22nd-24th November 2025

1. India and Sweden introduce seven green-tech projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in steel and cement sectors
2. DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar inaugurates the IITM–C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation virtually in Tamil Nadu
3. CITES CoP20 witnesses Global South leading major reforms in global wildlife trade policies
4. IndusInd Bank and Jio-bp unveil the ‘IndusInd Bank Jio-bp Mobility+ Credit Card’
5. SBI and Bank of Baroda receive RBI approval to establish a fraud detection platform
6. Amazon announces plans to invest USD 35 billion in India by 2030
7. DBS recognised as Global Bank of the Year by The Banker
8. Germany defeats Spain to win the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Chennai
9. IOA and CONI sign a major MoU to enhance bilateral sports cooperation
10. Gujarat launches Smart Blue Harbours to strengthen fisheries, food security, and coastal economy
11. Telangana and Google introduce the ‘Google for Startups Hub’ in Hyderabad
12. PNB Housing Finance appoints Ajai Kumar Shukla as its Managing Director and CEO
13. Department of Posts and BSE sign an MoU to expand mutual fund access nationwide
14. Meta India appoints Aman Jain as Head of Public Policy
15. Brookfield commits USD 1 billion to build Asia’s largest GCC in Maharashtra
16. MSME Ministry signs an MoU with Amazon to support Vishwakarma artisans
17. Chhattisgarh’s Kopra Reservoir designated as the state’s first Ramsar Site
18. Cabinet approves the Insurance Amendment Bill allowing 100% FDI in Indian insurance companies
19. National Energy Conservation Day
20. International Day Against Colonialism
21. Cabinet approves the CoalSETU platform to ensure fair coal distribution and efficient resource use
22. Union Cabinet approves the plan for Census of India 2027
23. U-19 Asia Cup schedule for the upcoming season released
24. India dominates UAE as Vaibhav Suryavanshi scores 171 in the U-19 Asia Cup
25. Maharashtra abolishes the century-old Pagdi system through new legislation
26. Maharashtra government collaborates with Microsoft to launch MahaCrimeOS AI
27. NASA loses contact with the MAVEN spacecraft orbiting Mars
28. TIME Magazine names ‘Architects of AI’ as Person of the Year
29. India and Liberia sign an MoU to strengthen cooperation in pharmaceutical quality standards
30. India’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel begins commercial service in Varanasi
31. A 70-foot iron statue of Lionel Messi inaugurated in Kolkata
32. Indian Navy to commission its first indigenous Diving Support Craft, DSC A20
33. Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur honoured with stadium stands named after them in Mullanpur
34. Henrique Braun appointed CEO of The Coca-Cola Company
35. DBS named Global Bank of the Year
36. ADB raises India’s FY26 growth projection to 7.2% in its Asian Development Outlook
37. CRPF officer Dinesh Khatak receives the Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal
38. Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav celebrated to honour India’s linguistic diversity and tribal heritage
39. Senior leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away
40. International Day of Neutrality
41. International Universal Health Coverage Day
42. Nagaland launches Mission Punarutthan during Watershed Mahotsav

National News

1. India-Sweden Launch Seven Decarbonisation Projects For Steel, Cement

• What:
  • Indian companies partnered with Swedish innovators on seven projects for pre-pilot feasibility studies to decarbonize steel and cement sectors under Lead IT industry transition partnership.
• Why:
  • To build scalable low-carbon technologies supporting India’s net-zero ambitions by 2070 through hydrogen use, steel slag recycling, and artificial intelligence (AI) in cement production.
• Tell me more:
  • Funding comes from Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Swedish Energy Agency.
  • Indian participants include Tata Steel, JK Cement, Ambuja Cements Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power, Prism Johnson.
  • Swedish partners include Cemvision, Ecometrix AM, Höganäs AB, Hoganas India Ltd, Captimise AB (Andritz Group), Kanthal, Swerim.
  • Indian institutes involved are IIT Bombay, IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIT Bhubaneswar, IIT Hyderabad, Datta Meghe College of Engineering.

2. India Launches Blue Harbours Partnership With United Nations FAO

• What:
  • Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) signed Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations to pilot Blue Harbours at Jakhau (Gujarat), Vanakbara (Diu), and Karaikal (Puducherry).
• Why:
  • Blue Harbours enhance national food security, coastal infrastructure, and competitiveness in global seafood markets through ecologically resilient, economically robust development.
• Tell me more:
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) invests 452.32 crores rupees in Smart and Integrated Fishing Infrastructure.
  • Jakhau Harbour in Kutch district serves as key fisheries hub for fish landing, vessel anchoring, post-harvest activities.
  • Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) second edition scheduled in Rajkot second week of January 2026.

3. Cabinet Approves CoalSETU Window For Industrial Coal Linkages

• What:
  • Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved Policy for Auction of Coal Linkage for Seamless, Efficient & Transparent Utilisation (CoalSETU) by creating new CoalSETU window in Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Policy.
• Why:
  • Policy enables long-term coal linkages on auction basis for any industrial use and export to accelerate utilisation of coal reserves and reduce import dependence.
• Tell me more:
  • CoalSETU window allows domestic buyers to participate without end-use restrictions; coking coal excluded.
  • Traders cannot participate; specified end-users can join alongside new participants.
  • Coal linkage holders can export up to 50 percent quantity for own consumption, washing, or group company use.
  • Existing NRS auction policy continues for Cement, Steel (Coking), Sponge Iron, Aluminium, Others sub-sectors.

Source: PIB

4. Cabinet Approves Census of India 2027 at Rs 11,718 Crore

• What:
  • Union Cabinet approved Census of India 2027 at cost of Rs 11,718.24 crore to be conducted in two phases: Houselisting and Housing Census (April-September 2026) and Population Enumeration (February 2027).
• Why:
  • Census provides primary data on housing, demography, religion, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC & ST), language, literacy, economic activity, migration, fertility at village, town, ward levels.
• Tell me more:
  • First digital census using mobile applications for Android and iOS with Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) portal.
  • About 30 lakh field functionaries including enumerators, supervisors, charge officers will be deployed.
  • Caste enumeration included in Population Enumeration phase as decided by Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on April 30, 2025.

5. India Launches First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel in Varanasi

• What:
  • India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel started commercial operations on river Ganga in Varanasi.
• Why:
  • Vessel demonstrates hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology releasing only water as byproduct to support clean sustainable waterways.
• Tell me more:
  • Operates on Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system.
  • Maiden run covered 5-kilometer route from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat.
  • Owned by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI); built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL).
  • Hybrid system combines hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, solar power.
  • Certified by Indian Register of Shipping; aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Source: ET

6. Messi Unveils 70-Foot Statue During Kolkata GOAT Tour

• What:
  • Lionel Messi virtually unveiled 70-foot statue at Salt Lake stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan) with West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose and Shah Rukh Khan present.
• Why:
  • Event marks start of Messi’s three-day GOAT Tour India 2025 in Kolkata before visiting Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi from December 13-15.
• Tell me more:
  • Sree Bhumi Sporting Club unveiled world’s tallest Messi statue depicting him holding World Cup trophy, completed in 40 days.
  • Messi to meet former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
  • Shah Rukh Khan arrived with son AbRam confirming presence on social media.

7. CIIL Celebrates Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 In Mysuru

• What:
  • Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru observed Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav-2025 celebrating India’s linguistic diversity.
• Why:
  • Utsav marks Subramania Bharati birth anniversary promoting Bharatiya Bhasha Parivar and languages’ role in national identity, cohesion.
• Tell me more:
  • Keynote by R.V.S. Sundaram, former Director Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies on multilingual heritage, cultural continuity.
  • CIIL Director Shailendra Mohan outlined institute’s role in language resources, research, technology development.

Source: TH

State News

1. Google Launches Startups Hub at T-Hub Hyderabad

• What:
  • Google and Telangana government launched Google for Startups hub at T-Hub in Hyderabad to support AI-first startups.
• Why:
  • The hub provides free coworking seats, mentoring, artificial intelligence (AI) expertise, and global visibility through Google for Startups network.
• Tell me more:
  • T-Hub is public-private partnership between Telangana government, International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT Hyderabad), Indian School of Business (ISB), NALSAR Law University.
  • Startups receive access to Google experts in AI/Machine Learning (AI/ML), product, user experience (UX), go-to-market strategies.
  • Initiative supports women entrepreneurs, tier-II innovators, university talent, student founders, developers.

2. Brookfield Plans $1 Billion GCC Investment In Maharashtra

• What:
  • Brookfield will invest over $1 billion (around 9,000 crore rupees) to create Global Capability Centre (GCC) facility in Mumbai creating 45,000 jobs through agreement with Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
• Why:
  • Maharashtra government focuses on expanding GCCs in Mumbai and Pune regions under dedicated GCC policy aiming for 4 lakh new jobs.
• Tell me more:
  • Project spans six acres in Powai suburb with 20 lakh square feet lettable area by 2029.
  • Facility will be largest GCC in Asia leased to multinational bank for 20-year term with green power sources.
  • Formal agreement to be signed in due course between government and Brookfield.

3. Kopra Reservoir Becomes Chhattisgarh’s First Ramsar Site

• What:
  • Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur district was declared Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar Site, placing it among global wetlands of international importance.
• Why:
  • Declaration recognizes unique ecology, rich aquatic biodiversity, and role as habitat for resident, migratory birds through joint efforts of state wetland authority, experts, communities.
• Tell me more:
  • Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai linked site to Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision 2047 targeting 20 Ramsar wetlands by 2030.

Source: TOI

4. Maharashtra Plans Pagdi Building Redevelopment Rules

• What:
  • Maharashtra government will frame rules for redevelopment of old pagdi buildings to make Mumbai pagdi-mukt, announced by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
• Why:
  • Rules address unsafe 60-70 year old buildings collapsing due to lack of maintenance under pagdi system and stalled redevelopment from legal-financial disputes.
• Tell me more:
  • Pagdi system involves tenants paying one-time premium for permanent tenancy with token rent under Maharashtra Rent Control Act.
  • Tenants receive equal-sized flats; landlords get clear development rights and fair compensation.
  • Low-income families get rebuilt homes at no cost; unused space converts to transferable development rights.

5. Punjab Names Stadium Stands After Harmanpreet Kaur, Yuvraj Singh

• What:
  • Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled stands named after Harmanpreet Kaur and Yuvraj Singh at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA New International Stadium in Mullanpur.
• Why:
  • Ceremony honors Women’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur and two-time World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh before India-South Africa second Twenty20 International (T20I) on December 11.
• Tell me more:
  • Third time Indian stadium stand named after international women’s cricketer.
  • Harmanpreet led India to historic Women’s World Cup title last month.
  • Yuvraj Singh contributed to India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup victories; mentored Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma.

6. State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 Launched In Nagaland

• What:
  • Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar launched State-Level Watershed Mahotsav 2025 and Mission Watershed PUNARUTTHAN at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima.
• Why:
  • Initiative transforms water-stressed regions into water-secure landscapes through reviving traditional water bodies, restoring degraded lands, strengthening harvesting systems.
• Tell me more:
  • Nagaland receives 90% Central assistance for watershed projects compared to 60:40 Centre-State ratio in other states.
  • 14 watershed projects approved in Nagaland with ₹140 crore sanctioned, ₹80 crore released, 555 water harvesting structures renovated, over 6,500 farmers benefitted, and 120 springs restored.
  • Initiatives align with PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to increase farmers’ incomes, boost groundwater, and enable multiple crop cycles.
  • India has 4% of world’s renewable freshwater but 18% of global population, with per capita water availability below water-stress benchmark.

Source: PIB

International News

1. CITES CoP20 Convenes in Samarkand For Wildlife Trade Regulation

• What:
  • Parties to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) convened for 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) from November 24 to December 5, 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• Why:
  • To assess species conservation progress and strengthen international wildlife trade regulation every two to three years.
• Tell me more:
  • First CoP hosted in Central Asia since CITES entered force in 1975.
  • South Africa secured adoption of three proposals at CITES CoP20, led by Deputy Minister Narend Singh:
    • Deletion of bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) from Appendix II
    • Transfer of succulent Avonia quinaria from Appendix II to Appendix I
    • Transfer of succulent Euphorbia bupleurifolia from Appendix II to Appendix I
  • CoP20 considered 51 proposals for CITES appendices amendments and 114 draft working documents.
  • Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) participates via ECO-SOLVE programme on wildlife cybercrime and online trade.

2. NASA Loses Contact With Mars Maven Spacecraft

• What:
  • NASA lost contact with MAVEN spacecraft orbiting Mars after it stopped communicating with ground stations over weekend.
• Why:
  • Spacecraft was functioning normally before going behind Mars; silence followed reappearance.
• Tell me more:
  • MAVEN launched in 2013; reached Mars in 2014 to study upper atmosphere interaction with solar wind.
  • Served as communication relay for Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers.
  • MAVEN helped discover sun caused Mars to lose most atmosphere, turning wet warm planet dry cold.
  • Active Mars orbiters include Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (2005) and Mars Odyssey (2001).

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. IndusInd Bank Launches Jio-bp Mobility+ Credit Card

• IndusInd Bank and Jio-bp launched IndusInd Bank Jio-bp Mobility+ Credit Card, powered by RuPay network with Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based payments for fuel and lifestyle spending.
• To provide enhanced value to digitally savvy consumers through fuel rewards and futuristic mobility solutions at over 2,050 Jio-bp Mobility Stations.

Source: ET

2. SBI, BoB Get RBI Nod For Fraud Detection Platform

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB) received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to establish Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) as Section 8 company under Companies Act, 2013.
• Why:
  • To detect and prevent fraudulent digital transactions in public sector banks.
• Tell me more:
  • IDPIC will operate as Digital Payments Intelligence Platform.
  • Approval subject to exemption by Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
  • Exemption allows banks to hold shares exceeding 30 percent of paid-up share capital until October 16, 2026.
  • Section 8 company functions as special non-profit organisation.
  • Exemption granted under Section 19(2) of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Source: HBL

3. Amazon Announces $35 Billion Investment In India By 2030

• What:
  • Amazon announced plans to invest more than 35 billion dollars across all businesses in India through 2030, building on nearly 40 billion dollars invested so far.
• Why:
  • The investment accelerates business expansion focusing on artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digitization, export growth, and job creation aligned with Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat vision.
• Tell me more:
  • The sixth Amazon Smbhav Summit in New Delhi hosted the announcement on December 10, 2025.
  • Over 12 million small businesses have been digitized and 20 billion dollars in ecommerce exports enabled.
  • 2.8 million direct, indirect, induced, and seasonal jobs were supported in 2024 across technology, operations, logistics.
  • 15 million small businesses and 4 million government school students will benefit from AI tools, education by 2030.
  • Ecommerce exports will quadruple to 80 billion dollars and 3.8 million jobs will be supported by 2030.

4. Cabinet Approves 100% FDI In Insurance Sector

• What:
  • Union Cabinet approved Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025 raising foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance companies to 100 percent from 74 percent.
• Why:
  • Reforms aim to attract foreign capital, increase competition, enhance customer services, boost insurance penetration, and achieve Insurance for All by 2047 vision.
• Tell me more:
  • Bill to be introduced in Winter session of Parliament ending December 19.
  • Amendments cover Insurance Act 1938, Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act 1999.
  • Changes include lowering paid-up capital requirements and creating composite licence framework.

5. Microsoft Launches MahaCrimeOS AI For Cybercrime Investigations

• What:
  • Microsoft Chairman Satya Nadella and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled MahaCrimeOS AI, India’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform for fast-tracking cybercrime investigations.
• Why:
  • Platform augments police officers with AI tools to resolve cases faster by combining human expertise with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Foundry.
• Tell me more:
  • Developed by CyberEye, Maharashtra’s MARVEL Special Purpose Vehicle, and Microsoft India Development Center (IDC).

Source: IE

Defence News

1. Indian Navy Commissions First Indigenous Diving Support Craft

• What:
  • Indian Navy will commission DSC A20, first indigenously designed Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Kochi under Southern Naval Command.
• Why:
  • Vessel enhances Navy’s diving, underwater support capability for coastal missions including inspection, salvage assistance.
• Tell me more:
  • Lead ship of five vessels built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
  • Commissioning by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
  • Underwent hydrodynamic analysis, model testing at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
  • Designed per Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) rules; based at Kochi supporting Aatmanirbharta, Make in India.

Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. IIT Madras Launches National Quantum Communication Hub

• What:
  • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) inaugurated IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation as India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication at IIT Madras Research Park.
• Why:
  • To lead quantum secure communication technologies, pilot deployments, and collaborations with academia, industry, and global partners for national security and economic growth.
• Tell me more:
  • Inaugurated by Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
  • Key attendees included V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Anil Prabhakar, Project Director and IIT Madras Faculty.
  • One of four well-funded hubs under National Quantum Mission with expectations for technologies and products in five years.
  • Focus areas include Quantum Cryptography and Post-Quantum Security, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks, Quantum Memory and Repeaters, Satellite-based Quantum Communication.
  • Liberal funding guidelines support eight startups already funded through National Cyber-Physical Mission.

Source: HBL

Awards

1. DBS Named Global Bank of the Year 2025 By The Banker

• What:
  • DBS Bank received Global Bank of the Year 2025 award from The Banker publication of The Financial Times, marking third win after 2018 and 2021.
• Why:
  • Recognition highlights DBS leadership through artificial intelligence (AI) innovations for scam protection, smart contracts, and customer-focused technological applications.
• Tell me more:
  • Award stood out among 294 participating banks. This is DBS’s ninth global Best Bank award since 2018.
  • DBS also won Asia Bank of the Year.
  • DBS secured Singapore Bank of the Year award.
  • DBS received Investment Bank of the Year – Asia.
  • DBS won inaugural Investment Bank of the Year for Financial Institutions Group.
  • The Banker, founded in 1926 and owned by The Financial Times, celebrates leading financial institutions annually.

2. Time Names “Architects of AI” As Person of Year

• What:
  • Time magazine named “Architects of AI” as 2025 Person of Year recognizing US tech leaders transforming humanity through artificial intelligence (AI).
• Why:
  • AI leaders reshaped information landscape, climate, livelihoods, government policy, geopolitical rivalries, introduced robots into homes.
• Tell me more:
  • Cover features Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, xAI’s Elon Musk, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, AMD’s Lisa Su, Google’s Demis Hassabis, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, Stanford’s Fei-Fei Li.
  • ChatGPT usage doubled to 10 percent of world population in 2025.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang predicts AI will grow global economy from 100 trillion to 500 trillion dollars.

Source: NDTV

Important Days

1. National Energy Conservation Day – December 14
2. International Day Against Colonialism – December 14
3. International Day of Neutrality – December 12
4. International Universal Health Coverage Day – December 12

• UN Focus: Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!

Source: UN

Sports

1. Germany Wins Record Eighth FIH Junior World Cup in Chennai

• What:
  • Germany won the FIH Junior World Cup for record-extending eighth time by defeating Spain 3-2 in penalty shootout after 1-1 draw at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.
• Why:
  • Germany demonstrated serial winning ability through strong defence and exceptional goalkeeping in crucial moments.
• Tell me more:
  • Jasper Ditzer named Player of the Final and Goalkeeper of the Tournament; also won Indoor World Cup earlier this year.
  • Justus Warweg scored Germany’s goal in first half with reverse hit; Spain equalized through Nicolas Mustaros tap-in in third quarter.
  • Ben Hasbach scored in shootout with cheeky lob after feinting early shot.
  • Spain had five penalty corners in first quarter but failed to score against Germany’s defence led by Jean-Paul Danneberg.

2. ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 Begins In United Arab Emirates

• What:
  • ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 started in United Arab Emirates from December 12 to 21 featuring eight teams preparing for ICC U19 World Cup 2026.
• Tell me more:
  • Group A includes India, Pakistan, Malaysia, hosts UAE.
  • Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal.
  • Top two teams from each group advance to semi-finals; final scheduled for December 21.
  • Live streaming available on SonyLIV app and website; broadcast on Sony Sports Network in India.
  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 171 off 95 balls with 14 sixes leading India to 234-run victory over UAE in ACC U19 Asia Cup opening match.
    • Suryavanshi’s explosive innings set India highest-ever U19 One Day International (ODI) total of 433 for 6 in 50 overs.
    • Suryavanshi’s 171 is second-highest Indian U19 ODI score behind Ambati Rayudu’s 177. 14 sixes most by any batter in single U19 innings; century off 56 balls, fifty off 30 balls.
    • Middle-order contributions from Vedant Trivedi (38), Abhigyan Kundu (32 not out), Kanishk Chouhan (28).

Source: TOI N18

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India, Italy Sign Sports Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding

• What:
  • Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral sports cooperation.
• Why:
  • The MoU provides structured framework for joint promotion of sports, expertise exchange, and mutual access to elite infrastructure and high-performance centres.
• Tell me more:
  • Agreement covers joint training camps, coaching exchanges, sports science programmes, and athlete development pathways.

2. BSE Signs MoU With India Post For Mutual Fund Distribution

• What:
  • Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, Government of India to distribute mutual fund products through postal network.
• Why:
  • Partnership deepens financial inclusion using India Post’s 1.64 lakh post offices for last-mile access and BSE StAR MF platform in rural, semi-urban areas.
• Tell me more:
  • BSE StAR MF handles over 85 percent exchange-based transactions and more than 7 crore monthly transactions.
  • MoU signed by Sundararaman Ramamurthy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) BSE, and Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager (CCS & RB) DoP.
  • Post office employees and agents will be trained as certified mutual fund distributors on BSE StAR MF platform.
  • Initiative targets Tier-2, Tier-3 towns to accelerate mutual fund penetration.

Source: ET

3. MSME Signs MoU With Amazon For PM Vishwakarma Artisans

• What:
  • Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd to enable PM Vishwakarma artisans access online markets.
• Why:
  • Partnership enhances product visibility, expands customer base, and supports Viksit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat through artisan digitization.
• Tell me more:
  • MoU signed by Office of Development Commissioner (MSME) and Amazon team at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • Amazon facilitates onboarding of artisans in carpentry, pottery, metalsmithing, goldsmithing, sculpture, tailoring, locksmithing, basket making, doll making, garland making, cobbler work.

4. India and Liberia Sign Pharmacopoeia Cooperation MoU

• What:
  • India and Liberia signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on pharmacopoeia to strengthen regulatory alignment and improve access to safe, affordable medicines.
• Why:
  • Agreement promotes shared quality standards between countries for global health cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • MoU signed by India’s Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma and Liberia’s Health Minister Louise M. Kpoto.
  • Liberia will adopt Indian Pharmacopoeia as reference for medicine quality standards.
  • Pharmacopoeias set official standards for drug identity, purity, strength using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC).

Source: ET

Appointments

1. PNB Housing Finance Appoints New Managing Director and CEO

• PNB Housing Finance appointed Ajai Kumar Shukla as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for five-year term effective December 18.

Source: MoC

2. Meta India Appoints Aman Jain As Public Policy Head

• What:
  • Meta India named Aman Jain as new head of public policy and member of India leadership team, effective early next year reporting to Simon Milner, Vice President of Policy, Asia Pacific (APAC).
• Why:
  • Jain will steer policy strategy and engagements in strategic Indian market amid accelerating digital economy in artificial intelligence (AI), emerging tech, and creator economy.
• Tell me more:
  • India faces government proposals for AI governance including IT rules changes for labelling AI-generated content and DPIIT committee recommendation for AI training licences.
  • Recent Meta India leadership changes include Shivnath Thukral exit to PhonePe, Arun Srinivas as Managing Director from July 1, 2025, and Sandhya Devanathan’s expanded role.

Source: ET

3. Coca-Cola Names Henrique Braun As New CEO

• Coca-Cola appointed Henrique Braun as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective March 31, 2026, replacing James Quincey who becomes Executive Chairman.

Source: LM

4. CRPF Officer Dinesh Khatak Wins Home Minister Efficiency Medal

• What:
  • Dinesh Khatak, second-in-command of 196 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), received Kendriya Grah Mantri Dakshata Padak from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Why:
  • Award recognizes exceptional efficiency, discipline, dedication, and contribution to national security.
• Tell me more:
  • Joined CRPF as Gazetted Officer in 2005 after clearing Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam.
  • Deployed in Jammu and Kashmir 2008-2013 and 2017-2021 managing Amarnath Yatra, Article 370 abrogation, COVID-19 duties.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Passes Away at 90

• Former Union Home Minister and Congress leader Shivraj Patil died at age 90 at his home in Latur, Maharashtra.

Source: IT

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