19th December 2025
AviaIndra Exercise, TRAI 1600 Series, E-B-4 Visa Module, Bannerghatta Capuchin Monkeys, Desert Cyclone-II, PPSL RBI Approval, Airtel EV Wallet, Deepinder Goyal Hurun List, CRPF Efficiency Medal, INAS 335 Ospreys, Peter Arnett Death, World Arabic Language Day, Goa Liberation Day, Bondi Beach Sydney, John Cena Retirement, MRF FIA Rally, NTPC NETRA CSIR, INAS 335 Commissioning, UNESCO Safeguarding List, Uncapped Players Auction, Filmfare OTT Awards, Air Defence Systems
- The Indian Air Force hosts the bilateral air exercise AviaIndra with Russia
- TRAI mandates the use of 1600-series numbers for service calls made by IRDAI-regulated entities
- DPIIT launches a digital module for the e-B-4 visa to enable online generation of sponsorship letters
- Bannerghatta Biological Park welcomes eight black-capped capuchin monkeys
- India and the UAE begin the joint military exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II in Abu Dhabi
- PPSL receives RBI approval to operate offline and cross-border payment services
- Airtel Payments Bank partners with NBBL to facilitate EV wallet recharges
- Deepinder Goyal, Founder and CEO of Eternal, tops the IDFC First Private–Hurun India Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia list
- CRPF officer Dinesh Khatak receives the Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal
- Indian Navy commissions INAS 335 (Ospreys) at INS Hansa in Goa
- Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Peter Arnett passes away
- World Arabic Language Day marked worldwide
- Goa Liberation Day commemorated to mark the state’s liberation history
- Overview of Bondi Beach and its cultural significance in Sydney
- WWE legend John Cena announces retirement after a two-decade career
- MRF Tyres wins the FIA European Rally Championship title
- NTPC, NETRA, and CSIR scientists honoured for technological innovation
- Indian Navy to commission INAS 335 (Ospreys) in Goa
- UNESCO adds endangered traditional arts and crafts to its urgent safeguarding list
- Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma emerge as joint most expensive uncapped players
- Winners list of the Filmfare OTT Awards, with Black Warrant as the top winner
- Ranked list of the world’s top air defence systems
Table of Content
National News
- Government Streamlines e-B-4 Visa for Foreign Experts
- What:
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) launches online module for Indian companies to generate sponsorship letters for e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) to bring foreign professionals.
- Why:
- Reforms improve ease of doing business by simplifying visa process for production-related activities like machine installation, quality checks, training, and plant design.
- Tell me more:
- Module operates through National Single Window System (NSWS) with simpler forms, auto-population from Ministry of Corporate Affairs and GST Network, and no line ministry approvals.
- Indian companies generate 129 sponsorship letters through new system so far.
- Foreign professionals use unique ID from sponsorship letters to apply for e-visa on online portal.
- Facility covers both production-linked incentive (PLI) beneficiary firms and non-PLI companies.
- Earlier cumbersome process now becomes faster and more structured.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Ministry of Home Affairs circular in August 2025 shifts equipment installation and fee-based activities from employment visa to business visa regime. - New B-4 Visa sub-category enables engagement of specialists for commissioning, maintenance, IT ramp-up, training, supply chain, and plant design. - Existing e-PLI business visa gets dispensed with. - Experts include engineers and technical people needed for imported machinery support. |
Source: TOI
State News
- Bannerghatta Imports Capuchin Monkeys From South Africa
- Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru, Karnataka, imports eight black-capped capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) from Induna Primate and Parrot Park in South Africa under animal exchange programme.
- Import occurs through animal exchange programme between the parks.
Source: TH
International News
- Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia
- Bondi Beach, located approximately 7 km east of Sydney’s central business district, is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and a global symbol of the country’s coastal lifestyle.
- Bondi Beach has recently been at the center of international news following a tragic mass shooting and terrorist attack.
Source: CNN
- UNESCO Adds Diverse Traditions to Intangible Heritage Lists
- What:
- UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adds living traditions from various countries to its global lists of intangible cultural heritage at risk.
- Why:
- UNESCO promotes traditions, strengthens transmission and mobilises support through lists to ensure survival against social, economic or environmental change.
- Tell me more:
- List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding includes
| Name | Country | Details about the culture |
|---|---|---|
| Boreendo, Bhorindo folk musical instrument | Pakistan | The tradition preserves an ancient clay musical instrument along with its melodies, knowledge systems, and playing skills that communities pass down across generations. |
| Đông Hồ folk woodblock printing | Viet Nam | The craft uses hand-carved wooden blocks, natural pigments, and special scallop-powder-coated paper to depict daily life, history, and spiritual themes. |
| Mwazindika spiritual dance | Kenya | The Daida community practices this spiritual dance that combines ritual, music, storytelling, and movement to promote healing, protection, and balance. |
| Quincha mud-house construction techniques | Panama | The tradition teaches earthen house construction methods using wooden frames and mud plaster that communities transmit through collective practice. |
| Ñai’ũpo ceramic craftsmanship | Paraguay | The practice involves traditional ceramic-making skills that artisans use to shape culturally significant pottery through inherited techniques. |
| Asin Tibuok artisanal sea salt | Philippines | The tradition produces sea salt through a highly labour-intensive process that relies on indigenous knowledge and careful manual techniques. |
| Moliceiro wooden boat craftsmanship | Portugal | The craft builds and decorates traditional wooden boats that communities use in local waterways and cultural activities. |
| Kobyz string instrument tradition | Uzbekistan | The tradition preserves the making and playing of the Kobyz, a string instrument that holds spiritual and musical significance. |
| Lahuta epic singing | Albania | The practice involves epic singing accompanied by the Lahuta instrument to transmit history, values, and collective memory. |
| Landships cultural traditions | Barbados | The tradition blends music, dance, and performance to express community identity and shared heritage. |
| Negliubka textile tradition | Belarus | The practice sustains traditional textile-making skills that rely on inherited patterns, techniques, and cultural symbolism. |
| Bisht ceremonial garment | Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, United Arab Emirates | The tradition involves wearing a ceremonial men’s garment that symbolizes respect and social status during important life events. |
| Joropo music, poetry, and dance | Venezuela | The tradition combines music, dance, and poetic expression shaped by Indigenous, African, and European influences. |
| Festivity of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Sucre | Bolivia | The celebration brings communities together through ritual, music, and collective devotion during religious festivities. |
| Cuarteto dance-music tradition | Argentina | The tradition features energetic dance and music that play a central role in social gatherings and cultural expression. |
| Tangail saree weaving | Bangladesh | The craft involves intricate handloom weaving techniques that produce distinctive sarees passed down through generations. |
| Behzad-style miniature art | Afghanistan | The tradition preserves a distinctive miniature painting style rooted in historical artistic practices. |
| Rod marionette theatre | Belgium | The tradition uses rod-controlled puppets to perform theatrical stories that communities maintain as a living art form. |
| Christmas Bram and Sambai celebrations | Belize | The celebrations combine music, dance, and festive customs that communities perform during the Christmas season. |
| Bulgarian bagpipe traditions | Bulgaria | The tradition sustains the making and playing of traditional bagpipes used in ceremonies and community events. |
| Zaffa wedding procession | Africa and the Middle East | The tradition features ceremonial wedding processions that use music, movement, and ritual to mark marriage celebrations. |
Banking and Economy
- TRAI Mandates 1600 Series for IRDAI Entities
- What:
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) mandates entities regulated by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to adopt ‘1600’ series numbers by February 15, 2026, for service and transactional calls.
- Why:
- Direction enhances consumer trust, curbs spam, and prevents fraudulent activities through voice calls.
- Tell me more:
- ‘1600’ series enables people to identify legitimate calls from regulated entities reliably.
- TRAI issues direction, in consultation with IRDAI.
- Mandate follows similar directions for entities regulated by RBI (Reserve Bank of India), SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), and PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority).
- Structured adoption improves consumer safety and curbs impersonation-based financial frauds.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Department of Telecommunications (DoT) assigns '1600' series to Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector and government organisations. - About 570 entities have adopted 1600 series, subscribing to over 3,000 numbers. - TRAI engages with telecom providers and BFSI regulators through Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR). |
Source: ET
- Paytm Gets RBI Approval for Offline Payments
- What:
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorises Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL), subsidiary of One97 Communications, on December 17, 2025, to operate as Payment Aggregator for physical (offline) payments and cross-border transactions.
- Why:
- Authorisation adds to online Payment Aggregator approval granted by RBI on November 26, 2025, under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- Tell me more:
- PPSL now holds Payment Aggregator authorisations across online, offline, and cross-border segments.
- New license enables end-to-end payment aggregation services for merchants.
- Company applied for license in November 2020 under RBI guidelines on Payment Aggregators and Gateways.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - RBI rejected application in November 2022 and asked resubmission to comply with Press Note 3 under FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) rules. - PPSL operates as wholly-owned subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited. |
Source: MoC
- Airtel Enables EV Wallet Recharges on Bharat Connect
- What:
- Airtel Payments Bank partners with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) to enable EV wallet recharges on Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform through Airtel Thanks app.
- Why:
- Feature simplifies digital payments for electric vehicle users by replacing reliance on individual charging point operators’ wallets.
- Tell me more:
- Users access ‘Recharge EV’ under Pay Bills section, enter registered mobile number and amount, then complete payment via Bharat Connect-enabled apps.
- Recharge amount reflects instantly in EV wallet.
- Facility available to all Airtel Thanks app users.
- Initiative offers seamless, instant, and interoperable payment experience.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Ganesh Ananthanarayanan serves as Executive Director – Business Operations at Airtel Payments Bank. - Feature enhances everyday digital payment experiences and supports India’s EV ecosystem growth. |
Source: ET
Reports and Indices
- IDFC FIRST Private & Hurun India Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025
- What:
- IDFC FIRST Private & Hurun India releases Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025 report showing total business value of Rs 42 lakh crore.
- Why:
- Report highlights India’s startup ecosystem evolution into global innovation hub.
- Tell me more:
- Entrepreneurs feature across 51 cities with Bengaluru, Mumbai, and New Delhi accounting for more than half.
- Hurun India: Top 10 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2025:
| Rank | Company | Sector | Founder(s) | City | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eternal (Zomato) | Food Tech | Deepinder Goyal | Gurugram | 2010 |
| 2 | Avenue Supermarts (DMart) | Retail | Radhakishan Damani | Mumbai | 2000 |
| 3 | InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) | Aviation | Rahul Bhatia, Rakesh Gangwal | Gurugram | 2006 |
| 4 | Max Healthcare (Max Hospital) | Healthcare | Abhay Soi | Gurugram | 2001 |
| 5 | Swiggy | Food Delivery | Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy | Bengaluru | 2014 |
| 6 | MakeMyTrip | Travel Tech | Deep Kalra, Rajesh Magow | Gurugram | 2000 |
| 7 | Policybazaar | InsurTech | Yashish Dahiya, Alok Bansal | Gurugram | 2008 |
| 8 | Paytm | FinTech | Vijay Shekhar Sharma | Noida | 2010 |
| 9 | Nykaa | Beauty & Fashion | Falguni Nayar, Adwaita Nayar | Mumbai | 2012 |
| 10 | Lenskart | Eyewear | Peyush Bansal & Team | Gurugram | 2010 |
Source: IE
Defence News
- India Hosts AviaIndra-2025 Exercise With Russia
- What:
- Indian Air Force (IAF) hosts Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF) from December 15 to 22, 2025.
- Why:
- Exercise enhances bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and aerospace synergy between the two nations.
- Tell me more:
- Personnel conduct joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters.
- Exercise continues AviaIndra series that began in 2014.
- India and Russia enhance defence partnership ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit.
- Countries agree on Su-57 fighter jets and S-400 deal during discussions.
Source: TOI
- India-UAE Launch Desert Cyclone-II Military Exercise at Abu Dhabi
- What:
- Indian Army contingent of 45 personnel from Mechanised Infantry Regiment departs for second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone-II with UAE Land Forces at Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30.
- Why:
- Exercise enhances interoperability and fosters defence cooperation through joint training in sub-conventional operations under United Nations mandate.
- Tell me more:
- UAE contingent comprises similar strength from 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
- Troops train on fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, detailed mission planning, UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) integration, and counter-UAS techniques.
- Exercise focuses on peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
- Conduct underscores deepening strategic partnership between India and UAE.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
|
- UAE Land Forces Commander Maj Gen Yousef Maayouf Saeed Al Hallami visits India on October 27-28. - Maj Gen Hallami holds discussions with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. |
Source: NDTV
- Navy Commissions Second MH-60R Squadron Ospreys
- What:
- Indian Navy commissions second squadron of MH-60R (Romeo) anti-submarine helicopters INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ at INS Hansa naval base in presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.
- Why:
- Commissioning strengthens maritime security and safeguards national maritime interests amid complex threats.
- Tell me more:
- MH-60R helicopter serves as versatile multi-role platform on Western Seaboard as first operational squadron.
- Ceremony marks 75 years since Government of India approved Fleet Air Arm formation.
- Event coincides with 64th anniversary of Operation Vijay when Navy liberated Goa on December 17-18, 1961.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Admiral Tripathi highlights Navy's acquisition of 15 MQ9B Sea Guardian RPAs for maritime surveillance. - Navy signs contract for 26 Rafale-M carrier-borne aircraft to enhance strike capabilities. - Rotary-wing platforms including shipborne Uncrewed Aviation Systems support surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. - Senior officers present include Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus. |
Source: NDTV
- Top Ten Global Air Defence Systems Shape Modern Warfare
- What:
- A global assessment identified the ten most powerful air defence systems that currently shape the balance of military power worldwide.
- Why:
- Countries are strengthening layered and networked air defence systems to counter emerging threats such as hypersonic weapons, ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles.
- Tell me more:
- Russia leads the ranking with the S-500 Prometheus, while S-400 Triumph (Russia) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) (United States) form the backbone of long-range and high-altitude missile defence in many regions.
- The United States deploys Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD alongside the ship-based Aegis system to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles.
- Israel and the United States strengthen layered defence through David’s Sling and Patriot PAC-3, while Iron Dome addresses short-range rocket and artillery threats.
- China deploys HQ-9 and HQ-22 systems with advanced radar networks, while France and Italy operate the Aster 30 SAMP/T system for long-range, networked interception.
- India operates Russian S-400, indigenous Akash and Indo-Israeli Barak-8 systems, while Operation Sindoor demonstrated effective integrated air-defence coordination.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Iron Dome selectively intercepts short-range rockets and artillery shells aimed at populated areas with high accuracy. - The S-300VM / Antey-2500 (Russia) provides mobile protection to ground forces and fixed installations. - The global air defence market was valued at over USD 46 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double by 2035. - Israel employs Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow systems for short-, medium- and long-range missile defence with combat-proven performance. - France, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea strengthen regional defence through SAMP/T Aster, Sea Viper under North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Patriot PAC-3, Aegis and Korean Air and Missile Defence (KAMD) networks. |
Awards
- CRPF Officer Wins Home Minister Efficiency Medal
- Dinesh Khatak, second-in-command of 196 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), receives Kendriya Grah Mantri Dakshata Padak (Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal) from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Source: TOI
- MRF Tyres Wins FIA ERC Team Championship 2025
- What:
- Team MRF Tyres wins 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) team title at FIA Awards Gala with Arun Mammen collecting trophy.
- Tell me more:
- MRF secures ERC Team Championship for third time after 2022 and 2023 titles.
- Award recognizes work of engineers, staff, spirit, dedication, and resilience of MRF Tyres organisation.
Source: TH
- DV Kapur Foundation Awards Energy Innovators
- What:
- D V Kapur Foundation organizes First DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards at SCOPE Complex in New Delhi on December 12, 2025.
- Why:
- Awards honour technological innovations addressing India’s energy demands and sustainability targets.
- Tell me more:
- Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, felicitates winners.
- Category 1 awards Dr Achu Chandran of CSIR-NIIST (Rs 1 Lakh) for Nano Electricity Generator research.
- Category 2 awards NTPC’s NETRA (Rs 10 Lakhs) for Green Use of Coal Technologies led by Shri Shaswattam.
- Category 1 targets young innovators under age 38; Category 2 targets individuals or organizations.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Dignitaries include Dr Suresh Prabhu, Dr Anil Kakodkar (Padma Vibhushan), Dr D V Kapur, Shri R V Shahi, Dr Ajay Mathur, Dr Rangan Banerjee. - India serves 18% world population, aims for $5 trillion economy with HDI 0.67 versus 0.9 in developed nations. - India consumes 21 gigajoules energy per person yearly; needs 56 gigajoules to catch up. - Anusandhan National Research Foundation supports deep tech research for Viksit Bharat. |
Source: PIB
- Filmfare OTT Awards 2025
- The Filmfare Awards were instituted by Filmfare magazine (published by the Times Group) in 1954.
- The best titles of Indian streaming of 2025 were honoured at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025 ceremony in Mumbai.
- Vikramaditya Motwane’s Black Warrant emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night.
| Category | Winner(s) | Series / Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Best series | Black Warrant (series) | Netflix |
| Best director (series) | Vikramaditya Motwane, Satyanshu Singh, Arkesh Ajay, Ambiecka Pandit, Rohin Ravendran | Black Warrant |
| Best series (critics) | Paatal Lok Season 2 | Prime Video |
| Best actor (male), series (critics), drama | Zahan Kapoor | Black Warrant |
| Best actor (female), series, drama | Monika Panwar | Khauf (Prime Video) |
| Best actor (female), series (critics), drama | Rasika Dugal | Shekhar Home (JioHotstar) |
| Best director, series (critics) | Anubhav Sinha; Nagesh Kukunoor | IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (Netflix); The Hunt (SonyLIV) |
| Best actor (male), series, drama | Jaideep Ahlawat | Paatal Lok Season 2 |
| Best actor (male), series, comedy | Barun Sobti; Sparsh Shrivastava | Raat Jawaan Hai; Dupahiya (Prime Video) |
| Best actor (female), series, comedy | Ananya Panday | Call Me Bae (Prime Video) |
| Best non-fiction original (series/special) | Angry Young Men | Prime Video |
| Best story, series | Smita Singh; Sudip Sharma | Khauf; Paatal Lok Season 2 |
| Best original screenplay, series | Sudip Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee, Rahul Kanojia, Tamal Sen | Paatal Lok Season 2 |
| Best adapted screenplay, series | Satyanshu Singh, Arkesh Ajay | Black Warrant |
Important Days
- World Arabic Language Day – December 18
- Goa Liberation Day – December 19
- The Governor of Portuguese India signed the Instrument of Surrender on 19 December 1961, Liberating Goa after 450 years of Portuguese rule in India.
Source: ET
Sports
- John Cena Announces WWE Retirement in 2025
- John Cena announces retirement from in-ring competition in 2025 with WrestleMania 41 as his last event during surprise appearance at Money in the Bank in Toronto, Canada.
- 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas mark Cena’s final events.
Source: WWE
- CSK Buys Uncapped Players For Record IPL Auction Prices
- What:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bought Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for ₹14.20 crore each at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi, making them the joint-most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.
- Why:
- CSK aimed to strengthen the squad with high-potential uncapped domestic performers ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
- Tell me more:
- Kartik Sharma, a 19-year-old wicketkeeper from Rajasthan impressed in domestic white-ball cricket, scoring 133 runs in five matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a strike rate above 160.
- Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, has scored 112 runs in 12 T20 matches at a strike rate of 167.16 and taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 6.45.
- Both players will make their Indian Premier League (IPL) debut in the 2026 season.
| Knowledge Nuggets |
|---|
| - Delhi Capitals bought Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Auqib Nabi for ₹8.40 crore, which was 28 times his base price of ₹30 lakh. - Auqib Nabi took 29 wickets in nine innings in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, including three five-wicket hauls. - The IPL 2026 auction took place in Abu Dhabi. |
Source: HBL
Miscellaneous
- Pulitzer Winner Peter Arnett Passes Away at 91
- What:
- Renowned war correspondent Peter Arnett dies at age 91 in Newport Beach, California.
- Tell me more:
- Arnett won Pulitzer Prize for detailed Vietnam War coverage that challenged official narratives.
- He broadcast live from Baghdad during 1991 Persian Gulf War and 2003 US-led Iraq invasion.
- Arnett interviewed Saddam Hussein and conducted rare 1997 interview with Osama bin Laden.
- In 1960 Laos coup, Arnett swam Mekong River with story, passport, and cash clenched in teeth.
Source: HT
About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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