Current Affairs One - Liner :10th & 11th December 2025

National:

• India’s nuclear power expansion was outlined in a Lok Sabha reply on 6 December 2025 by Dr. Jitendra Singh, representing the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The statement highlighted India’s current capacity of 8,780 MW across 24 reactors and projected growth to 21,880 MW by 2032.

• On 8 Dec 2025, Japan’s JERA signed its first long-term LNG export deal with Torrent Power. The agreement spans 10 years (2027–2037), supplying 4 LNG cargoes annually (~0.27 MMTPA). LNG will fuel Torrent’s 2,730 MW power plants and serve households, industries, and transport.
• On 8 December 2025, India and Israel came together to establish Semiophore Ltd., a joint venture in New Delhi. It is a 50:50 partnership between ATGC Biotech (India) and Luxembourg Industries (Israel) with an investment of USD 10 million. The company will focus on pheromone-based crop protection technologies, aiming to cut pesticide use by nearly 80%.
• On 10 December 2025, Bharti Airtel joined hands with Google to roll out Rich Communication Services (RCS) in India. RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an advanced upgrade to SMS, offering read receipts, typing indicators, media sharing, and encryption. The service will be accessible to Airtel’s Android customers through the Google Messages app.
• India’s first incubator-linked Deep Tech VC fund was launched by IIT Bombay’s SINE on 9 December 2025. Named the Y-Point VC Fund, it has a corpus of ₹250 crore to support startups. It targets pre-seed and seed stage deep tech ventures in AI, materials, healthcare, cleantech, space, and defence. The aim is to bridge research with market adoption, strengthening India’s deep tech ecosystem through academia-driven capital.
• Wise launched its Multi-Currency Travel Card in India on 8 December 2025, offering support for 40+ currencies across 160 countries. The card comes with no annual fees, subscription charges, or inactivity penalties, ensuring transparent usage. A special offer waives the ₹460 issuance fee till 10 February 2026, with free withdrawals up to $200 per month.
• On 9 December 2025, Microsoft announced an investment of $17.5 billion (~₹1.5 lakh crore) in India. The focus is on expanding cloud and AI infrastructure, including new hyperscale data centers. It supports Digital India and Skill India Missions, with large‑scale AI skilling initiatives. This marks Microsoft’s largest investment in India, positioning the country as a global AI hub.
• On 10 December 2025, Deepavali (Diwali) was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in New Delhi. The recognition came during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee hosted at the Red Fort. Organized by UNESCO with India’s Ministry of Culture, it marks the 16th Indian element added to the list.
• Amazon will invest $35 billion (₹3.1 lakh crore) in India by 2030, focusing on AI, AWS, and MSME digitization. The plan aims to quadruple exports from $20B to $80B and create 3.8 million jobs. This marks one of the largest foreign commitments to India’s digital economy. It will significantly strengthen India’s technological base and global trade presence.

International:

• On 4 December 2025, UNESCO expanded its Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC). 72 new cities from 46 countries joined, including capitals like Hanoi, Cairo, Riyadh, Lisbon, Ankara, Buenos Aires, Caracas. With this, the network now totals 425 cities across 91 countries, covering nearly 500 million people. The aim is to promote lifelong learning, innovation, and education beyond classrooms worldwide.

Banking:

• The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹99.30 lakh on Jammu & Kashmir Bank. The action followed an inspection of the bank’s financial position as of March 2024, which revealed several compliance lapses. These included deficiencies in grievance redressal, customer communication, KYC verification, and delays in transferring unclaimed deposits.
• Sahaj Insurance Services Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Sahaj Retail under Kanoria Foundation, received the Corporate Agency Licence from IRDAI on 9 December 2025. The company aims to sell 10 crore insurance policies in its first year, focusing on rural India. With a network of 4.5 lakh Sahaj Centres serving nearly 70 crore people, it will provide assisted digital enrolment and multilingual support.
• On 8 December 2025, ICICI Bank acquired 2% stake in ICICI Prudential AMC from Prudential for ₹2,140 crore. With this, ICICI Bank’s holding rose to 53%, while Prudential’s reduced to 47%. The deal had earlier received RBI approval on 12 Sept 2025 and shareholder nod on 30 Aug 2025. This move comes just ahead of ICICI AMC’s ₹10,600 crore IPO on 12 Dec 2025.
• The government launched the ‘Your Money, Your Right’ initiative in Oct 2025 to return unclaimed financial assets. By Dec 2025, nearly ₹2,000 crore has already been given back to rightful owners. Banks hold about ₹78,000 crore and insurance firms nearly ₹14,000 crore in unclaimed funds.
• IDFC FIRST Bank launched the FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card on December 8, 2025. This premium FD-backed card requires a minimum fixed deposit of ₹20,000 and offers zero forex markup on international transactions. It features dual networks—Mastercard (physical) and RuPay UPI (virtual)—under a single credit limit.
• Airpay Payment Services received RBI approval on December 10, 2025 to operate as a cross-border payment aggregator. This completes its authorisations under the Unified Payment Aggregator framework (PA-O, PA-P, PA-CB). The licence enables Airpay to process online, offline, and international merchant payments for enterprises and SMEs.

MoUs:

• In December 2025, the Labour Ministry of India signed an MoU with Microsoft in New Delhi. The partnership aims to boost jobs, provide AI‑driven training, and enhance global workforce mobility. It will integrate the National Career Service (NCS) portal with Microsoft’s cloud and AI solutions. The initiative supports Digital India and Skill India Missions, positioning India as a global talent hub.
• On 9 December 2025, Tata Group (Tata Electronics) and Intel Corporation signed an MoU in Mumbai. The partnership focuses on semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, and AI PC solutions in India. It supports the Semicon India Mission, with Tata investing $14 billion in fabs and OSAT facilities. The collaboration aims to build a geo-resilient chip supply chain and make India a global AI market hub by 2030.
• On 5 December 2025, Telangana Government signed an MoU with Deakin University (Australia) in Hyderabad. The agreement establishes a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Artificial Intelligence at Bharat Future City. It aims to build globally competitive AI professionals and strengthen India–Australia collaboration in technology and education.
• On 10 December 2025, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to strengthen bilateral sports cooperation. The agreement focuses on joint training camps, coaching exchanges, sports science collaboration, and shared access to elite infrastructure, marking a new era of Indo-Italian sporting ties.
• On 11 December 2025, the Government of India (GoI) and the Republic of Liberia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Monrovia to strengthen cooperation in the field of pharmacopoeia. The agreement allows Liberia to adopt the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a reference standard, enhancing regulatory alignment, medicine quality, and access to safe and affordable drugs.

Sports:

• On 10 December 2025, the Indian junior men’s hockey team clinched their first-ever bronze medal at the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup in Chennai. They staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Argentina 4–2 after trailing 0–2. Goals came from Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Shardanand Tiwari, and Anmol Ekka in the final quarter.
• India achieved its best-ever performance at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand (Nov 24 – Dec 7, 2025). The team won five medals – 1 Gold and 4 Silver across Eventing and Dressage. Ashish Limaye clinched the historic Individual Gold in Eventing, while Shruti Vora bagged three Silvers in Dressage. This record haul marked a historic milestone for Indian equestrian sports.

Summits & Conferences:

• The Global AI Conclave was held on 11 December 2025 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was organized by IIT Madras (Centre for Responsible AI – CeRAI) in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). The conclave was chaired by Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head of CeRAI. Its theme was “Safe, Trusted, and Inclusive AI”. The aim was to advance India’s vision for ethical AI governance and create an AI Safety Commons for the Global South.

Defence:

• On 5 December 2025, Zen Technologies Limited (ZTL) secured a ₹120 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The project is to establish India’s first Combat Training Node (CTN) at the Infantry School, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh (MP). The CTN will feature 60+ advanced simulators covering Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled targets, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/drones), weapons, and tactical drills.
• On 9 December 2025, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin to establish a C-130J Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The facility will cater to the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It will provide servicing, spares, and upgrades domestically, reducing reliance on overseas support.

Committees:

• The first India–Brunei Defence Joint Working Group (JWG) was held on 9 December 2025 in New Delhi, constituted through the Terms of Reference. It was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad (India) and Poh Kui Choon (Brunei), aiming to strengthen defence ties through military exchanges, maritime security, capacity building, HADR, and industry collaboration.

Apps & Portals:

• On 9 December 2025, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil launched the Jal Shakti Hackathon–2025 and Bharat‑WIN (Water Innovation Network) Portal in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the National Water Mission, the hackathon seeks innovative solutions to water challenges. The Bharat‑WIN Portal will showcase scalable, field‑ready technologies for grassroots water management.

Important Days:

• International Anti-Corruption Day is observed every year on 9 December, established by the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC, 2003). In 2025, the theme is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, highlighting the role of young people in building transparent societies.
• On 9 December 2025, the UN observed the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide. It honors victims, upholds their dignity, and spreads awareness about preventing genocide worldwide. The day marks the Genocide Convention of 1948, the first UN human rights treaty.
• International Mountain Day 2025 was observed on 11 December 2025 worldwide. The theme was “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.” It highlighted the urgent need to protect glaciers and fragile mountain ecosystems. The day raised awareness about climate change, water security, and sustainable mountain development.

Appointments:

• Andrej Babiš, leader of the ANO movement, was sworn in again as Czech Prime Minister on 9 Dec 2025 at Prague Castle. He returned to power after previously serving from 2017–2021. Backed by a coalition with SPD and Motorists for Themselves, he formed a majority government.
• Google announced Amin Vahdat’s appointment as Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure on 10 December 2025. The internal memo detailed his role in leading TPU development and data centers. He will report directly to CEO Sundar Pichai, highlighting the strategic importance of AI systems.
• BMW announced on 9 December 2025 that Milan Nedeljković will be the new CEO. He will officially assume charge on 14 May 2026, succeeding Oliver Zipse. Nedeljković, a BMW veteran since 1993, is known for leading production and EV initiatives. His focus will be on the Neue Klasse EV rollout and global growth strategy.
• The Coca‑Cola Company announced on 10 December 2025 that Henrique Braun will be its new CEO. He will officially assume charge on 31 March 2026, succeeding James Quincey. Quincey will transition to the role of Executive Chairman after nine years as CEO. Braun, a 28‑year Coca‑Cola veteran, will focus on global growth and innovation.
• Meta India announced on 11 December 2025 the appointment of Aman Jain as Head of Public Policy. He succeeds Shivnath Thukral and will formally take charge in early 2026. Jain brings over 20 years of experience from Amazon, Google, and government roles. He will report to Simon Milner, VP of Policy for Asia Pacific, strengthening Meta’s regulatory engagement in India.

Awards & Honours:

• On 9 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Handicrafts Awards (2023–24) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Among the awardees were Khawaja Nazir Ali (Artistic Textiles, Kashmir), Manzoor Ahmad Khan (Handmade Carpets, Rugs, Durries, Kashmir), and several women artisans from across India.
• On 11 December 2025, Alia Bhatt was honoured with the Golden Globe Horizon Award. The award was presented at the 5th Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It celebrates her as a leading talent shaping the future of global cinema. This recognition highlights the growing global presence of Indian actors on international platforms.
• On 11 December 2025, CRPF Officer Dinesh Khatak was awarded the Union Home Minister’s Efficiency Medal. He serves as Second-in-Command of the 196 Battalion and hails from Jind, Haryana. His career includes key roles in J&K operations, Amarnath Yatra security, and Article 370 phase.
• On 4 December 2025, Singapore’s DBS Bank was named Global Bank of the Year 2025 by The Banker. It marks DBS’s third global win after 2018 and 2021, chosen from 294 banks worldwide. The award recognized DBS’s leadership in AI, blockchain, and digital innovation. DBS also won Asia Bank of the Year, Singapore Bank of the Year, and Investment Bank of the Year – Asia.

Obituaries:

• Dr. Babasaheb Pandurang Adhav, fondly known as Baba Adhav, passed away in Pune on 8 December 2025 at the age of 95. A veteran socialist leader, he was the founder of the Hamal Panchayat, pioneering welfare for headloaders and unorganised workers.
• On 10 December 2025, Sophie Kinsella (real name Madeleine Sophie Wickham) passed away in Dorset, UK at 55. She was the bestselling author of the Shopaholic series, with over 50 million books sold worldwide. Her works, including Confessions of a Shopaholic, defined the chick‑lit romcom genre of the 2000s.

Questions:

Q1. Rich Communication Services (RCS), launched by Bharti Airtel in partnership with Google, is best described as:
a) A social media platform
b) A replacement for email
c) An advanced upgrade to SMS
d) A video conferencing tool

Answer: c) RCS enhances traditional SMS by offering features such as read receipts, typing indicators, media sharing, and encryption, making it an upgraded messaging standard.

Q2. Wise’s Multi-Currency Travel Card supports transactions in how many currencies?
a) 25+
b) 30+
c) 40+
d) 50+

Answer: c) Wise launched its Multi-Currency Travel Card in India with support for 40+ currencies across 160 countries, with no annual or inactivity fees.