- In the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025 released by the Ministry of Tourism, Maharashtra emerged as the top state in attracting foreign tourists. The state recorded 3.71 million Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) in 2024, followed by West Bengal (3.12m) and Uttar Pradesh & Gujarat (2.27m each). Nationally, India registered 20.94 million FTVs in 2024, showing an 8.84% growth over 2023.
- On 2 December 2025, the Ministry of Coal introduced a streamlined approval system for exploration programs and Geological Reports. The initiative aims to accelerate coal and lignite exploration by reducing delays in clearances. It ensures faster evaluation of proposals through a single‑window mechanism and standardized procedures.
- On December 3, 2025, India was invited for the first time to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). Represented by CEC Gyanesh Kumar, India assumed the Chairship in Stockholm, Sweden, alongside Mauritius and Mexico as Vice Chairs. This marks a historic recognition of India’s ability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.
- On December 1, 2025, SEBI introduced SWAGAT-FI (Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors). This framework provides single-window access and simplifies compliance for low-risk foreign investors like sovereign wealth funds, central banks, and pension funds. It allows simultaneous registration as FPIs and FVCIs, reduces documentation, and extends registration validity to 10 years.
- The Indian Army successfully conducted a combat launch of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile on December 1, 2025, from a test range in the Bay of Bengal. The missile hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, reaffirming India’s long-range precision strike capability and operational readiness.
- On 1 December 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 60th Raising Day. Established on 1 December 1965, BSF is India’s primary border guarding force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Raising Day highlights BSF’s role in safeguarding India’s frontiers, preventing trans‑border crimes, and ensuring national security.
- On 2 December 2025, Dr. Manali Makarand Kshirsagar became the first-ever female Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) in its 102-year history. She succeeded Acting VC Dr. Madhavi Khode-Chavare. Kshirsagar, a PhD in Computer Science, earlier served as Director (Technical) at YCCE, Nagpur.
- On December 2, 2025, the Union Home Ministry appointed senior advocate Madhav Khurana as the Special Public Prosecutor in the Red Fort blast case. He will represent the NIA in trial proceedings before the Special Court and the Delhi High Court. His tenure is set for three years or until the trial concludes, under provisions of the NIA Act, 2008.
- On 1 December 2025, Delhi IGI Airport received the “Water Positive Airport” certification award. It became India’s first high‑capacity airport (>40 million passengers annually) to achieve this status. Certified by CII‑Triveni Water Institute under the NITI Aayog–CII Water Neutrality framework.
- On 2 December 2025, former England cricketer Robin Smith died at the age of 62 in Perth, Australia. Nicknamed “The Judge”, he was famed for his fearless batting against fast bowlers. Smith played 62 Tests (4,236 runs, 9 centuries) and 71 ODIs, including a record 167 vs Australia in 1993*.
Questions:
Q1. According to the India Tourism Data Compendium 2025, which state attracted the highest number of Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) in 2024?a) West Bengal
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Maharashtra
d) Gujarat
Answer: c) Maharashtra topped the list with 3.71 million FTVs in 2024, making it the leading destination for foreign tourists as per the Ministry of Tourism data.
Q2. Delhi IGI Airport received which certification in December 2025?
a) Carbon Neutral Airport
b) Green Airport Award
c) Water Positive Airport
d) Net Zero Airport
Answer: c) Delhi IGI Airport became India’s first high-capacity airport to achieve Water Positive status, certified under the NITI Aayog–CII framework.
