A new multi-country study has provided direct evidence that mosquitoes flying at high altitudes can carry infectious pathogens, potentially spreading diseases far beyond local transmission zones. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), challenge traditional assumptions in public health planning.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the LVM3-M6 heavy-lift rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, placing the US-based BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This marks the heaviest commercial satellite ever launched from India, strengthening India’s reputation in the global space launch market.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted a new set of on-ground and in-air parachute tests for its maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, marking a critical step towards ensuring astronaut safety during re-entry and splashdown.

Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district, a major hotspot for human–elephant conflict, has launched a dedicated AI-enabled Command and Control Centre in the Gudalur Forest Division to prevent human casualties, crop loss, and property damage.

India’s combined merchandise and services exports are projected to reach around $850 billion in FY 2025–26, significantly below the government’s ambitious $1 trillion target, despite active Free Trade Agreement (FTA) engagements.

Economist Arvind Subramanian, in discussions around his book A Sixth of Humanity, revisits why India has failed to industrialise like China or South Korea, despite starting from comparable conditions in the early 20th century. The core issue: manufacturing stagnation, with its share in GDP largely flat and recently overshadowed by services.

Recent analysis of the RBI Handbook of Statistics on Indian States (2024–25) shows that India’s export growth, despite strong aggregate numbers, is becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, raising concerns about inclusive development and employment generation.

Recent government assessment reveals a worrying trend: despite improvements in girls’ dropout rates, overall secondary school retention remains weak, with financial necessity and domestic responsibilities emerging as primary causes. The report questions India’s progress toward NEP 2020’s target of 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) at middle and secondary levels.

The Porunai (Thamirabarani River Civilisation) Museum was inaugurated in Tirunelveli  

The Indian Navy has inducted Anjadip, the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), indigenously designed and built under India’s self-reliance drive. The vessel was delivered in Chennai by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in partnership with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.

The Supreme Court of India has reiterated that conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is non-negotiable, observing that humans are merely “guests in the bird’s abode”.

India’s startup ecosystem raised $10.79 billion in 2025, marking a 15% decline from 2024, even as DeepTech, EnergyTech and AI-led manufacturing emerged as key growth drivers, according to data shared by market intelligence platform Tracxn.

A Right to Disconnect Bill has been introduced in Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill, seeking to give employees the right to not respond to work-related digital communication beyond prescribed working hours. The proposal gains significance amid increasing work-from-home practices and India’s recent shift to the four labour codes.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during a visit to Hampi, stated that the ideals of prosperity and inclusive governance reflected in the Vijayanagara Empire remain relevant to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued a High Severity advisory (December 19, 2025) warning WhatsApp users about a new account takeover technique called GhostPairing.

India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Muscat.

The Indian Navy commissioned its second squadron of MH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters on 11 December 2024.

On December 15, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64, an indigenous microprocessor.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha.

In November 2025, the Supreme Court of India settled a uniform legal definition of the Aravalli hills and paused grant and renewal of fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, a day after its approval by the Lok Sabha.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025.

INSV Kaundinya, a stitched ship of the Indian Navy, is set to sail from Porbandar to Oman on December 29, 2025.

India has unveiled an updated seismic zonation map under the revised Earthquake Design Code, 2025 (IS 1893) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

The Union government plans to introduce the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee For Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G Bill) in Parliament.

The Tripura government has announced plans to reconstruct the Jackson Gate in Agartala, a royal-era landmark demolished in 1981.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to reclaim over ₹1 lakh crore of unclaimed financial assets lying idle in banks, insurance firms, mutual funds and companies.

Renowned scientist Dr Kishore M Paknikar has been selected as one of the first recipients of the Prime Minister Professorship, a new initiative of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

A new US-led strategic initiative — Pax Silica — aimed at securing the global silicon and critical minerals supply chain does not include India. This comes amid ongoing but inconclusive India–US trade negotiations and a broader global effort to diversify supply chains away from China.

The historic Siliserh Lake in Alwar, Rajasthan, has been declared a Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands, 1971. With this addition, India’s total Ramsar sites have increased to 96, marking a significant milestone in the country’s wetland conservation journey. Siliserh Lake is now the fifth Ramsar site in Rajasthan.

With the onset of winter, Delhi’s air quality has once again worsened, with AQI touching the ‘poor’ category (294). While governments announce measures such as EV adoption and new studies, experts argue that India’s air pollution response remains misdirected—overemphasising PM10 while neglecting the more lethal PM2.5.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a series of far-reaching policy decisions, including the budget for the upcoming Census, major economic and social sector bills, and reforms spanning education, insurance, nuclear energy and coal allocation.

The rupee’s recent depreciation is primarily due to capital account pressures, not current account deficits.

In Amlesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2025), the Patna High Court permitted an involuntary narco-analysis test on an accused. The Supreme Court set aside this order, holding that forced narco tests are unconstitutional and violate the guidelines laid down in Selvi v. State of Karnataka (2010).

The US released the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2026, outlining defence priorities for the Indo-Pacific.

UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – Deepavali Secures Global Recognition

Breeding Project Gives Endangered Western Tragopan Breathing Space

India has a structural Current Account Deficit (CAD) issue in its Balance of Payments (BoP).

The World Inequality Report 2026 highlights rising income and wealth inequality in India.

The Supreme Court has clarified that an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of one department can hear a POSH Act complaint against an employee of another department.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced in the Legislative Assembly that the government plans to introduce Black Soldier Fly (BSF) composting in Bengaluru to tackle the city’s massive waste burden.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of third and fourth lines on the Badlapur–Karjat section (32 km) in Maharashtra—an important addition to the Mumbai Suburban Corridor and part of the wider Mumbai–Chennai High Density Network.

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), India’s integrated intelligence platform, has seen a sharp rise in usage, receiving nearly 45,000 data requests per month. Operational since 2023, NATGRID aims to strengthen national security by enabling real-time access to multiple government and private databases.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has launched a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Sustainability and Climate Change aimed at building India’s preparedness against the growing climate crisis. Developed in partnership with Ashraya Hasta Trust, the initiative focuses on innovations in agriculture, environmental systems, and healthcare.

In Vikarabad, Telangana, quarry operations at Yenakathala were paused to protect five eggs of the endangered rock eagle owl (Bubo bengalensis).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the policy repo rate by 25 basis points (bps), signalling cheaper loans and improved credit flow. This move comes at a time when India is experiencing decadal low inflation alongside strong GDP growth, creating what the RBI Governor describes as a “rare goldilocks period.”

Sri Lanka faces one of its worst natural disasters as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc across the island. Heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have caused at least 153 deaths, damaged over 600 homes, and displaced more than 200,000 people from 61,000 families. Key areas affected include the Western Province, Kandy, and Badulla, with electricity disrupted for around 7 million people.

The Department of Posts has proposed a major digital reform in India’s addressing ecosystem by introducing DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address). It aims to make address-sharing as simple as sharing a UPI ID, using short, standardised address “labels”.

The heritage city of Mysuru, already renowned for its royal legacy, craftsmanship and silk tradition, is set to host India’s first comprehensive Silk Museum.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a directive requiring online messaging platforms—such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal—to ensure “SIM binding,” making continuous access dependent on the physical SIM used during registration. This move, rooted in the Telecommunication Cybersecurity Amendment Rules, 2025, aims to curb rising digital fraud but raises concerns around usability and privacy.

NEWS The Government of India has approved the establishment of the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in South Andaman with an outlay of ₹120 crore. NCRRI will function as India’s nodal and monitoring agency for coral reef research, conservation, restoration, and capacity-building. HIGHLIGHTS What are Corals? Corals are sessile marine organisms that remain fixed […]

The Union Commerce and Industry Minister Jitin Prasada informed Lok Sabha that Dakshina Kannada (DK) has been designated as a District Export Hub (DEH).

The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) has achieved three Guinness World Records, but its real significance lies in the transformation it represents in India’s women-centred healthcare. With 11 crore people mobilised, 19.7 lakh health camps, and 3.21 crore digital registrations in one month, the initiative signals a decisive shift from fragmented interventions to integrated, community-driven, and technology-enabled health governance.

Sri Lanka faces one of its worst natural disasters as Cyclone Ditwah wreaks havoc across the island. Heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have caused at least 153 deaths, damaged over 600 homes, and displaced more than 200,000 people from 61,000 families. Key areas affected include the Western Province, Kandy, and Badulla, with electricity disrupted for around 7 million people.

GPS spoofing, interference reported at seven major airports

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a directive mandating that all smartphone manufacturers pre-install the government-run Sanchar Saathi cybersecurity application.

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Mahe, the first vessel of the Mahe-class Shallow Water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Crafts. Designed for high-speed, near-coastal operations, INS Mahe strengthens India’s indigenous capability in undersea threat detection and littoral security.

India has achieved a major scientific milestone with the development of an indigenous gene-editing tool by CSIR–IGIB. The tool, now transferred to the Serum Institute of India (SII), is set to revolutionise treatment for sickle cell disease through an affordable, home-grown therapy named Birsa-101.

Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) at Rashtrapati Bhawan. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath, days after Justice Kant served on the 16th Presidential Reference Bench, clarifying the constitutional position on gubernatorial timelines for State Bills.

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) released a report highlighting rapid global urbanisation.

COP30, the 30th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC, concluded in Belém, Brazil, gateway to the Amazon rainforest, with negotiations spilling beyond deadlines. Fossil fuel phase-out and climate finance remained contentious.

The Central government has officially implemented all four Labour Codes, marking one of the most significant labour reforms since Independence. These Codes replace 29 fragmented labour laws, some dating back to the 1930s.

The Supreme Court, responding to a Presidential Reference under Article 143, held that no fixed timelines can be imposed on the President or Governors for granting assent to Bills. However, prolonged and unexplained inaction can invite limited judicial scrutiny.

India has signed its first-ever structured one-year contract to import 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the United States, accounting for around 10% of India’s annual LPG imports, marking a significant diversification in its energy basket.

A recent report released at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi highlights the alarming decline of dugong (sea cow) populations in India due to escalating human activities and pollution.

The Union government has launched a major technological push to enhance transparency and efficiency in India’s food security ecosystem. Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi unveiled a suite of digital platforms, with the AI-driven ASHA system at the core, aimed at modernising the Public Distribution System (PDS), warehousing, and supply chain operations.

November 7, 2025 marks 100 years since the foundation of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), India’s first governing body for the sport (1925).

India plans to induct women soldiers into the Territorial Army—an unprecedented step toward gender inclusion in defence.

The Belem Action Plan for Health and Climate Adaptation was launched at COP30, Belem, Brazil.

Ambaji white marble from Gujarat has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched two digital applications—Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan.

The Union Cabinet approved a 6-year Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore.

The Infosys Science Foundation announced the Infosys Prize 2025 winners  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has released the draft Seeds Bill, 2025, inviting public comments until December 11, 2025.

The Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025, operationalising key provisions of the DPDP Act, 2023. These rules aim to strengthen citizens’ control over personal data and ensure accountability among data-processing entities.

Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka, one of India’s most inspirational environmentalists, passed away at 114. Known as the “Mother of Trees” and “Vriksha Mata”, she dedicated her life to protecting and nurturing trees, making her an icon of grassroots environmental conservation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhutan marks the 70th birthday celebrations of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (K4), the fourth king and architect of modern Bhutan.

India continues to top the list of countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden, accounting for 25% of global cases, according to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025.

The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026, released by Germanwatch during the COP30 Summit in Belem, Brazil, ranks India 9th among the countries worst hit by climate-related disasters between 1995–2024.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a public warning cautioning investors against digital gold and e-gold products, highlighting their unregulated nature and potential risks. The move comes amid rising gold prices and increasing popularity of digital investment platforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched special commemorative coins and postage stamps in New Delhi to mark 150 years of India’s national song, Vande Mataram.

The Malabar Naval Exercise 2025 — involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia — has commenced in the Northern Pacific’s Guam. This annual multilateral exercise strengthens defence cooperation among QUAD nations and enhances interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region

Project Suncatcher is Google’s futuristic research initiative exploring AI-powered, solar-driven data centres in outer space.

The 8th CPC, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, with Prof. Pulak Ghosh and Pankaj Jain (IAS) as members, has 18 months to submit its report.

India has joined the Brazil-led Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) as an observer (Nov 2025).

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog for anti–money laundering (AML) and counter–terror financing (CFT), released its report on “Asset Recovery Guidance and Best Practices”.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the India AI Governance Guidelines  

The Government of India announced 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts under PMDDKY across 29 states and UTs.

India’s three defence services have launched Exercise Trishul, a large-scale tri-services military drill covering Sir Creek, Rann of Kutch, Saurashtra coast, and Rajasthan desert.

Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai have joined a global coalition of 33 cities to tackle rising urban temperatures.

Union government has launched the third round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, termed “PLI 1.2”, for specialty steel.

NEWS On October 31, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a landmark ruling protecting the attorney–client privilege under the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023. The verdict came in a suo motu case heard by a three-judge bench comprising CJI B R Gavai, and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria. The Court examined […]

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, from Indian soil

India’s horticulture sector is set for a technological transformation through a Dutch-led initiative focusing on AI-driven precision farming and climate-resilient food production.

On Kerala Piravi Day (Nov 1, 2025), Kerala became the first Indian state to declare itself free from extreme poverty

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare achieved three Guinness World Records™ titles under the “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA)” — a nationwide campaign focusing on preventive, women-centric healthcare.

India is emphasising Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to address massive case backlogs and delays in the justice system.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently banned the use of the term ‘ORS’ in beverage brand names, highlighting concerns over misleading consumers and potential health risks to children. The move follows an 8-year advocacy by Dr Sivaranjini Santhosh, a Hyderabad-based paediatrician.

The draft National Labour and Employment Policy (Shram Shakti Niti, 2025) has been released for public consultation, proposing a universal, portable social security framework and reforms to strengthen India’s labour ecosystem.

India is emphasising Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to address massive case backlogs and delays in the justice system.