Kaur (25m pistol) and Suruchi Singh (10m air pistol), both setting junior world records.
  • Suruchi Singh also won gold in the first three ISSF World Cups of 2025 in the 10m air pistol event.
  • Silver medals were claimed by Sainyam (women’s 10m air pistol), Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (men’s 50m rifle 3 positions), and Anish Bhanwala (25m rapid fire pistol).
  • Samrat Rana earned bronze in the men’s 10m air pistol.
  • Zoravar Singh Sandhu, India’s only shotgun contestant, finished seventh in the men’s trap event.

2. India to Host Squash World Cup Third Consecutive Time in Chennai

• What:
  • India will host the Squash World Cup for the third consecutive time at SDAT Stadium in Chennai from December 9 to 14, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Twelve nations are participating, including India, defending champions Egypt, and 2023 runners-up Malaysia.
  • Each team comprises two men and two women competing in matches played to seven points with sudden-death tiebreaks.
  • India’s squad includes top male players Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar, and female players Joshna Chinappa and debutant Anahat Singh.
  • Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with two titles.
  • The first Squash World Cup was held in 1996 in Malaysia and won by Australia.

Source: NOA

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Actor Kalyan Chatterjee Passes Away at 81

Source: TOI

2. Veteran Activist Baba Adhav Passes Away at 95

• Baba Adhav, a social activist and advocate for workers in the unorganised sector, passed away at the age of 95 after a prolonged illness.
• Adhav started as an ayurveda doctor but later founded NGOs like ‘Hamal Panchayat’ and ‘Rickshaw Panchayat’ to support labour rights.
• Adhav was awarded The Times of India Social Impact Award for Lifetime Contribution in 2011.

Source: TOI

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