15th December 2025

1. The Ministry of Education organised the ‘Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav’ in New Delhi
2. Arton Capital’s Passport Index ranks the UAE as holding the world’s strongest passport, with India placed 67th
3. The World Bank approved USD 600 million in financing for clean air initiatives in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana
4. OPTCL secured a ₹1,685 crore loan from NABARD to strengthen power infrastructure in Odisha
5. NABARD’s Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS)
6. MSDE and IGNOU Sign MoU to Expand National Skill Development and Digital Learning Programs
7. ISRO gets ready for one of its busiest times in recent memory, lines up seven launches
8. Army to get 3 Apache attack copters, Navy to induct Seahawks
9. PM’s departure statement ahead of his visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman
10. India is set to host the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship
11. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the ‘Meri Yojana’ portal
12. India won the WSF Squash World Cup for the first time
13. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh identified as a new habitat for cheetah conservation
14. India secures the third position in the Global AI Index, after the United States and China
15. The Vice-President releases a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar
16. The Press Club of India elects Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty as its first woman President

National News

1. Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 Valedictory Celebrated in Delhi

• What:
  • Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education celebrated valedictory function of Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav (BBU) 2025 on 11th December 2025 at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • Celebrations commemorated birth anniversary of Subramania Bharati and promoted multilingualism as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 under theme “भाषाएँ अनेक, भाव एक / Many Languages, One Emotion”.
• Tell me more:
  • Shri Sanjay Kumar reflected on three years of Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav celebrations, recalled Subramania Bharati’s contributions to freedom, social reform and multilingualism, emphasised reading, mother tongue learning from NEP 2020 and encouraged embracing multiple languages.
  • Prof M Jagadesh Kumar highlighted purpose of learning multiple languages for critical thinking, creativity, innovation, cognitive flexibility and contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • Vibrant cultural programme featured songs, classical and folk dances, multilingual patriotic renditions, nukkad natak and poetry recitations by students from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and National Bal Bhavan (NBB).
  • Schools across India observed week-long celebrations from 4th to 11th December with interactive activities, stalls displaying teaching material in different languages and language games.
  • Subramania Bharati, also known as Mahakavi Bharathiyar, was a renowned Tamil poet, freedom fighter, and social reformer during India’s independence movement.

Source: PIB

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Embarked on His Three-Nation Visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman

• What:
  • A three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman has started to strengthen age-old civilizational ties and extensive bilateral relations.
• Why:
  • The visit marks 75 years of India-Jordan diplomatic relations, India’s first visit to Ethiopia, and 70 years of India-Oman ties while enhancing strategic partnerships and economic relations.
• Tell me more:
  • In Jordan, discussions will be held with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, plus meeting with Indian community in Amman.
  • In Ethiopia, talks with Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, meeting Indian diaspora in Addis Ababa (African Union headquarters), and address to Joint Session of Parliament on India’s democracy and Global South partnership.
  • In Oman, discussions with Sultan of Oman in Muscat to strengthen strategic partnership and address Indian diaspora gathering.

Source: PMI

State News

1. World Bank Approves Air Quality Programs for UP, Haryana

• What:
  • World Bank approved financing for Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program (UPCAMP) (USD 299.66 million) and Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (USD 300 million) to improve air quality.
• Why:
  • Programs aim to reduce air pollution, increase productivity, create green jobs for youth and women, and make states more attractive for business and job creation.
• Tell me more:
  • UPCAMP builds on UP government’s Clean Air Plan with investments in transport, agriculture, industry; helps 3.9 million households access clean cooking; deploys 15,000 electric three-wheelers and 500 electric buses in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur; incentivizes replacing 13,500 polluting heavy-duty vehicles.
  • UPCAMP adopts airshed approach for transboundary emissions control; incentivizes farmers for better fertiliser use, livestock waste management; supports MSMEs for cleaner technologies and urban e-mobility.
  • Haryana project invests in air quality monitoring systems, clean transport like electric buses and three-wheelers in Gurugram, Sonipat, Faridabad for job access; supports MSMEs cleaner technologies, agricultural waste management, paddy stubble reuse.
  • Haryana set up ARJUN, a special purpose vehicle, for coordination, implementation, monitoring; targets emissions from transport, agriculture, industry, urban development; aims to mobilise over USD 127 million private capital.

2. Odisha Power Transmission Signs Loan MoU with NABARD

• What:
  • Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for Rs 1,685.27 crore long-term loan at 7.75% interest, marking NABARD’s first project financing to any Odisha state-owned public sector undertaking.
• Why:
  • The loan will fund new transmission projects and swap high-cost existing loans to optimize debt, reduce borrowing costs, strengthen power infrastructure, ensure reliable supply, and support Odisha’s economic growth and industrial development.
• Tell me more:
  • Rs 900 crore of the loan will be used for new transmission projects while the rest swaps existing high-cost loans.
  • The partnership accelerates modern transmission networks for industries, businesses, and households, enhancing grid stability and reducing losses.

3. Uttarakhand CM Launches Meri Yojana Portal and Books

• What:
  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Meri Yojana Portal (myscheme.gov.in) and three editions of ‘Meri Yojana’ books at IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk.
• Why:
  • The portal and books make welfare scheme information accessible, provide details on application process, documents, eligibility, and ensure time-bound delivery of benefits to eligible citizens.
• Tell me more:
  • Three editions cover “Meri Yojana,” “Meri Yojana – State Government,” and “Meri Yojana – Central Government” schemes from both Central and State Governments.
  • Benefits disbursed directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank accounts; Social Welfare Department pensions transferred through DBT to all eligible beneficiaries.
  • Government focuses on transparency, accountability, simplification, solution, disposal, satisfaction for public grievances under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

4. Madhya Pradesh Approves Third Cheetah Habitat at Nauradehi

• What:
  • Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve at Nauradehi in Sagar district as third cheetah habitat, to be ready before next monsoon.
• Why:
  • The project expands successful cheetah rehabilitation in India, following translocations from Africa to Kuno National Park (KNP).
• Tell me more:
  • KNP (Sheopur, opened September 2022) houses 28 cheetahs; Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary (Mandsaur, opened April 2025) has 2 cheetahs; 8 more cheetahs expected at KNP from Botswana in January 2026.
  • Only 3 cheetahs released at Gandhi Sagar so far, with potential for 50; Nauradehi enclosure under preparation.
  • Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated Madhya Pradesh is world’s only successful cheetah rehabilitation location.

5. Vice-President Releases Stamp Honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar

• What:
  • Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released a commemorative postage stamp honouring Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (Suvaran Maran) at Vice-President’s Enclave, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The stamp recognises contributions of Tamil kings like Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar who lacked due recognition, supporting Tamil culture preservation under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership.
• Tell me more:
  • Emperor from Mutharaiyar dynasty ruled central Tamil Nadu (7th-9th centuries CE) from Tiruchirappalli for nearly four decades with administrative stability, territorial expansion, cultural patronage, military prowess.
  • Initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam honour Tamil leaders, freedom fighters.

Source: PIB

Banking and Economy

1. NABARD’s Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS) 2025

• What:
  • India’s rural economy recorded a strong revival in consumption, income and household sentiment, as per the eighth round of the Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS) conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
• Why:
  • The survey highlights the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation, welfare transfers and easing inflation in boosting rural purchasing power and demand.
• Tell me more:
  • About 80% of rural households reported higher consumption, with 67.3% of monthly income spent on consumption, the highest since RECSS began in September 2024.
  • Nearly 42.2% of households reported income growth, while only 15.7% saw a decline, both being record levels across survey rounds.
  • Capital expenditure rose for 29.3% of households, the highest since the survey started, indicating healthier investment activity.
  • Formal credit usage increased, with 58.3% of households depending only on banks and formal lenders, up from 48.7% in September 2024.
  • Inflation perception eased to 3.77%, the lowest in a year, supporting higher real incomes and consumption.

Source: IM

Reports and Indices

1. UAE Tops World’s Strongest Passport Ranking 2025

• What:
  • United Arab Emirates topped as world’s strongest passport in 2025 with mobility score of 179 according to Passport Index data by Arton Capital.
• Why:
  • UAE passport holders access highest number of countries without prior visa or with visa-on-arrival.
• Tell me more:
  • Singapore and Spain ranked second with scores of 175.
  • Belgium, France, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Luxembourg, Italy, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Greece, Austria, Malaysia, Norway, Ireland, South Korea and Japan follow with scores of 174.
  • India ranks 67th globally.

2. Stanford University 2025 Global AI Index Report

• What:
  • India rose to third place in Stanford University’s 2025 Global AI Vibrancy rankings, climbing four spots from seventh in 2023.
• Why:
  • The rankings assess nations’ AI capabilities across research, talent, infrastructure, economy, policy, governance, responsible AI, and public opinion.
• Tell me more:
  • India now trails only US and China, overtaking UK, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan with 2024 score of 21.59.
  • Report released in November 2025 based on 2024 Global AI Vibrancy assessment; India slipped five positions in policy and governance category.
  • Growth driven by stronger research output, increased patent filings, scientific publications, AI education programs, and investment flows.
  • Global AI investments include Canada ($2.4 billion), China ($47.5 billion semiconductor fund), France (109 billion euros), India ($1.25 billion), Saudi Arabia ($100 billion Project Transcendence).

Source: IE

Defence News

1. Indian Army Set To Receive Final Apache Helicopters

• What:
  • Indian Army will receive its three remaining Apache AH-64 attack helicopters from US within days, while Navy commissions second MH-60R Seahawk squadron on December 17 at INS Hansa, Goa.
• Why:
  • The inductions strengthen rotary wing combat capabilities, plug operational gaps against submarine threats and border needs, and support long-term replacement of obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleets.
• Tell me more:
  • Army’s six Apaches under Rs 5,691 crore 2020 deal add to IAF’s 22 from Rs 13,952 crore 2015 deal; armed with Stinger missiles, Hellfire Longbow, guns, rockets; Army squadron at Jodhpur for Pakistan front.
  • Navy’s second Seahawk squadron at INS Hansa follows first at INS Garuda, Kochi (March 2024); 15 of 24 delivered under Rs 15,157 crore 2020 deal plus Rs 7,955 crore support contract; armed with Hellfire, MK-54 torpedoes, rockets, sensors.
  • HAL to deliver 156 Prachand light combat helicopters (90 Army, 66 IAF) in 2028-2033 under Rs 62,700 crore contract, adding to 15 already inducted (10 IAF, 5 Army) under Rs 3,887 crore 2022 deal.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Plans Seven Major Launch Missions by March 2026

• What:
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has scheduled seven launch missions by March 2026, including first uncrewed Gaganyaan flight, industry-built rocket test, and advanced technology demonstrations.
• Why:
  • The missions advance human spaceflight capabilities, boost commercial launch services, demonstrate indigenous technologies like electric propulsion, and support strategic satellite deployments.
• Tell me more:
  • ISRO’s Seven Launch Missions by March 2026:

Source: ET

Sports

1. Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship to Feature 24 Countries

• What:
  • Over 24 countries will compete in the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9 to 14, 2026, with venue yet to be finalised in India.
• Why:
  • The event serves as a stepping stone for Kho Kho’s inclusion in major tournaments like 2030 Doha Asian Games, 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, and 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
• Tell me more:
  • 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams will participate, organised similarly to the first Kho Kho World Cup held in Delhi in January 2026 with 23 nations.
  • Kho Kho Federation of India is negotiating with several states to finalise venue after approval from Commonwealth Sport (CS).

2. Indian Squash Team Wins First World Cup Title

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the Indian Squash Team for winning their first-ever World Cup title at SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 in Chennai.
• Team members Joshna Chinnappa, Abhay Singh, Velavan Senthil Kumar, and Anahat Singh showed dedication, discipline, and determination.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IGNOU and MSDE Sign MoU for Nationwide Skill Centres

• What:
  • Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a MoU to establish skill centres across India and implement Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) training.
• Why:
  • The partnership integrates higher education with India’s skilling ecosystem to expand access to industry-related training programs and boost employability and entrepreneurship.
• Tell me more:
  • Skill centres will be set up at all 70 IGNOU regional centres offering National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned courses using digital and blended learning infrastructure.
  • The agreement includes IGNOU infrastructure support, MSDE accreditation and affiliation, trainer training through sector skill councils, placement support via industry partnerships, and credit-linked pathways aligned with National Education Policy.
  • The initiative targets underserved groups including women, rural youth, first-generation learners, and informal sector workers to strengthen local job ecosystems.
  • The MoU was signed in presence of IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof Uma Kanjilal and MSDE Secretary Debashree Mukherjee along with senior officials from both institutions.

Source: IT

Appointments

1. Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty Elected First Woman Press Club President

• What:
  • Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty was elected as the first woman president of Press Club of India.
• Tell me more:
  • Afzal Imam elected as secretary general.
  • Jatin Gandhi elected as vice-president.
  • Aditi Rajput (Treasurer) and P R Sunil (Joint Secretary) elected unopposed.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. PM Condoles Passing of Assam Tribune Editor PG Baruah

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Shri PG Baruah Ji, Editor and Managing Director of The Assam Tribune Group.
• Shri PG Baruah Ji contributed significantly to the media world, Assam’s progress, and popularising the state’s culture.

Source: PMI

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