- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) unveiled a new seismic map in Dec 2025, introducing Zone VI as the highest-risk category. The entire Himalayan arc has been placed under this danger zone due to high earthquake vulnerability. Nearly 61% of India’s landmass now falls under moderate to high seismic hazard zones. About 75% of India’s population lives in areas exposed to earthquake risks, prompting stricter building codes.
- Maharashtra launched Project Mahadeva on 5 December 2025 to boost grassroots football. The scheme selects 30 boys and 30 girls (U-13) for five-year scholarships. These children will train with Lionel Messi at the GOAT Football Clinic in Mumbai. Bollywood star Tiger Shroff is the project’s face, inspiring young talent across the state.
- On December 2, 2025, the Sahkar Taxi Cooperative began the soft launch of Bharat Taxi in Delhi and Gujarat, marking India’s first driver-owned cooperative ride-hailing platform. The app integrates with Delhi Metro services, offers zero commission rides, and already has 51,000 drivers registered across cars, autos, and bikes.
- On 2 December 2025, five products from Tamil Nadu received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These include Woraiyur Cotton Sari, Kavindapadi Nattu Sakkarai (jaggery powder), Namakkal Makkal Pathirangal (soapstone cookware), Thooyamalli rice, and Ambasamudram Choppu Saman (wooden toys). The GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- On 1 December 2025, a Statement of Intent was signed in New Delhi between Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog) and Hitachi MGRM Net Ltd.. It aims to accelerate nationwide innovation through the MStar™ Global AI Connect Platform. The initiative will connect students, startups, incubators, and industry to build a democratized innovation ecosystem.
- On December 5, 2025, Maharashtra set a Guinness World Record by installing 45,911 solar irrigation pumps in a single month. The feat was achieved by MSEDCL under the PM-KUSUM scheme and the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana. The recognition was presented in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to CM Devendra Fadnavis.
- The Fourth Sankirtana Day was celebrated on 4 December 2025 at the Chandrakirti Auditorium, Imphal, Manipur. The event was organized by the Department of Art & Culture along with Manipur State Kala Akademi and other cultural bodies. Eminent personality Aribam Syam Sharma graced the occasion as chief guest.
- On 3 December 2025, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched two new plans—Protection Plus (Plan 886) and Bima Kavach (Plan 887). Protection Plus is a Non-Participating, Linked, Life, Individual, Savings Plan offering life cover with investment flexibility. Bima Kavach is a Non-Participating, Non-Linked, Life, Individual, Pure Risk Plan providing a guaranteed death benefit.
- On 3 December 2025 in Jerusalem, Israel, Arjun Erigaisi defeated Viswanathan Anand in the final to win the Jerusalem Masters Chess 2025 title. After two drawn rapid games, he secured victory in blitz tie-breaks 2.5–1.5, earning the prestigious champion’s crown and a prize of USD 55,000.
- The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit was held in New Delhi on December 4–5, 2025. It was jointly organised by the Government of India and Russia, chaired by PM Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. The theme was “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership: 25 Years of Trust and Cooperation”. Its aim was to strengthen defence, energy, trade, nuclear power, and connectivity ties. Highlights included progress on the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant, defence deals, trade expansion, and cultural exchanges.
- The International Day of Banks 2025 was observed on 4 December, declared by the UNGA in 2019. The theme for 2025 was “Advancing Sustainable Development Through Financial Inclusion.” It highlights the role of multilateral and development banks in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The International Cheetah Day 2025 was observed on 4 December with the theme “India’s Cheetah Comeback Sparks Global Hope for Conservation.” Started in 2010 by Dr. Laurie Marker, the day raises awareness about cheetah conservation. India’s Project Cheetah reintroduced the species in Kuno National Park, with cub births boosting hope.
- On December 3, 2025, the government granted ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh a one-year extension till December 6, 2026. The decision was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). This rare extension ensures continuity in India’s largest oil and gas producer.
- On 1 December 2025, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Stefan Priesner of Austria as the UN Resident Coordinator in India. He succeeds Shombi Sharp and brings nearly three decades of UN experience in international development, policy advice, and program management.
- On Dec 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C., FIFA held the 2026 World Cup Draw. FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded Donald Trump the first FIFA Peace Prize. The award was part of FIFA’s “Football Unites the World” initiative. It recognized Trump’s role in supporting peace efforts, notably the Congo DR–Rwanda treaty.
- Simone Tata (1930–2025) passed away at the age of 95 in Mumbai on December 5, 2025. She transformed Lakmé into India’s leading cosmetics brand as Managing Director from 1961 and later as Chairperson in the 1980s. In 1998, she founded Trent Ltd. and launched the Westside retail chain, which she chaired until 2006.
- On 5 December 2025, Frank Gehry (1929–2025), iconic Canadian‑American architect, died at 96 in Santa Monica. He pioneered deconstructivist design, reshaping modern architecture with bold, sculptural forms. His masterpieces include the Guggenheim Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- On December 4, 2025, former Mizoram Governor Swaraj Kaushal passed away at the age of 73. He was a senior advocate of the Supreme Court and a Rajya Sabha MP (1998–2004). Kaushal played a key role in the 1986 Mizoram Peace Accord during his tenure. He was the husband of late Union Minister Sushma Swaraj and father of MP Bansuri Swaraj.
Questions:
Q1. Which celebrity is the face of Maharashtra’s Project Mahadeva?a) Ranveer Singh
b) Sunil Chhetri
c) Tiger Shroff
d) Hrithik Roshan
Answer: c) Tiger Shroff is the brand face of Project Mahadeva.
Q2. Which LIC plan launched in December 2025 is a pure risk life insurance product?
a) Protection Plus
b) Jeevan Anand
c) Bima Kavach
d) Saral Jeevan
Answer: c) Bima Kavach (Plan 887) is a Non-Linked, Pure Risk plan offering guaranteed death benefits.
