16th December 2025

1. Overview of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani’s official visit to India
2. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Copra
3. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates the 3rd Global IALA Council Session in Mumbai
4. Summary of the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly held in Nairobi
5. Asian Development Bank approves loans for Chennai Metro expansion, healthcare in Mizoram, and women-led MSME financing
6. Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay notified as India’s 95th and 96th Ramsar sites
7. India defeats Hong Kong to win its first-ever Squash World Cup title in Chennai
8. Veteran Congress leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa passes away
9. Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan launches his autobiography titled The One: Cricket, My Life and More
10. Vijay Diwas commemorated nationwide to honour India’s historic victory in 1971
11. India and the Asian Development Bank sign development loans exceeding USD 2.2 billion
12. Miyana Railway Station receives the National Energy Conservation Award
13. India and Brazil sign a tripartite MoU on maintenance support for Scorpene-class submarines
14. B. Sairam appointed as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited
15. India launches its first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor named ‘DHRUV64’
16. Simon Harmer named ICC Men’s Player of the Month
17. Shafali Verma wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month award
18. Italy becomes the first country to receive UNESCO recognition for its national cuisine
19. Charaichung Royal Bird Sanctuary
20. List of MoUs signed between India and Jordan during the Prime Minister’s visit
21. NHAI introduces India’s first wildlife-safe road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh
22. Suresh Goyal appointed Director General of NCAER

National News

1. Italian Deputy PM Tajani’s Visit Strengthens India Ties

• What:
  • Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (FM) of Italy, Mr. Antonio Tajani, visited India on 10-11 December 2025 with a 50-member business delegation to meet top Indian leaders and advance bilateral cooperation.
• Why:
  • Visit followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Italian President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni at G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025 to boost India-Italy relations.
• Tell me more:
  • DPM Tajani called on Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
  • EAM Jaishankar and DPM Tajani held talks on Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025-29 progress in trade, defence, security, counter-terrorism, space, science, technology, innovation, renewable energy, education, and people-to-people ties.
  • Discussions covered India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism, Maritime Security Dialogue, skilling in healthcare, and issues in Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, West Asia/Middle East.
  • NSA meeting focused on security cooperation and advancing India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
  • Commerce Minister Goyal and DPM Tajani met in Mumbai, chaired India-Italy Business Forum, held roundtables in automotive, waste to energy, renewables, sports technologies, agri-food, connectivity, and discussed India-Italy Innovation Initiative with Indian Unicorns.

2. India Hosts 3rd IALA Council Meeting

• What:
  • Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) hosted 3rd Council Meeting of International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) in Mumbai with over 60 delegates from more than 30 countries.
• Why:
  • Meeting reflects India’s growing role in shaping international maritime standards, strengthening navigation safety, and advancing digital and sustainable solutions for global maritime community.
• Tell me more:
  • Minister launched Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism covering 75 lighthouse tourism destinations to enhance digital access, transparency, and visitor convenience.
  • Technical sessions presented work of IALA Committees: Aids to Navigation Requirements and Management (ARM), Engineering and Sustainability (ENG), Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and Digital Technologies (DTEC), updating standards and formulating new global standards.
  • Council approved proposed venue for IALA Conference and General Assembly 2027; delegates visited Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse with First Order Fresnel optic and advanced systems.

Source: PIB IALA IALA

State News

1. ADB Approves USD 108 Million Loan for Mizoram Health

• What:
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved USD 108 million results-based loan to Government of Mizoram for strengthening public health care system and achieving universal health coverage for 1.38 million residents.
• Why:
  • Programme supports rollout of Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS) integrating Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mizoram State Health Care Scheme into single cashless, paperless platform.
• Tell me more:
  • MUHCS offers up to Rs 500,000 coverage per family annually; poor and vulnerable households get free coverage while others pay premiums or salary share.
  • Mizoram becomes first state in India to undertake this universal health care reform.
  • Addresses high noncommunicable diseases and cancer (over 50% disease load) plus weather-related health risks with environmental adaptation and disaster preparedness.
  • Links primary, secondary, tertiary care for continuum of treatment and strengthens Department of Health and Family Welfare, primary units, Mizoram State Health Care Society.

2. Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay Notified as India’s 95th and 96th Ramsar sites

• What:
  • Siliserh Lake in Alwar district declared India’s 96th Ramsar site by Convention on Wetlands, along with Kopra reservoir near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh.
• Tell me more:
  • Siliserh Lake known for rich biodiversity and scenic landscape, popular for birdwatchers with over 100 bird and animal species including cranes and kingfishers.
  • Proximity to Sariska Tiger Reserve enhances appeal as key tourism destination.
  • Siliserh Lake was built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh to supply drinking water to Alwar city.

3. Charaichung Festival Revives Majuli Bird Sanctuary

• What:
  • Charaichung Festival organised second time from December 7 to 10 in Majuli to revive nearly defunct Royal Bird Sanctuary established in 1633 by Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha.
• Why:
  • Festival aims to place Charaichung on global map, rejuvenate bird habitat, promote as tourism destination through Majuli Sahitya and local initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • Sanctuary hosts nearly 150 varieties of indigenous and migratory birds attracting watchers from Germany, Australia, America.
  • Charaichung represents Asia’s first protected bird sanctuary with 392-year legacy also known as Burha Roja.
  • The largest river island in India, and the world, is Majuli (or Mājuli), located in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam.

Source: LM

4. NHAI Introduces Table-Top Red Road Markings in Madhya Pradesh

• What:
  • National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced India’s first table-top red road markings on 11.96-km Hiran-Sindoor section of National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh passing through Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
• Why:
  • Markings slow vehicles to reduce animal-vehicle collisions in ecologically sensitive forest zones home to tigers, deer, jackals, sambar.
• Tell me more:
  • NHAI constructed 25 wildlife underpasses and eight-foot-high iron fence along stretch under Green Highways initiative.
  • Project costs Rs 122 crore with completion expected in 2025; Madhya Pradesh recorded 237 animal-vehicle collisions and 94 deaths in past two years.
  • Highway connects Bhopal and Jabalpur, located 60 km from Jabalpur through dense forest zones.

Source: MoC

International News

1. UNEA-7 Concludes with 11 Resolutions in Nairobi

• What:
  • Seventh session of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded in Nairobi on 12 December 2025 with 11 resolutions, three decisions, and Ministerial Declaration from 186 countries and over 6,000 participants at UN Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters.
• Why:
  • Assembly focused on advancing solutions to tackle triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, land degradation, pollution, and waste.
• Tell me more:
  • Theme: Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet
  • Resolutions cover safeguarding coral reefs, sound management of minerals and metals for energy transition, chemicals and waste, sustainable use of AI, sustainable solutions through sport, combating wildfires, antimicrobial resistance, protecting glaciers, and sargassum seaweed blooms.
  • Ministerial Declaration commits to bold actions, implementing multilateral environmental agreements, and equitable participation.
  • Assembly approved UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy for next four years and Programme of Work for next two years.
  • UNEA-8 scheduled for 6-10 December 2027 at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi; new President elected as H.E. Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change of Jamaica.
  • UNEA-7 President H.E. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri emphasized implementation for cleaner air, water, restored ecosystems, green jobs, and resilient societies.

2. Italy’s Entire Cuisine Gets UNESCO Heritage Status

• What:
  • UNESCO recognised Italy’s entire national cuisine as intangible cultural heritage, making Italy first country with complete culinary tradition listed.
• Why:
  • Listing honours rituals, skills, social habits of Italian cooking including local market shopping, slow preparation, seasonal menus, long shared meals.
• Tell me more:
  • Neapolitan pizza features soft puffy crust with crushed tomato, mozzarella, basil baked in wood-fired oven.
  • Tagliatelle Bolognese uses fresh egg pasta ribbons with slow-cooked meat ragù from soffritto, tomato served in modest primo portions.
  • Spaghetti Carbonara combines pasta with cured pork, eggs, pecorino, black pepper creating silky sauce without cream.
  • Saffron risotto or Milanese risotto stirs stock, marrow, saffron until creamy with distinct grains often paired with ossobuco.

Source: IE

Banking and Economy

1. India Signs USD 2.2 Billion ADB Loans For Development

• What:
  • Indian government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed five loans totaling over USD 2.2 billion for skilling, rooftop solar, healthcare, metro, and ecotourism projects.
• Why:
  • Financing advances national flagship programmes and state development initiatives across three states.
• Tell me more:
  • Upgraded industrial training institutes programme (USD 846 million) modernises 650 ITIs across 12 states and upgrades five national skill institutes into excellence centres.
  • Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) rooftop solar programme (USD 650 million) targets 10 million households by 2027.
  • Assam State Tertiary Health Care Augmentation project (Astha – USD 398.8 million) modernises medical colleges in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar as centres of excellence.
  • Chennai Metro Rail Investment project (Tranche two – USD 240 million) adds 20 km corridors, 18 stations with universal access and climate-resilient features.
  • Meghalaya ecotourism and agri-livelihood project (USD 77 million) creates opportunities for over 8,000 beneficiaries including women and indigenous communities.

Source: BW

Science and Technology

1. India Launches Indigenous DHRUV64 Microprocessor

• What:
  • Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) launched DHRUV64, India’s first 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor under Microprocessor Development Programme.
• Why:
  • Processor reduces dependence on imported chips, supports strategic and commercial uses with reliable homegrown technology base.
• Tell me more:
  • DHRUV64 features modern architectural enhancements for efficiency, multitasking, reliability, and integration with 5G networks, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation, Internet of Things.
  • This is third chip under Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme after THEJAS32 and THEJAS64; work progresses on DHANUSH64 and DHANUSH64+ System on Chip variants.
  • Provides platform for startups, researchers, industry to build, test products at lower cost, trains professionals for future projects.

Source: TP TOI

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Cabinet Approves Higher MSP for Copra 2026 Season

• What:
  • Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for 2026 season at Rs 12,027 per quintal for fair average quality milling copra and Rs 12,500 per quintal for ball copra.
• Tell me more:
  • MSP for milling copra increased by Rs 445 per quintal from previous season.
  • MSP for ball copra increased by Rs 400 per quintal compared to previous season.
  • Government committed to ensuring fair returns for farmers.

Source: UNI

Awards

1. Miyana Railway Station Wins National Energy Award

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu presented National Energy Conservation Award 2025 to Miyana Railway Station in Guna, Madhya Pradesh on National Energy Conservation Day (December 14).
• Why:
  • Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recognised station as Best Performing Unit in Transport Category for outstanding energy conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • Award received by General Manager West Central Railway (WCR) Shobhana Bandopadhyaya.
  • Station used LED lighting, BLDC fans, and 30-70% smart lighting circuit operation systems.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. Vijay Diwas – December 16

• Vijay Diwas is a day observed in India to commemorate the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
• This date marks the end of the 1971 war on 16 December 1971 when the Pakistani Army surrendered to the Indian armed forces and their allies.

Source: BS

Sports

1. India Wins Maiden Squash World Cup Title

• What:
  • India defeated top seeds Hong Kong China 3-0 in final to win Squash World Cup 2025 title at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai on Sunday, marking maiden team title.
• Why:
  • Victory improves on previous best bronze medal finish at 2023 edition after second-seeded Indian team won all matches undefeated.
• Tell me more:
  • Joshna Chinappa (PSA world No. 79) beat Lee Ka Yi in opening women’s singles.
  • Abhay Singh (world No. 29) defeated Alex Lau in 19 minutes for 2-0 lead.
  • Anahat Singh (world No. 28) clinched title beating Tomato Ho in 16 minutes; Velavan Senthilkumar did not play.
  • India blanked Switzerland, Brazil 4-0 in group stage, beat South Africa, Egypt 3-0 in quarterfinals and semifinals.

2. ICC (International Cricket Council) Player of the Month for November 2025

• Men’s – South African spinner Simon Harmer
• Women’s – Hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma

Source: OC ICC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and Brazil Sign Scorpene Submarine Maintenance MoU

• What:
  • Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) signed tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Scorpene-class submarines maintenance information exchange during Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visit to Brazil from December 9 to 12.
• Why:
  • Agreement strengthens India-Brazil maritime partnership through life-cycle support, logistics, training, experience sharing, and defence research development.
• Tell me more:
  • Admiral Tripathi met Brazil’s Minister of Defence Jose Mucio Monteiro, Chief Advisor Celso Amorim, Chief of Joint Staff, and Brazilian Navy Commander Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen.
  • Discussions covered operational engagements, training exchanges, hydrographic cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), capacity building, South Atlantic-Indo-Pacific coordination.
  • Admiral toured Itaguaí Naval Complex, amphibious helicopter carrier NAM Atlantico (A140), attended 140 midshipmen passing-out parade at Brazilian Naval Academy in Rio de Janeiro.

Source: HBL

2. PM Modi Visits Jordan and Signs Five MoUs

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jordan on December 15-16, 2025, marking first full-fledged bilateral visit and 75th diplomatic anniversary, signing five MoUs on renewable energy, water management, cultural exchange, digital solutions, Petra-Ellora twinning.
    • Petra (Jordan’s UNESCO site) and Ellora Caves (India’s UNESCO site) signed a twinning agreement to promote heritage conservation, tourism promotion, and academic exchanges between the rock-cut architecture sites.
• Why:
  • Visit strengthens trade aiming US$ 5 billion bilateral target in five years, defence cooperation, IT collaboration, fertilizer supply chain during three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, Oman.
• Tell me more:
  • India serves as Jordan’s third largest trading partner with US$ 2.875 billion trade in 2023-24; Jordan supplies phosphates, potash fertilizers to India.
  • PM Modi met King Abdullah II discussing trade, defence, renewable energy, fertilizers, innovation, critical minerals, health, tourism, counter-terrorism.
  • Around 17,500 Indian nationals work in Jordan’s textiles, construction, manufacturing, healthcare sectors.

Source: MEA PIB

Appointments

1. B Sairam Takes Charge as Coal India Chairman

• B Sairam took over as chairman-cum-managing director of Coal India Limited (CIL).
• Sairam graduated in mining engineering from National Institute of Technology, Raipur, holds MBA in energy management from NTPC School of Business.

Source: BS

2. Suresh Goyal Appointed NCAER Director General

• What:
  • National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) appointed Suresh Goyal as Director General effective January 5, 2026, succeeding Poonam Gupta who served from July 2021 to April 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Goyal served as managing director and CEO of National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT) set up by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
  • Goyal worked as senior MD and Head of India and South East Asia at Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets in Singapore.
  • Nandan Nilekani, NCAER governing board chairman, welcomes Goyal to expand endowment and work with central, state governments.

Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Congress Leader Shivashankarappa Passes Away

• Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa passed away. He was a six-time MLA who represented the Davanagere South Assembly constituency, Karnataka.

Source: TOI

2. Shikhar Dhawan Launches Autobiography The One

• What:
  • Former Indian cricket opener Shikhar Dhawan launched autobiography titled ‘The One: Cricket, My Life and More’ sharing life stories from childhood, career ups and downs.
• Tell me more:
  • Dhawan retired from all cricket in August 2024 after 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, 68 T20Is; key role in ICC Champions Trophy 2013 victory with Player of the Match in final.
  • He runs Da One Sports academy providing education, cricket training, tech-friendly schools, mentorship for discipline, teamwork, health.
  • Rohit, Kohli retired from Test cricket this year, active in ODIs for ICC Cricket World Cup 2027; recent Player of the Series awards.

Source: IE TH KN

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