11th December 2025

1. IIT Bombay’s SINE introduces India’s first incubator-linked deep-tech venture capital fund
2. Sahaj Insurance obtains a corporate agency licence from IRDAI
3. Wise launches a no-annual-fee multi-currency travel card in India
4. UNESCO expands its Global Network of Learning Cities by adding 72 new members
5. President Droupadi Murmu presents the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024
6. ICICI Bank acquires a 2% stake in ICICI AMC for ₹2,140 crore
7. Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa wins the FIDE Circuit and qualifies for the Candidates Tournament
8. India wins five medals at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships
9. Telangana partners with Deakin University to set up an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence
10. Gati Shakti University and Amazon sign an MoU for collaborative learning and academic innovation
11. Supriya Sahu receives the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award for climate leadership
12. Google appoints Amin Vahdat as its new Chief Technologist for AI infrastructure
13. International Mountain Day observed with a theme highlighting glacier protection
14. United Nations World Water Development Report 2025
15. UNICEF Foundation Day marked with focus on its global mission and legacy
16. Jasprit Bumrah achieves a major career milestone
17. US FDA approves the first AI tool designed to speed up liver-disease diagnosis
18. Telangana Global Summit attracts investment commitments of ₹5.75 lakh crore
19. Andrej Babis sworn in as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
20. A’ja Wilson named TIME Athlete of the Year
21. Leonardo DiCaprio named TIME Entertainer of the Year
22. 33rd Southeast Asian Games to begin in Thailand
23. Adani Group announces plans to invest over USD 75 billion in the energy-transition sector
24. India Post introduces Kerala’s first Gen-Z-focused post office extension
25. IIT Madras and India AI Mission to jointly host a global AI conclave in Chennai
26. Deepavali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, enhancing India’s cultural presence
27. India to deploy an indigenous integrated air-defence weapon system for safeguarding Delhi
28. Indian-origin Arkin Gupta featured in the Forbes Under-30 list for financial innovation
29. Neal Mohan, an Indian-origin tech leader, named TIME’s CEO of the Year

National News

1. IIT Bombay Launches Rs 250 Crore Deep-Tech Venture Capital Fund

• What:
  • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay launched India’s first deep-tech venture capital fund managed by its academia-linked incubator, Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), with a corpus of Rs 250 crore.
• Why:
  • To bridge the critical funding gap and support private sector participation in transforming cutting-edge research into commercially viable deep-tech startups.
• Tell me more:
  • The fund will invest in 25-30 startups emerging from IIT Bombay and other premier research institutes, focusing on pre-seed and seed stages with a maximum ticket size of Rs 15 crore.
  • It will target high-impact sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Advanced Computing, Advanced Manufacturing, Nuclear Technology, Space & Defence, Climate & CleanTech, Life Sciences, and Healthcare.
  • The fund aims to accelerate the lab-to-market journey by providing capital to promising technology ventures and helping them progress through technology readiness levels.
  • SINE has supported over 500 startups and 1,000 innovators and understands challenges like longer gestation, capital needs, mentorship, and market access for deep-tech ventures.
  • The fund is registered as a Category II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) and has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

2. India Post Launches Gen Z-Themed Modern Post Offices on Campuses

• What:
  • India Post has opened Gen Z-themed post offices on college campuses in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, following the first launch at IIT Delhi.
• Why:
  • To modernize postal services and make them more accessible, creative, and student-friendly for young users.
• Tell me more:
  • The CMS College post office in Kottayam features a student-designed, eco-friendly space with picnic seating, vertical gardens, refurbished tyre stools, personalized stamp printing, and a reading nook with board games.
  • The Andhra University Gen Z post office emphasizes technology with digital kiosks for bookings, parcel tracking, and quick service counters, alongside a lounge with charging ports and interactive digital panels.
  • IIT Delhi pioneered the Gen Z post office concept with digital payments, live queue displays, and rapid booking, inspiring similar youth-centric post offices across India.

Source: IT

3. India Hosts Pre-Summit for AI Impact Summit 2026 in Chennai

• What:
  • Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at IIT Madras with IndiaAI Mission under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) hosted Pre-Summit Event on December 11 in Chennai ahead of India–AI Impact Summit 2026.
• Why:
  • To advance safe, trusted, inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) by translating safety principles into practical governance frameworks.
• Tell me more:
  • Attendees included Tamil Nadu Minister Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, IIT Madras Director Prof. Kamakoti V., Prof. Sriraam Natarajan, and Safe & Trusted AI Working Group Chair Prof. Balaraman Ravindran.
  • Focus areas cover fairness, accountability, scalable frameworks, AI Safety Commons for Global South with shared datasets and benchmarks.
  • Insights will shape India–AI Impact Summit 2026 roadmap from February 15-20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Telangana Partners with Deakin University to Launch AI Centre of Excellence

• What:
  • Telangana government signed an agreement with Australia’s Deakin University to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the state.
• Why:
  • To strengthen Telangana’s emerging AI ecosystem and produce globally competitive talent through advanced AI skill development.
• Tell me more:
  • The Centre of Excellence will be part of the upcoming AI University at Telangana’s Future City and jointly operated by Deakin Applied AI Institute and the state government.
  • It will focus on research and training in sectors including governance, healthcare, education, IT, life sciences, agriculture, critical minerals, and rare earths.
  • The partnership includes offering high-end training programs for working professionals in Telangana.
  • Telangana aims to attract top global universities with its innovation-friendly ecosystem and further build the Digital India vision.
  • The Centre of Excellence is India’s first dedicated advanced AI skill development hub.

2. Telangana Attracts Rs 2.9 Lakh Crore Investments on Summit’s Final Day

• What:
  • Telangana secured investment proposals worth Rs 2.9 lakh crore on the last day of its global summit, raising total commitments to nearly Rs 5.75 lakh crore.
• Why:
  • To boost economic growth by attracting investments in key sectors like food, agriculture, electronics, manufacturing, data centres, and biotechnology.
• Tell me more:
  • Major firms pledging investments include Godrej Industries Group, Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RPCL), Kaynes Technology India Limited, and Bharat Biotech.
  • Godrej Group plans to invest Rs 150 crore to expand its dairy business requiring 40 acres of land.
  • Reliance’s FMCG arm will invest Rs 1,500 crore in a facility for beverages, snacks, and confectionery.
  • Large data centre investments comprise Rs 9,000 crore by JCK Infra, Rs 6,750 crore by APG Group, and a Rs 70,000 crore commitment by Infrakey Data Centre Parks.
  • The summit also featured the launch of “Telangana Rising 2047” vision document with participation from leaders including Anand Mahindra and former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao.

Source: ET

International News

1. UNESCO Expands Global Network of Learning Cities to 425

• What:
  • The Global Network of Learning Cities by UNESCO has grown to include 425 cities from 91 countries, supporting lifelong learning for nearly 500 million people.
• Why:
  • To embed learning in everyday life and provide opportunities for reskilling, literacy, and empowerment to meet evolving job markets and the AI era challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • Learning cities create opportunities across schools, workplaces, libraries, homes, and public spaces for all citizens.
  • Examples include Porto-Novo (Benin) empowering women through literacy, vocational training, and microfinance, and Lisbon (Portugal) connecting 120 partners to offer 1,200 learning options.
  • Buenos Aires (Argentina) transforms secondary education with personalized pathways to reduce dropouts and prepare youth for the future.
  • The expansion includes 11 new capital cities which are:
    1. Porto-Novo (Benin)
    2. Bissau (Guinea-Bissau)
    3. Lusaka (Zambia)
    4. Cairo (Egypt)
    5. Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
    6. Lisbon (Portugal)
    7. Ankara (Türkiye)
    8. Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
    9. Hanoi (Viet Nam)
    10. Buenos Aires (Argentina)
    11. Caracas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela)
  • Twelve countries joined the network for the first time which are
    1. Benin
    2. Burkina Faso
    3. Chile
    4. Cyprus
    5. Guinea-Bissau
    6. Iraq
    7. Mongolia
    8. Niger
    9. Turkmenistan
    10. United States of America
    11. Venezuela
    12. Zambia

2. FDA Approves First AI Tool For Liver Disease Drug Trials

• What:
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AIM-NASH, the first AI tool to assist pathologists in assessing liver biopsies for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in drug trials.
• Why:
  • To make reading liver biopsies faster, more consistent, and easier, thereby improving efficiency in clinical research for MASH treatment.
• Tell me more:
  • AIM-NASH is a cloud-based AI system that analyzes digital images of liver biopsy samples to score fat infiltration (steatosis), cell inflammation and ballooning, and liver scarring (fibrosis).
  • MASH is a serious fatty liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, cancer, or death.
  • Previously, multiple experts had to independently assess liver samples, which was time-consuming and inconsistent.
  • The AI tool supports standardized assessments and reduces time and resources needed for drug development.
  • Pathologists remain responsible for the final diagnosis, reviewing the AI outputs before acceptance or rejection.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. Sahaj Insurance Targets 10 Crore Rural Policies in First Year

• What:
  • Sahaj Insurance Services Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Sahaj Retail Ltd, aims to sell about 10 crore insurance policies designed for rural populations.
• Why:
  • To make insurance simple, affordable, and accessible in rural areas where awareness and access have traditionally been low.
• Tell me more:
  • Sahaj operates through 4.5 lakh digitally enabled rural centres serving over 70 crore people in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, North East, and Odisha.
  • Trained Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) or Sahaj Mitrs assist customers with digital enrolment, paperless processes, multi-lingual support, and claims.
  • The portfolio includes life, health, accident, crop, livestock, and micro-insurance policies with low premiums, tailored for agrarian and informal-sector households.
  • The services integrate government-backed insurance and social security schemes to enhance financial inclusion.
  • Sahaj intends to expand its presence further in central and eastern India.

2. Wise Launches Multi-Currency Travel Card in India with No Annual Fee

• What:
  • Wise introduced its multi-currency travel card in India, supporting over 40 currencies and waiving the ₹460 card issuance fee for sign-ups before February 10, 2026.
• Why:
  • To offer Indian travelers a transparent, convenient, and affordable option for international spending amid rising outbound travel and overseas expenditure.
• Tell me more:
  • The card uses the mid-market exchange rate with clear conversion fees and offers features like instant digital card issuance, onboarding via DigiLocker and video KYC, spending limits, and real-time alerts.
  • It works worldwide in over 160 countries through the Visa network and provides free cash withdrawals up to $200 monthly.
  • Users can top up the card via IMPS, and the card automatically chooses the best currency rate during foreign spending.

3. Billionaires, Top Investors Back ICICI Prudential AMC ₹10,600 Crore IPO

• What:
  • A group of 26 marquee investors, including the Jhunjhunwala family and other prominent names, have acquired stakes in ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company’s ₹10,600 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO).
• Why:
  • To participate in the sale of shares by Prudential Corporation and strengthen ICICI AMC’s capital base ahead of public subscription.
• Tell me more:
  • UK-based Prudential Corporation sold a 4.5% stake worth about ₹4,900 crore ahead of the IPO opening.
  • ICICI Bank bought a 2% stake for ₹2,140 crore, while other domestic and foreign investors invested around ₹2,675 crore.
  • Top investors include Abu Dhabi’s Lunate sovereign fund, SBI Life, HDFC Life, Kotak Life, Premji Invest, University of California, and funds managed by 360 One.
  • ICICI Prudential AMC is India’s largest asset management company by active mutual fund quarterly average assets under management (QAAUM), holding 13.3% market share as of March 2025.
  • It achieved the highest profits among listed AMCs with operating profit before tax (OPBT) growing at a 32% CAGR in three years to ₹3,236 crore.

4. Adani Group Plans ₹12 Trillion Investment In India over Six Years

• What:
  • Adani Group will invest ₹10 to ₹12 trillion in India over the next six years in sectors including infrastructure, mining, renewable energy, and ports.
• Why:
  • To support India’s mission for self-reliance and contribute to nation-building through expansive investments aligned with government priorities.
• Tell me more:
  • The group is developing the world’s largest renewable energy park in Khavda, Gujarat, covering 520 square km and expected to generate 30 gigawatts by 2030.
  • Investments will fuel growth in green energy, electricity-based manufacturing, green steel, fertilisers, hydrogen ecosystems, and critical infrastructure for AI and digital economies.
  • Adani announced a $75 billion investment in energy transition over the coming five years during IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s centenary celebrations.

Source: BS

Reports and Indices

1. United Nations World Water Development Report 2025

• What:
  • A global report highlights mountains as vital “water towers” but warns of inadequate governance, investment, and monitoring of these regions amid accelerating climate change.
• Why:
  • To underscore the urgent need for improved protection and management of mountain ecosystems critical for freshwater supply and overall environmental stability.
• Tell me more:
  • Climate change is destabilizing glaciers and snow cover, increasing floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst flood risks impacting downstream cities, agriculture, industry, and energy.
  • The report reveals failure to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6 (water and sanitation), with rural and low-income areas facing severe inequities.
  • Structural challenges include weak cryosphere monitoring, fragmented governance, and top-down policies marginalizing Indigenous stewards of mountain ecosystems.
  • Regional vulnerabilities are interconnected but unevenly addressed, such as rapid degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa, melting glaciers and hydropower pressures in Europe, and record melting of Asia’s Third Pole affecting nearly 2 billion people.
  • Proposed solutions include nature-based approaches, better governance, integrated water management, and climate adaptation, but responses remain slow and uncoordinated.

Source: UN

Defence News

1. India Deploys Indigenous Air Defence for Delhi National Capital Region

• What:
  • India is deploying an indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to protect the Delhi National Capital Region from missiles, drones, and fighter aircraft.
• Why:
  • To achieve self-reliance in national security by creating a cost-effective air defence grid using domestic missile platforms instead of expensive foreign systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The system uses Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORADS) integrated with sensors, radars, and command-control networks.
  • India rejected costly US NASAMS-II system, which protects Washington DC, opting for scalable indigenous technology.
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) leads integration with production agencies for Indian Air Force operation.
  • IADWS will form backbone of Delhi’s air defence alongside existing Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and S-400 systems.

Source: IT

Awards

1. President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Handicrafts Awards 2023-24

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 in New Delhi, honoring exceptional artisans.
• Why:
  • To recognize outstanding artistic mastery and promote India’s rich handicraft heritage as an important livelihood source.
• Tell me more:
  • The handicraft sector employs over 32 lakh people, mostly in rural areas, with 68% being women, highlighting its role in women’s empowerment.
  • The awards honored 12 artisans with Shilp Guru Awards and 36 craftsmen with National Awards across various categories like metal craft, textiles, wood carving, and tribal art.
  • The government has reduced GST from 18% to 5% to boost handicraft exports, with a target of ₹1 lakh crore by 2031-32.
  • The sector fosters inclusive development by decentralizing employment and income and contributes to sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
  • Initiatives like the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and One District One Product (ODOP) strengthen the global identity and recognition of Indian handicrafts.

2. UNEP Names Five Champions of the Earth For 2025

• What:
  • The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) named five leaders as 2025 Champions of the Earth for their work on climate justice, sustainable cooling, forest protection, and methane reduction.
• Why:
  • To recognize exceptional leadership and innovation that drives impactful solutions addressing the climate crisis and supports a sustainable future.
• Tell me more:
  • The award is UNEP’s highest environmental honor, now in its 20th year, celebrating leaders committed to tackling urgent challenges like climate justice and emissions.
  • Global temperatures are projected to exceed 1.5°C soon, with adaptation costs for developing countries reaching $310–365 billion annually by 2035.
  • The champions’ work ranges from legal victories and green job creation to cutting methane, protecting biodiversity, and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Methane reductions can cool the planet rapidly, improve air quality, create jobs, and support sustainable development.

3. A’ja Wilson Named TIME’s Athlete of the Year 2025

• What:
  • A’ja Wilson, standout player of the Las Vegas Aces, was named TIME magazine’s 2025 Athlete of the Year for her dominant performance in basketball.
• Why:
  • To recognize her exceptional achievements in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and her leadership in advancing the sport.
• Tell me more:
  • Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to 16 consecutive victories to end the regular season.
  • She became the fastest WNBA player to score 5,000 points and won multiple awards including her record fourth MVP and second Finals MVP.
  • Wilson is the only NBA or WNBA player to win Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP, and regular-season MVP all in the same season.
  • She is a seven-time All-Star with notable endorsements from brands like Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and Nike.
  • Beyond basketball, Wilson authored the New York Times bestseller “Dear Black Girls” and appeared in the movie Space Jam: A New Legacy.

4. Leonardo DiCaprio Named TIME’s Entertainer of The Year 2025

• What:
  • Leonardo DiCaprio was named TIME magazine’s Entertainer of the Year 2025, highlighting his landmark season driven by the success of his film One Battle After Another.
• Why:
  • To honor DiCaprio’s impactful career and exceptional performance in contemporary cinema.
• Tell me more:
  • “One Battle After Another” movie earned nine Golden Globe nominations and is praised as DiCaprio’s best work to date.
  • The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, explores autocracy and fractured parenthood with DiCaprio playing a stoner ex-revolutionary.
  • Critics have also applauded DiCaprio’s performances in films like Catch Me If You Can, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Departed, and Shutter Island.
  • DiCaprio won his long-awaited Academy Award for The Revenant in 2015, a defining milestone.
  • He narrated the acclaimed documentary Ice on Fire in 2019 and starred in critically praised early roles such as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.

5. Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity

• What:
  • Deepavali, the festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 20th session in New Delhi from December 8-13, 2025.
• Why:
  • To recognize Deepavali as a living tradition that promotes social cohesion, cultural preservation, and community development across generations.
• Tell me more:
  • It is the 16th Indian element on the UNESCO list, nominated by India for the 2024-25 cycle with community consultations nationwide.
  • Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya in October or November over five days including Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Lakshmi Puja, gift exchanges, and Bhai Dooj.
  • Features lighting diyas, rangoli, sweets, fireworks, rituals, and gatherings symbolizing light over darkness, prosperity, and renewal.
  • Legends include Lord Rama’s return, Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Pandavas’ return, Lakshmi worship, Mahavira’s Nirvana, and Shiva defeating Tripurasura.

6. Indian-Origin Arkin Gupta Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 List

• Indian-origin Arkin Gupta has been selected for Forbes list of achievers under 30 for contributions to financial innovation and early-stage investment strategies.
• To recognize pioneering work in data-driven investment frameworks and leadership in scalable financial products.

Source: ET

7. Neal Mohan Named TIME 2025 CEO of the Year

• What:
  • TIME Magazine selected Indian-origin Neal Mohan, YouTube Chief Executive Officer, as 2025 CEO of the Year for leading platform dominance amid competition.
• Why:
  • To recognize steering YouTube to greater influence in video, social, and streaming sectors through calm, thoughtful leadership.
• Tell me more:
  • Mohan became CEO in 2023 after Susan Wojcicki, described as steady leader with unassuming personality fond of sports and family.
  • Compares modern YouTube to sprawling metropolis versus early village-like atmosphere requiring cautious decisions.
  • Launched YouTube TV, YouTube Music, Premium, and Shorts as Chief Product Officer since 2015.

Source: MoC

Important Days

1. International Mountain Day – December 11

• Theme – “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond”

Source: UN

2. UNICEF Foundation Day – December 11

Sports

1. Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa Qualifies For Candidates 2026

• What:
  • Indian Grandmaster (GM) R Praggnanandhaa qualified for the Candidates 2026 tournament by winning the FIDE Circuit 2025, becoming the only male player from India.
• Why:
  • To compete in the Candidates tournament, which selects top players to challenge for the World Chess Championship.
• Tell me more:
  • Praggnanandhaa won tournaments including Wijk Aan Zee Masters, Superbet Chess Classic Romania, UzChess Cup Masters, and London Chess Classic Open.
  • He finished second in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and 12th at the Sinquefield Cup and reached the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup.
  • Seven participants are confirmed for Candidates 2026, including Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, and others, with one spot remaining based on rating criteria.
  • Hikaru Nakamura is a potential candidate for the final spot based on current trends.
  • The Candidates 2026 will be held at Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort, Pegeia, Cyprus, from March 28 to April 16, 2026.

2. Indian Riders Win Five Medals at FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025

• What:
  • Indian equestrian riders won five medals at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025, including three silver medals by Shruti Vora and two medals, including gold, by Ashish Limaye.
• Tell me more:
  • Shruti Vora won silver in individual dressage, intermediate freestyle-I, and the team category with Divyakriti Singh and Gaurav Pundir.
  • Ashish Limaye won individual gold in eventing and a team silver with Shashank Kanumuri and Shashank Kataria.
  • The championship was held at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club in Pattaya with over 80 athletes from 13 countries.
  • Originally scheduled for 2023, the event was postponed to 2025 due to Asian Games rescheduling and will now be held every two years.
  • Ashish Limaye praised his horse ‘Willy Be Dun’ for contributing to his gold medal win and expressed that this achievement felt like redemption after the last Asian Games.

3. Jasprit Bumrah Nears Major T20I Records Ahead of South Africa Series

• What:
  • Jasprit Bumrah is set to achieve key milestones as India begins its T20 International (T20I) series against South Africa in Cuttack.
• Why:
  • These records highlight Bumrah’s exceptional contributions and add significance as India prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
• Tell me more:
  • Bumrah needs one wicket to join Arshdeep Singh in India’s exclusive 100-wicket club in T20 Internationals.
  • Achieving this will make him the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in each international format (Test, ODI, T20I).
  • Bumrah is 18 wickets short of becoming the eighth Indian to reach 500 combined international wickets across formats.
  • He has taken 99 wickets in 80 T20I matches with an average of 18.11 and career-best figures of 3/7.
  • The Indian squad for the series includes captain Suryakumar Yadav, vice-captain Shubman Gill, and key players like Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.

4. 33rd Southeast Asian Games Bring Top Athletes to Thailand

• What:
  • The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA 2025) began in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand, featuring top athletes from 11 nations competing across 50 sports.
• Why:
  • To showcase regional athletic talent, promote sportsmanship, and celebrate traditional and Olympic sports.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 13,000 athletes are participating from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Brunei Darussalam, and Timor-Leste.
  • Thai athlete Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the world No. 1 in men’s badminton singles, is a key participant and male flagbearer, though focusing on team events only.
  • Singaporean badminton star Loh Kean Yew, the 2021 world champion, aims for his first SEA Games singles gold.
  • Notable athletes include Olympic weightlifting champion Rizki Juniansyah from Indonesia and Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena targeting a historic fourth consecutive gold.
  • Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, Olympic weightlifting gold medalist, returns to defend her SEA Games title, while swimmer Kayla Sanchez and tennis star Alexandra Eala represent the Philippines.

Source: NOA OC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Sign MOU With Amazon For Logistics Research

• What:
  • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon to collaborate on knowledge sharing, curriculum development, and research in the transportation and logistics sector.
• Why:
  • To enhance academic and research efforts in logistics by leveraging industry insights, data-driven decision making, and innovative planning with Amazon’s expertise.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU includes establishing an Amazon Chair Professorship at GSV focused on warehousing research.
  • GSV is India’s only university dedicated to transportation and logistics, covering sectors such as Railways, Highways, Ports, Aviation, Maritime, Urban Transport, and supply chain networks.
  • The partnership will support specialized talent development and co-working projects to promote innovation in logistics and transportation.
  • GSV was established as a Central University by an Act of Parliament in 2022 and functions under the Ministry of Railways.
  • Prof. Manoj Choudhary is the Vice Chancellor of GSV, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways and other departments, is the University Chancellor.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Google Appoints Amin Vahdat as Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure

• What:
  • Google appointed Amin Vahdat as its first Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure to strengthen its leadership in artificial intelligence.
• Why:
  • To help Google expand and maintain its AI infrastructure amid increasing competition from Microsoft, OpenAI, and others.
• Tell me more:
  • Google plans to invest between $91 billion and $93 billion to grow its data-center and cloud infrastructure for AI.
  • Vahdat, a computer scientist with a PhD from UC Berkeley, has contributed significantly to Google’s AI systems since joining in 2010.
  • He introduced Google’s seventh-generation Ironwood TPU chip with 42.5 exaflops performance and developed key AI infrastructure like the Jupiter network and Borg cluster management.
  • Google’s capital expenditure outlook was recently increased from $75 billion to $85 billion, with further growth expected in 2026.
  • Google secured major AI deals including a $10 billion cloud contract with Meta and an agreement with Anthropic for access to Google’s custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).

2. Andrej Babis Appointed Czech Republic Prime Minister Again

• Billionaire Andrej Babis has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, with his full cabinet expected to take office soon.
• The appointment followed a demand by President Petr Pavel for Babis to publicly promise to give up control of his conglomerate, Agrofert.

Source: BBC

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