17th December 2025

1. University of Patanjali designated as India’s first Yoga–Ayurveda cluster centre
2. Indian Army signs an MoU with Raghu Vamsi Par East to strengthen indigenous drone capabilities
3. Asian Development Bank sanctions a USD 846 million loan to support India’s skill development initiatives
4. NIRL signs an MoU with PTC India Limited to set up a green energy joint venture
5. Ponduru Khadi from Andhra Pradesh receives the Geographical Indication (GI) tag
6. C-DoT becomes the first Indian organisation to receive the IEEE SA Corporate Award
7. Former IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal takes oath as the Chief Information Commissioner
8. José Antonio Kast Rist elected as the President of Chile
9. Former Member of Parliament Ram Vilas Das Vedanti passes away
10. Minority Rights Day
11. Government extends the tenure of SBI Managing Director Ashwini Kumar Tewari by two years
12. Ravi Ranjan assumes charge as Managing Director of the State Bank of India
13. Google launches its first-ever credit card in India on the RuPay network
14. Rankings released for the top and bottom ten countries in the Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index
15. Winners announced for the FIFA Best Football Awards
16. Exhibition ‘Param Vir Dirgha’ inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India
17. JP Morgan announces plans to establish Asia’s largest Global Capability Centre in India
18. India’s film Homebound enters the shortlist for the Oscars’ Best International Feature category
19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first global leader to receive Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour
20. Three memoranda of understanding signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Addis Ababa
21. India plans a new Antarctic research station, Maitri II, with a long-term completion target
22. HDFC Bank receives RBI approval to acquire up to a 9.5% stake in IndusInd Bank

National News

1. University of Patanjali Becomes Gyan Bharatam Cluster Center

• What:
  • University of Patanjali designated as Cluster Center under Gyan Bharatam Mission of Ministry of Culture through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Haridwar.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Acharya Balkrishna noted 33 MoUs signed including 20 Cluster Centers, eight universities; Patanjali first yoga Ayurveda university designated.
  • University preserved over 50,000 ancient texts, digitized 42 lakh pages, republished 40 manuscripts.
  • University will mentor 20 associated institutions as Cluster Center.

Source: TOI

2. ADB Approves $846 Million Loan For ITI Upgradation

• What:
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $846 million loan for Supporting Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) Program modernizing 650 ITIs across 12 states and upgrading five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
• Why:
  • Program builds future-ready workforce for India’s manufacturing and emerging technology sectors through hub-and-spoke cluster model and industry-aligned training.
• Tell me more:
  • ADB collaborates with World Bank for co-financing during implementation.
  • India’s 3,500 ITIs struggle with industry-relevant training causing poor employment outcomes for graduates.
  • ADB Country Director Mio Oka

Source: ADB

3. President Murmu Inaugurates Param Vir Dirgha Gallery

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Param Vir Dirgha gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan during Vijay Diwas displaying portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.
• Tell me more:
  • Vijay Diwas observed annually on December 16 commemorating India’s decisive 1971 war victory reshaping South Asia map.

Source: GOV TOI

4. India Approves Maitri-II Antarctic Research Station

• What:
  • Ministry of Earth Sciences approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities including architectural design and Detailed Project Report (DPR) to replace Maitri Research Station with Maitri-II Station in Antarctica.
• Tell me more:
  • Maitri-II features modern laboratories, advanced ice-core storage systems, biological microbial research suite, expanded atmospheric observation facilities.
  • Project completion expected by 2032 after seven-year timeline expanding India’s Antarctic research scope and precision.
  • Maitri-II serves as state-of-the-art year-round research hub contributing high-quality data to global polar science.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Ponduru Khadi Receives Geographical Indication Tag

• What:
  • Ponduru khadi from Srikakulam district received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from Geographical Indications Registry under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Tell me more:
  • Ponduru artisans follow unique manual process producing high-yarn-count textile from cotton passed through generations.
  • Mahatma Gandhi received Ponduru khadi stole at Dusi railway station in 1921 and sent son Devdas to study textile processes.

2. JP Morgan Plans Asia’s Largest GCC In Mumbai

• What:
  • JP Morgan Chase announced Asia’s largest Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Mumbai’s Powai area spanning 2 million square feet for 30,000 employees by 2029.
• Why:
  • Centre anchors complex high-value global functions leveraging India’s talent pools, innovation workforce for technology, analytics, risk management, finance.
• Tell me more:
  • India hosts over 1,900 GCCs representing more than half global total across technology, life sciences, BFSI, engineering, digital services.
  • Brookfield reported $1 billion GCC development in Mumbai alongside JP Morgan investment.

Source: SSF KS

Banking and Economy

1. NLC India Renewables Signs 200 MW Wind PPA

• What:
  • NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), wholly owned subsidiary of NLC India Limited (NLCIL), signed long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SJVN Limited (SJVNL) for 200 MW wind power project in Chennai.
• Why:
  • Agreement covers SJVN’s 600 MW ISTS-connected Wind Power Projects (Wind-2 Tranche) awarded through tariff-based competitive bidding generating 500 million units green energy annually.
• Tell me more:
  • PPA signed by NIRL and SJVNL representatives with NLCIL Chairman Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, SJVNL Chairman Bhupender Gupta, directors present.
  • NIRL signed Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) last week with PTC India Limited for green energy projects including solar, wind, hydro, battery storage, green ammonia up to 2,000 MW capacity.
  • First phase targets around 500 MW renewable energy development, operation, maintenance.

2. Google Pay Launches Flex Axis Bank Credit Card

• What:
  • Google Pay and Axis Bank launched UPI-powered co-branded “Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card” on RuPay network on December 17, 2025.
• Why:
  • Card integrates credit experience with everyday UPI payments using Google Pay’s secure platform and Axis Bank’s banking expertise.
• Tell me more:
  • Axis Bank President Arnika Dixit highlighted opportunity for digital-first consumers with instant rewards, flexible repayments.

Source: LM

3. HDFC Bank Gets RBI Approval For 9.50% IndusInd Stake

• What:
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved HDFC Bank group entities to hold up to 9.50% aggregate stake in IndusInd Bank through letter dated December 15 valid until December 14, 2026.
• Why:
  • Approval allows combined investments exceeding previous 5% limit as group entities’ normal business investments required RBI permission under 2025 Directions.
• Tell me more:
  • Approval covers HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Pension Fund Management Limited, HDFC Securities Limited.
  • Total holding cannot exceed 9.50% of IndusInd Bank’s paid-up share capital or voting rights at any time.
  • RBI Directions define aggregate holding as bank shareholding plus bodies corporate, mutual funds, trustees, promoter group entities under same management.

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025

• What:
  • India ranked 104th in Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025 by Henley & Partners and AlphaGeo with total score of 54.42.
• Why:
  • Index evaluates countries’ exposure to geopolitical, economic, technological, climate risks and capacity to adapt and recover.
• Tell me more:
  • US ranked 24th, China 37th; Pakistan 148th, Haiti 149th, Lebanon 150th at bottom due to political instability, economic risks.
  • Top 10 Countries in the Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025:

• Bottom 10 Countries in the Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025:
  

Source: IE

Awards

1. C-DOT Wins Prestigious IEEE SA Corporate Award

• What:
  • Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) received IEEE SA (Standards Association) Corporate Award 2025 as first Indian organisation for pioneering contributions in wireless broadband, rural 5G, telecom education standards.
• Tell me more:
  • C-DOT CEO Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay received award at New Jersey ceremony; only five organisations globally received Corporate Award since IEEE inception.
  • C-DOT Scientist Mr. Sandeep Kumar Agrawal awarded IEEE SA Standards Medallion 2025 for rural broadband standards leadership.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • C-DOT develops indigenous telecom technologies supporting Digital India, Make in India including 5G, 6G, Quantum, Cybersecurity.
  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), founded 1884, world’s largest technical professional organization, is developing global standards through IEEE SA operating unit.

Source: PIB

2. FIFA Best Football Awards 2025

3. Homebound Shortlisted For Oscars International Feature

• What:
  • Neeraj Ghaywan’s directed ‘Homebound’ advanced to next voting round in International Feature Film category for 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) among 15 eligible films from 86 countries.
• Why:
  • Academy members participated in preliminary voting shortlisting films for final nominations round requiring viewing all 15 shortlisted entries.
• Tell me more:
  • Film stars Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib, Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, Janhvi Kapoor; follows childhood friends’ police force dream amid friendship, duty, young India pressures.
  • Dharma Productions produced film with Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta.
  • Homebound premiered in Un Certain Regard at Cannes 2025, earned Second Runner-Up International Audience Choice Award at TIFF.

4. PM Modi Receives Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Award

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia’s highest civilian award ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’ from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali as first global Head of State or Government recipient.
• Why:
  • Award recognises PM Modi’s role strengthening India-Ethiopia bilateral relations elevated to Strategic Partnership during visit commemorating deep civilisational ties.
• Tell me more:
  • Award marks 28th top foreign state honour conferred on PM Modi by foreign nation.

Source: DD

Important Days

1. Minorities Rights Day in India – December 18

Source: IT

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Army Signs MoU For Indigenous Drone Capabilities

• What:
  • Indian Army signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Raghu Vamsi Par East to fast-track indigenous drone capabilities for land systems coordinated through 515 Army Base Workshop in Secunderabad.
• Tell me more:
  • MoU focuses on technology infusion in drone manufacturing emphasizing IC engine-based drones and GPS-denied environment systems.
  • Raghu Vamsi Par East provides technical consultancy to Army Base Workshop for comprehensive drone technology evaluation.

Source: NOA

2. India and Ethiopia Sign Three Key MoUs

• What:
  • India and Ethiopia signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on customs administrative assistance, data centre at Ethiopian embassy, UN peacekeeping cooperation in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali.
• Tell me more:
  • Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received PM Modi at Addis Ababa airport with ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at National Palace.
  • PM Modi visited Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian PM reflecting historic ties and personal bond between leaders.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. Raj Kumar Goyal Appointed Chief Information Commissioner

• Shri Raj Kumar Goyal appointed Chief Information Commissioner in Central Information Commission and assumed office on December 15, 2025, administering oath to eight new Information Commissioners.

Source: [PIB](PIB

2. José Antonio Kast Rist elected as the President of Chile

Source: TG

3. SBI Rejigs MD Portfolios

• Government extended tenure of State Bank of India (SBI) Managing Director Ashwini Kumar Tewari for two years from January 27, 2026 till superannuation on December 31, 2027. His current portfolio involves corporate banking and subsidiaries.
• Separately, the government also appointed Ravi Ranjan as a new MD, who assumed office on December 15, 2025. He is responsible for the Risk, Compliance, and Stressed Assets Resolution Group (SARG) verticals.
• State Bank of India (SBI) has a total of four Managing Directors (MDs) who each oversee different portfolios.
• Chairman, SBI – CS Setty

Source: BS ET

Miscellaneous

1. Ram Vilas Das Vedanti Passes Away

• Former M.P. Dr Ram Vilas Das Vedanti, key figure in Ram Temple movement, passed away at hospital in Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh.

Source: NOA

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