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Reports and indices
RBI Financial Stability Report December 2025 puts gross NPAs at 2.1 percent123
The RBI's Financial Stability Report put scheduled commercial banks' gross NPA ratio at a multi-year low of 2.1 percent in September 2025 while flagging risks from unsecured retail loans and stablecoins.
- December 2025 Financial Stability Report released 31 December 2025
- Gross NPA ratio of scheduled commercial banks 2.1 percent in September 2025, projected to ease to 1.9 percent by March 2027 in the baseline
- Unsecured loans were about 53 percent of retail slippages and about 76 percent at private banks
- Special feature warns stablecoins' risks outweigh claimed benefits
- CRAR 16 percent for public sector banks, 18.1 percent for private banks
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Defence
DRDO fires two Pralay missiles in salvo off Odisha coast456
DRDO fired two Pralay quasi-ballistic missiles in quick succession from the same launcher on 31 December. The test checked rapid multi-missile deployment.
- Salvo launch of two Pralay missiles back to back from one launcher on 31 December 2025 off the Odisha coast
- User evaluation trials; both followed planned trajectories per ITR Chandipur sensors
- Pralay is a solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile, 150-500 km range
- Developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
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Schemes
Government recaps 2025 reforms: Labour Codes, GST 2.0, Export Promotion Mission789
A year-end government summary highlighted four consolidated Labour Codes replacing 29 laws, the GST 2.0 two-slab regime of 5 and 18 percent and the Rs 25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission for FY26-FY31.
- Four Labour Codes consolidate 29 central labour laws
- GST 2.0 two main slabs of 5 percent and 18 percent (plus 40 percent for demerit goods), effective 22 September 2025
- Export Promotion Mission outlay Rs 25,060 crore for FY26 to FY31
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Supreme Court
Supreme Court stays its own Aravalli definition order, sets new expert panel101112
The Supreme Court put on hold its 20 November judgment that had accepted a 100-metre elevation test for defining Aravalli hills. It ordered a fresh expert committee after concerns that the definition would strip protection from large parts of the range.
- Original order: 20 November 2025 accepting a uniform definition (landform 100 m or more above local relief)
- Stay on 29 December 2025 by a vacation bench headed by CJI Surya Kant, to last until a fresh expert committee is constituted
- Court asked for names of environmentalists and forest experts for the new committee
- Stay continued at the hearing listed for 21 January 2026
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Supreme Court
Supreme Court stays Delhi High Court bail to Kuldeep Sengar in Unnao case131415
On 29 December a vacation bench led by CJI Surya Kant stayed the Delhi High Court order that had suspended Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the 2017 Unnao rape case. Sengar stays in custody pending a hearing set for January 2026.
- Delhi HC order suspending Sengar's life sentence dated 23 December 2025
- Supreme Court vacation bench headed by CJI Surya Kant stayed it on 29 December on CBI's plea and issued notice
- Sengar not to be released; he is also serving a 10-year sentence in the custodial death case of the victim's father
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International
Protests spread in Iran as rial collapses; central bank chief resigns161718
Protests broke out in Tehran around 28-29 December 2025 as the Iranian rial hit a record low. Central bank governor Mohammad Reza Farzin resigned on 29 December and former economy minister Abdolnasser Hemmati was named to replace him.
- Central bank governor Mohammad Reza Farzin resigned on 29 December 2025
- Rial hit a record low of about 1.39 million per US dollar
- Protests in Tehran, mainly by shopkeepers, over the economy
- Abdolnasser Hemmati named as new governor (31 December per one report)
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Economy
November 2025 IIP growth at 6.7 percent192021
MoSPI's quick estimate, released on 29 December 2025, put November 2025 IIP growth at 6.7 percent, a two-year high. It was later revised to 7.2 percent.
- MoSPI quick estimate released 29 December 2025: IIP grew 6.7 percent year on year in November 2025, a two-year high
- Manufacturing 8.0 percent, mining 5.4 percent, electricity (-)1.5 percent
- Later revised to 7.2 percent in the January 2026 release (December 2025 IIP: 7.8 percent)
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Defence
DRDO tests Pinaka LRGR-120 long-range guided rocket222324
DRDO flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket with a range of about 120 km at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha on 29 December. The rocket hit its target with precision.
- Maiden flight test on 29 December 2025 at ITR Chandipur, Odisha
- Range about 120 km, hit target with precision
- Designed by ARDE with HEMRL; fired from an existing Pinaka launcher
- Existing Pinaka rockets have about 80 km range
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International
China holds largest live-fire drills around Taiwan252627
China launched the 'Justice Mission 2025' drills around Taiwan on 29 December 2025, including live-fire and blockade rehearsals, after a USD 11.1 billion US arms package for Taiwan.
- Date: 29 December 2025, 'Justice Mission 2025' drills by the PLA Eastern Theater Command
- Included port-blockade drills and live fire around Taiwan
- Followed a USD 11.1 billion US arms package announced 17-18 December, reported as Taiwan's largest
- Taiwan reported 130 aircraft and 14 warships operating around it
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Sports
Magnus Carlsen wins sixth World Rapid title in Doha; Humpy and Arjun take bronze2829
At the FIDE World Rapid Championship in Doha, Magnus Carlsen won his sixth world rapid title. Aleksandra Goryachkina won the women's rapid title after a playoff, and India's Koneru Humpy took the women's bronze, with Arjun Erigaisi reported as open bronze medallist.
- Venue: Doha, Qatar, December 2025
- Carlsen won sixth World Rapid title with 10.5/13
- Aleksandra Goryachkina won Women's Rapid, beating Zhu Jiner in a blitz playoff
- Koneru Humpy won women's rapid bronze
- Arjun Erigaisi reported third in the open rapid (Qatar Tribune)
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Schemes
Government notifies shipbuilding financial assistance and development schemes303132
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued guidelines on 26 December 2025 (reported 27-28 December) for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), with a combined outlay of about Rs 44,700 crore under the National Shipbuilding Mission.
- Ministry letter with guidelines dated 26 December 2025, reported 27-28 December
- Schemes: SBFAS (corpus Rs 24,736 crore) and SbDS (outlay Rs 19,989 crore), together about Rs 44,700 crore
- SBFAS support of 15-25 percent of vessel contract value
- SbDS covers risk coverage, greenfield clusters and brownfield expansion
- Shipbreaking Credit Note equal to 40 percent of scrap value
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International
Najib Razak jailed 15 years in 1MDB case333435
Malaysia's High Court on 26 December 2025 sentenced former PM Najib Razak to 15 years in jail and a fine of RM11.4 billion for abuse of power and money laundering in the 1MDB main trial.
- Date: 26 December 2025, High Court (Judge Collin Sequerah)
- Guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering linked to RM2.3 billion
- 15 years jail, fine RM11.4 billion (40 years in default); sentences run concurrently after his current term
- AP's RM13.5 billion figure includes about RM2.08 billion in assets to be recovered
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International
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland363738
Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent state on 26 December, becoming the first country to do so; Somaliland also recognised Israel.
- Date: 26 December 2025
- Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent
- Netanyahu, FM Gideon Saar and Somaliland's president signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition
- Somalia called it unlawful; Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti and the African Union condemned it
- Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991
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Economy
Gold sets repeated records in late December 2025, topping USD 4,500 an ounce3940
Spot gold set a string of record highs in late December 2025, topping USD 4,500 an ounce on 24 December and reaching about USD 4,549.71 on 26 December, driven by safe-haven buying.
- Spot gold topped USD 4,525 an ounce on 24 December 2025
- New record of about USD 4,549.71 on 26 December 2025
- Gold later eased in a year-end sell-off and finished the month near USD 4,310
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Other
Modi inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Vajpayee centenary414243
On Good Governance Day, 25 December 2025, PM Modi inaugurated Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, which has 65-foot bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya. The event coincided with Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary.
- Date: 25 December 2025
- Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, about 65 acres, cost about Rs 230 crore
- 65-foot statues of Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya
- Occasion: 101st birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (born 1924)
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Science and tech
ISRO LVM3 launches BlueBird Block-2, heaviest payload to LEO444546
ISRO launched AST SpaceMobile's US-built BlueBird Block-2 satellite on an LVM3 from Sriharikota on 24 December. At about 6,100 kg it is the heaviest payload ever put in low Earth orbit by the LVM3.
- Launch date: 24 December 2025 (LVM3-M6) from Sriharikota
- Payload: BlueBird Block-2, about 6,100 kg, for AST SpaceMobile under an NSIL commercial deal
- Heaviest payload LVM3 has placed in low Earth orbit; reported as heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil
- Previous LVM3 record: CMS-03 (about 4,400 kg) in November 2025
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Awards
President presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025; Narlikar gets Vigyan Ratna474849
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 2025 Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar to 24 awardees. The Vigyan Ratna went posthumously to astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar and the Vigyan Team award to CSIR's Aroma Mission.
- Date: 23 December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- 24 awards across Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar and Vigyan Team
- Vigyan Ratna (posthumous): Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, received by IUCAA director R Srianand
- Vigyan Team award: CSIR Aroma Mission
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International
India and New Zealand conclude free trade agreement talks505152
India and New Zealand announced the conclusion of FTA negotiations on 22 December. New Zealand will give zero-duty access to Indian exports and pledged large investment, while dairy stays excluded from Indian concessions.
- Conclusion of negotiations announced 22 December 2025 (talks launched March 2025)
- India's government says NZ eliminates duty on 100 percent of Indian exports
- India's government cites a USD 20 billion NZ investment commitment over 15 years (NZ side cites a NZ$34 billion private investment target)
- India's tariffs on core dairy are not liberalised
- Treaty signed in New Delhi on 27 April 2026
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Legislation
VB-G RAM G Act replaces MGNREGA with 125-day guarantee535455
The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was passed by Parliament in mid-December 2025 and became an Act after Presidential assent, with a gazette notification on 21 December. It replaces the MGNREGA of 2005 and raises guaranteed rural wage employment per household from 100 to 125 days.
- Gazette notification: 21 December 2025 after Presidential assent (one outlet says assent was on 20 December)
- Replaces MGNREGA 2005
- Guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household a year, up from 100
- States can declare a pause of up to 60 days a year in peak farm seasons
- States to bear 40 percent of scheme cost
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Legislation
SHANTI Act 2025 opens nuclear power to private licensing and replaces two older laws565758
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025 received Presidential assent in the third week of December 2025 and was gazetted on 21 December. It repeals the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 and lets licensed private companies and joint ventures take part in nuclear power generation.
- Name of the Act: SHANTI (not SHAKTI) Act, 2025
- Repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
- Repeals the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
- Private companies and joint ventures can build, own and operate plants under a government licence
- Mining, enrichment, spent-fuel reprocessing and heavy water production stay with the government
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Legislation
Insurance Laws Amendment Act allows 100 percent FDI in insurers596061
The Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act was notified in late December 2025. Its headline change lets foreign investors hold up to 100 percent of Indian insurance companies, alongside KYC rules and stronger powers for the regulator.
- Amends the Insurance Act 1938, LIC Act 1956 and IRDA Act 1999
- Foreign investment cap in insurance raised from 74 to 100 percent
- Act received Presidential assent about 20 December 2025 and was gazetted 21 December
- Most provisions brought into force from 5 February 2026
- At least one of chairperson, MD or CEO of an insurer with foreign investment must be a resident Indian citizen
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Disasters
Rajdhani Express hits elephant herd in Assam, seven elephants die626364
A Rajdhani Express train struck a herd of Asian elephants in Assam's Hojai district on 20 December, killing seven elephants and derailing the engine and several coaches.
- Date: 20 December 2025, about 2:17 am, near Kampur, Hojai district, Assam
- Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express hit a herd; seven elephants killed
- Engine and five coaches derailed; no passengers injured
- Railways say the site is not a designated elephant corridor; fog suspected
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International
Pakistan court sentences Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to 17 years656667
A Pakistani court on 20 December convicted former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on corruption charges and gave each a 17-year prison term.
- Date: 20 December 2025
- Special court in Rawalpindi (hearing inside Adiala Jail) gave Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi 17 years each
- Toshakhana-II case over a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- Both also fined about Rs 16.4 million; appeal to Islamabad High Court planned
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Obituaries
Malayalam actor-writer Sreenivasan dies686970
Actor, screenwriter and director Sreenivasan, known for satirical Malayalam cinema, died on 20 December at Thrippunithura, Kerala.
- Died 20 December 2025 at Thrippunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala, aged about 69
- Actor, screenwriter, director; films include Sandesham, Nadodikkattu and Vadakkunokkiyanthram
- Survived by sons Vineeth and Dhyan Sreenivasan
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Sports
BCCI names 15-member India squad for 2026 T20 World Cup717273
On 20 December the BCCI announced India's squad for the T20 World Cup to be co-hosted with Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav leads, Axar Patel is vice-captain and Shubman Gill was left out.
- Squad announced 20 December 2025
- Captain: Suryakumar Yadav; vice-captain: Axar Patel
- Shubman Gill (earlier vice-captain) and Jitesh Sharma omitted
- Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh in the squad
- Tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, 7 February to 8 March 2026
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International
Unrest in Bangladesh after killing of activist Osman Hadi747576
Protests and violence spread across Bangladesh after activist Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, died in Singapore on about 18 December 2025 following a shooting in Dhaka on 12 December. The unrest strained India-Bangladesh ties ahead of the February 2026 election.
- Hadi shot by masked gunmen in Dhaka on 12 December 2025 and died in Singapore about six days later
- Mobs attacked the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on 18 December
- Stones thrown at the Assistant Indian High Commissioner's residence in Chattogram
- National election scheduled for 12 February 2026, with the Awami League barred
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Polity
Parliament Winter Session 2025 ends after 15 sittings777879
The Winter Session of Parliament ran from 1 to 19 December 2025 and was adjourned sine die on the last day. Eight Bills cleared both Houses, and both Houses reported productivity above 100 percent.
- Session dates: 1-19 December 2025
- 15 sittings spread over 19 days
- 8 Bills passed by both Houses
- Lok Sabha productivity about 111 percent, Rajya Sabha about 121 percent
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Sports
India win T20I series against South Africa, eighth straight series win808182
India clinched the five-match T20I series against South Africa by winning the fifth match at Ahmedabad by 30 runs on 19 December. It was reported as their eighth consecutive T20I series win.
- Series sealed at Ahmedabad on 19 December 2025, 3-1
- Fifth T20I: India 231/5, South Africa 201/8, India won by 30 runs
- First T20I at Cuttack on 9 December: India won by 101 runs (South Africa all out 74, their lowest T20I total)
- Eighth consecutive T20I series win for India
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International
EU agrees EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine instead of Russian assets838485
EU leaders agreed on 19 December to lend Ukraine EUR 90 billion using the EU budget after failing to agree on tapping frozen Russian assets.
- Date: 19 December 2025
- EUR 90 billion loan to Ukraine, borrowed by the EU on markets and backed by the EU budget
- Plan to use frozen Russian assets shelved, mainly due to Belgian resistance
- Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia did not block it
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International
India and Oman sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement899091
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Muscat on 18 December 2025 during PM Modi's visit. Oman gives duty-free access to nearly all Indian exports by value, and the pact entered into force on 1 June 2026.
- Signed in Muscat on 18 December 2025 in presence of PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik
- Oman liberalises 98.08 percent of its tariff lines, covering 99.38 percent of India's exports by value
- India liberalises about 77.79 percent of its tariff lines, with sensitive farm items protected
- Entered into force on 1 June 2026
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Appointments
Barham Salih elected UN High Commissioner for Refugees929394
The UN General Assembly elected former Iraqi president Barham Salih as the next UN High Commissioner for Refugees on 18 December, succeeding Filippo Grandi.
- Date: 18 December 2025, elected unanimously by the UN General Assembly on the Secretary-General's recommendation
- Succeeds Filippo Grandi, whose term ended 31 December 2025
- Salih's five-year term starts 1 January 2026
- Salih was President of Iraq 2018-2022
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Sports
PSG win FIFA Intercontinental Cup; Dembele named FIFA men's best959697
Paris Saint-Germain beat Flamengo on penalties on 17 December to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and on 16 December Ousmane Dembele was named FIFA Men's Player of the Year.
- Intercontinental Cup final: 17 December 2025 in Qatar
- PSG 1-1 Flamengo, PSG won the shoot-out 2-1; goalkeeper Matvei Safonov saved four penalties
- Ousmane Dembele named FIFA Best Men's Player on 16 December 2025 in Doha
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Sports
IPL 2026 mini auction: Cameron Green sold for Rs 25.2 crore101102103
At the IPL mini auction in Abu Dhabi on 16 December, Kolkata Knight Riders bought Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.2 crore, the highest price ever paid for an overseas player. KKR also took Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore.
- Auction held 16 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi
- Cameron Green to KKR for Rs 25.20 crore, the highest price for an overseas player in IPL history
- Under the new maximum-fee rule Green receives Rs 18 crore, the excess going to player welfare
- Matheesha Pathirana to KKR for Rs 18 crore
- Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer to CSK for Rs 14.20 crore each, highest for uncapped players
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International
India-Ethiopia ties raised to strategic partnership; Modi gets Ethiopia's top honour104105106
During his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia on 16 and 17 December, PM Modi elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership and signed several MoUs. He was also conferred Ethiopia's highest civilian honour.
- Visit dates: 16-17 December 2025
- Relationship upgraded to Strategic Partnership
- Eight MoUs and agreements signed (data centre at Ethiopia's foreign ministry, debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, customs cooperation, among others)
- Modi received the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, the first global head of state or government to get it
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Legislation
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill introduced and sent to joint committee107
A Bill to create a single apex regulator for higher education was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 15 December 2025. It would repeal the UGC Act, AICTE Act and NCTE Act and was referred to a Joint Committee of Parliament.
- Introduced in Lok Sabha on 15 December 2025
- Would repeal UGC Act 1956, AICTE Act 1987 and NCTE Act 1993
- Referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee
- Draft earlier known as the HECI Bill
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Appointments
Raj Kumar Goyal sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner108109110
Retired IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal took oath as Chief Information Commissioner before President Murmu on 15 December. New Information Commissioners were also sworn in, bringing the CIC back to full strength.
- Oath: 15 December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, administered by President Droupadi Murmu
- Raj Kumar Goyal is a retired 1990-batch IAS officer (AGMUT), former Secretary, Department of Justice
- Eight Information Commissioners sworn in the same day
- CIC post vacant since Heeralal Samaria completed term on 13 September 2025
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International
PM Modi visits Jordan on first full prime-ministerial trip111112113
Modi began a three-nation tour of Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman on 15 December. In Amman, India and Jordan signed MoUs on renewable energy, water and digital transformation, and set a target of doubling trade.
- Tour: Jordan, Ethiopia, Oman, 15-18 December 2025 (Jordan 15-16 December)
- Marks 75 years of India-Jordan diplomatic ties
- Trade goal: USD 5 billion over five years (trade was USD 2.3 billion in 2024)
- Five instruments signed: renewable energy, water resources, cultural exchange programme, Petra-Ellora twinning, and digital public infrastructure letter of intent
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International
Jimmy Lai convicted under Hong Kong national security law114115116
Hong Kong's High Court convicted media tycoon Jimmy Lai of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and sedition on 15 December.
- Date: 15 December 2025
- Hong Kong High Court convicted Jimmy Lai on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one of conspiracy to publish seditious material
- He pleaded not guilty; collusion carries three years to life
- Mitigation hearing set for 12 January 2026
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Economy
India's November trade deficit narrows to a five-month low of USD 24.53 billion117118119
Data released on 15 December 2025 showed India's merchandise exports at USD 38.13 billion in November 2025, up from USD 31.94 billion a year earlier and the highest in over 10 years, while the merchandise trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low of USD 24.53 billion.
- Release date: 15 December 2025
- Merchandise exports USD 38.13 billion in November 2025, up from USD 31.94 billion
- Merchandise imports about USD 62.66 billion
- Merchandise trade deficit USD 24.53 billion, a five-month low (October: USD 41.68 billion)
- Merchandise exports to the US rose over 21 percent to USD 6.98 billion
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Legislation
Health Security se National Security Cess Act 2025 enacted120121122
The Health Security se National Security Cess Act, 2025 (Act 35 of 2025) was enacted on 15 December 2025 after the Lok Sabha passed the Bill on 5 December. It creates a cess on machines and processes used to make specified goods, initially pan masala, replacing the GST compensation cess on them, with proceeds meant for public health and national security.
- Enacted 15 December 2025 as Act No. 35 of 2025
- Lok Sabha passed the Bill on 5 December 2025
- Cess is levied on machines or processes used to manufacture specified goods, initially pan masala
- Replaces the GST Compensation Cess on those goods
- Proceeds for public health and national security
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International
Jose Antonio Kast elected president of Chile126127128
Right-wing candidate Jose Antonio Kast won Chile's presidential runoff on 14 December against Jeannette Jara, shifting the country to the right.
- Runoff date: 14 December 2025
- Winner: Jose Antonio Kast with about 58 percent; Jeannette Jara about 42 percent, who conceded
- Kast won in every region including Santiago
- Inauguration scheduled 11 March 2026
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Sports
India win maiden Squash World Cup in Chennai129130131
India beat Hong Kong China 3-0 in the final in Chennai on 14 December to win their first Squash World Cup. The squad was Joshna Chinappa, Velavan Senthilkumar, Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh.
- Final: India 3, Hong Kong China 0 on 14 December 2025
- Venue: Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Express Avenue Mall)
- India's first Squash World Cup title; beat defending champion Egypt 3-0 in semifinal
- Winning side included Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh
- Previous best: bronze at the 2023 edition
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International
Gunmen attack Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, Sydney132133134
Two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on 14 December, killing 15 people. One attacker died and the other was arrested, and Australia later announced a national gun buyback.
- Date: 14 December 2025, Bondi Beach, Sydney
- 15 people killed at a Hanukkah event; more than 20 others hospitalised
- A suspected gunman charged with 59 offences including 15 murders
- Australian Federal Police commissioner called it a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State
- National gun buyback announced 19 December 2025 by PM Anthony Albanese
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Sports
Lionel Messi's India tour begins amid chaos at Kolkata stadium135136137
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi began a multi-city India visit on 13 December. At Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata an abruptly ended appearance led to fan unrest.
- Kolkata event: 13 December 2025 at Salt Lake Stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan)
- Fans threw bottles and seats and entered the field after Messi left early; CM Mamata Banerjee apologised and the main organiser was detained
- Three-day GOAT India Tour planned: Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, then Delhi
- Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul accompanied him
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Economy
CPI inflation for November 2025 at 0.71 percent138139140
India's retail inflation for November 2025 rose to 0.71 percent from October's record low of about 0.25 percent, while food inflation stayed negative at -3.91 percent.
- CPI inflation for November 2025: 0.71 percent (provisional), released 12 December 2025
- October 2025: 0.25 percent, a record low
- Food inflation (CFPI): -3.91 percent, sixth straight month of deflation
- Inflation below RBI's 2 percent lower tolerance for the third month
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Schemes
Cabinet approves Rs 11,718 crore for Census 2027141142143
The Union Cabinet cleared a budget of Rs 11,718.24 crore for the Census of India 2027 on 12 December. It will be India's first fully digital census with caste data captured in the enumeration phase.
- Cabinet approval: 12 December 2025
- Budget: Rs 11,718.24 crore
- House-listing phase April to September 2026
- Population enumeration in February 2027; snow-bound areas (Ladakh, parts of J&K, HP, Uttarakhand) in September 2026
- About 30 lakh field functionaries
- Caste data captured digitally in the population enumeration phase
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Reports and indices
NITI Aayog report on deepening India's corporate bond market144
NITI Aayog released a report on corporate bonds on 11 December. It noted the market grew from Rs 17.5 trillion in FY15 to Rs 53.6 trillion in FY25 and could exceed Rs 100 trillion by 2030.
- Report 'Deepening the Corporate Bond Market in India' released December 2025
- Corporate bond market grew from Rs 17.5 trillion (FY15) to Rs 53.6 trillion (FY25), about 12 percent CAGR
- Potential to exceed Rs 100-120 trillion by 2030
- CEO of NITI Aayog: B V R Subrahmanyam
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Legislation
Central Excise Amendment Act raises duty on tobacco products145146147
The Central Excise (Amendment) Act, assented on 11 December 2025, revised the Fourth Schedule of the Central Excise Act 1944. It lifts excise rates on tobacco products, with unmanufactured tobacco at 70 percent and other manufactured tobacco up to 125 percent.
- Assent: 11 December 2025 (Act No. 34 of 2025)
- Replaces the table in the Fourth Schedule of the Central Excise Act 1944
- Most unmanufactured tobacco at a uniform 70 percent
- Manufactured tobacco rates vary by product (up to 325 percent for smoking mixtures per PRS)
- Came into force on 1 February 2026 by notification dated 31 December 2025
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Awards
Maria Corina Machado receives Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo148149150
The 2025 Nobel Prizes were presented on 10 December. The Peace Prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, with her daughter accepting it in Oslo while she remained in hiding.
- Peace Prize ceremony at Oslo City Hall on 10 December 2025
- Maria Corina Machado could not attend; her daughter Ana Corina Sosa accepted the prize and read her speech
- Physics 2025 (announced 7 October): John Clarke, Michel Devoret, John Martinis for macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit
- Literature 2025 (announced 9 October): Laszlo Krasznahorkai
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Environment
India's Ramsar tally reaches 96 with two new wetlands151152
India added Siliserh Lake in Alwar, Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh as its 95th and 96th Ramsar sites. Kopra is Chhattisgarh's first Ramsar site.
- Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh) added
- Indian Ramsar sites total 96 as of December 2025
- Kopra is the first Ramsar site of Chhattisgarh
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Sports
India win first Junior Hockey World Cup bronze at Chennai153154155
India beat Argentina 4-2 in the third-place match on 10 December after trailing 0-2, taking their first-ever bronze at the FIH Junior World Cup. Germany won the title for a record eighth time.
- Bronze medal match: India 4, Argentina 2 on 10 December 2025 after trailing 0-2; four goals in the last quarter
- India's first-ever bronze at the Junior Men's Hockey World Cup
- Germany beat Spain 3-2 in a shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in the final
- Germany's eighth Junior World Cup title
- Tournament held 28 November to 10 December 2025 in Chennai and Madurai
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Books and culture
Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO intangible heritage list at Delhi session156157158
UNESCO inscribed Deepavali on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 10 December. The decision came at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held for the first time in India at the Red Fort.
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International
Australia's under-16 social media ban takes effect159160161
Australia's Online Safety Amendment began on 10 December, barring users under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube.
- In force from 10 December 2025
- Age limit: under 16; platforms must take reasonable steps to stop under-16s holding accounts
- Covers platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, Threads and Twitch
- Civil penalties up to AUD 49.5 million for platforms; no penalty for minors or parents
- First country to enact such a national ban
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Awards
Nnena Kalu becomes first learning-disabled artist to win Turner Prize162163164
British artist Nnena Kalu won the 2025 Turner Prize for wrapped fabric sculptures, becoming the first artist with a learning disability to win it.
- Announced 9 December 2025 at a ceremony in Bradford
- Winner: Nnena Kalu, prize GBP 25,000
- Reported as first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize
- Other shortlisted: Rene Matic, Mohammed Sami, Zadie Xa
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International
ICC jails Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb for 20 years165166167
The International Criminal Court on 9 December sentenced Sudanese militia leader Ali Kushayb to 20 years for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
- Date: 9 December 2025, at The Hague
- Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (Ali Kushayb) sentenced to 20 years
- Convicted in October 2025 on counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur in 2003-2004
- First ICC conviction connected to the Darfur conflict
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Polity
Parliament debates 150 years of Vande Mataram168
Both Houses held special discussions on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram. The debate began in the Lok Sabha on 8 December and continued in the Rajya Sabha from 9 to 11 December.
- Lok Sabha special discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram opened by PM Modi on 8 December 2025
- Rajya Sabha debate began on 9 December 2025, initiated by Home Minister Amit Shah
- Marks 150 years since 1875 composition
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Other
Ernakulam court acquits actor Dileep in 2017 actress assault case169170171
A Kerala court on 8 December acquitted actor Dileep in the 2017 abduction and sexual assault case of an actress, while six others were convicted.
- Date: 8 December 2025, Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court (Judge Honey M Varghese)
- Actor Dileep acquitted as prosecution failed to prove conspiracy in the 2017 actress abduction and assault case
- Six accused including Pulsar Suni convicted; sentencing set for 12 December
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Sports
Lando Norris wins first Formula One World Championship172173174
McLaren's Lando Norris won the 2025 F1 drivers' title at the Abu Dhabi finale, finishing two points ahead of defending champion Max Verstappen.
- Date: 7 December 2025 at the Abu Dhabi finale
- Norris won the title by 2 points over Max Verstappen, finishing third while Verstappen won the race
- Norris's first world title; first McLaren champion since 2008
- Oscar Piastri finished second in the race and third in the standings
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Other
Armed Forces Flag Day observed175176
Armed Forces Flag Day was observed on 7 December, a day when donations are collected to honour soldiers and veterans.
- Armed Forces Flag Day observed 7 December 2025, with contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund
- Fund administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board under the Ministry of Defence
- Observed on 7 December every year since 1949
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Disasters
Nightclub fire in Arpora, Goa kills 25177178179
A fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, killed at least 25 people on the night of 6 December 2025, most by suffocation. Police arrested staff and the club's owners, who had left for Thailand, were later detained there.
- Date: night of 6 December 2025
- At least 25 deaths, including four tourists
- Fire attributed by officials to electrical firecrackers (one report cites a cylinder blast)
- Owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra flew to Phuket after the fire; Thai authorities detained them around 14 December
- Location: Arpora, North Goa
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Sports
India beat South Africa 2-1 in ODI series; Kohli player of series180181182
India won the third and deciding ODI at Visakhapatnam by nine wickets on 6 December to take the series 2-1. Virat Kohli finished as Player of the Series with 302 runs.
- Decider at Visakhapatnam on 6 December 2025
- India won by 9 wickets, series 2-1
- Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten 116 off 121, Player of the Match
- Virat Kohli 302 runs in the series (135, 102, 65 not out), Player of the Series
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Economy
RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25 percent183184185
The Monetary Policy Committee under Governor Sanjay Malhotra unanimously cut the policy repo rate to 5.25 percent on 5 December 2025. The RBI kept a neutral stance and raised its FY26 growth forecast to 7.3 percent.
- Repo rate cut from 5.50 to 5.25 percent
- Standing Deposit Facility rate 5.00 percent
- MSF and Bank Rate 5.50 percent
- FY26 GDP growth projection raised to 7.3 percent from 6.8 percent
- Decision unanimous among six MPC members
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International
Putin makes state visit for 23rd India-Russia annual summit186187188
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi on 4 and 5 December for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, his first India trip in four years. The two sides adopted an economic programme to 2030 and set a USD 100 billion trade goal by 2030.
- Visit dates: 4-5 December 2025
- 23rd annual summit with PM Modi
- Marks 25 years of the strategic partnership declaration (2000)
- Bilateral trade target: USD 100 billion by 2030
- Economic Cooperation Programme to 2030 adopted
- First Putin visit to India since 2021
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Economy
Netflix agrees to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for USD 72 billion189190191
Netflix announced on 5 December 2025 a cash-and-stock deal to acquire Warner Bros. (studios and HBO Max) from Warner Bros. Discovery at an equity value of about USD 72 billion, or about USD 82.7 billion including debt.
- Announced 5 December 2025
- Equity value about USD 72 billion; enterprise value about USD 82.7 billion
- USD 27.75 per WBD share (USD 23.25 cash plus about USD 4.50 Netflix stock)
- WBD's cable networks to be spun off first; subject to regulatory approval
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Economy
IndiGo flight cancellations trigger air travel crisis and fare caps192193194
IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights in early December as it struggled with new pilot duty and rest rules. The aviation ministry capped domestic fares on 6 December and the DGCA ordered IndiGo to trim its schedule by 5 percent on 9 December.
- Mass cancellations from early December 2025 (crisis ran roughly 2-9 December) after IndiGo failed to adjust to new pilot Flight Duty Time Limitation rules
- Civil aviation ministry capped fares on 6 December (Rs 7,500 up to 500 km, Rs 12,000 up to 1,000 km, Rs 15,000 up to 1,500 km, Rs 18,000 beyond)
- DGCA ordered IndiGo to cut its schedule by 5 percent on 9 December
- DGCA issued show-cause notice to CEO Pieter Elbers seeking explanation within 24 hours
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International
EU fines X EUR 120 million under the Digital Services Act195196197
The European Union fined social platform X EUR 120 million on 5 December for breaching the Digital Services Act, the first major penalty under the law.
- Date: 5 December 2025
- Fine: EUR 120 million under the Digital Services Act, the first non-compliance decision under the law
- Grounds: misleading blue checkmark, inadequate ad repository, no researcher data access
- X has 60 working days to propose checkmark fixes, 90 for the other issues
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Reports and indices
WHO World Malaria Report: India cut cases and deaths over 80 percent198199200
The WHO World Malaria Report 2025, released on 4 December 2025, estimated about 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide in 2024. India had exited WHO's High Burden to High Impact group in 2024, per earlier WHO reporting.
- Global estimate for 2024: about 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths
- About 9 million more cases than the year before
- African Region accounts for about 94 percent of cases and 95 percent of deaths
- India exited the High Burden to High Impact group in 2024 (World Malaria Report 2024)
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Obituaries
M. Saravanan, AVM Studios producer, dies at 86201202203
Veteran producer M. Saravanan of AVM Productions, one of India's oldest surviving film studios, died in Chennai on 4 December.
- Died 4 December 2025 at his home at AVM Studios, Chennai
- Age 86, a day after his birthday
- Led AVM Productions from 1958
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International
DR Congo and Rwanda leaders sign Washington peace agreement204205206
Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DR Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda formally signed a peace agreement in Washington on 4 December, hosted by Donald Trump. Fighting in eastern Congo continued afterwards.
- Date: 4 December 2025, Washington
- Signatories: Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, with US President Donald Trump presiding
- Called the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity; follows a June 2025 peace agreement
- Fighting by M23 rebels continued in eastern Congo
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International
Asim Munir confirmed as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces207208209
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's advice, notified Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces on 4 December 2025 for a five-year term, under the 27th Amendment and amended Army Act.
- Date: 4 December 2025
- Five-year term as Chief of the Defence Forces, counted from the notification date (to 2030)
- First holder of the new post, which replaces the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
- Approved by President Zardari on PM Shehbaz Sharif's advice under the 27th Amendment
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Defence
Navy Day 2025 marked at Thiruvananthapuram210211212
The Operational Demonstration for Navy Day 2025 was held at Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, with President Droupadi Murmu as chief guest. The year's theme stressed combat readiness and self-reliance.
- Operational Demonstration held on Wednesday 3 December 2025 (Navy Day itself is 4 December)
- Venue: Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram, first time hosted there
- Chief guest: President Droupadi Murmu, hosted by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
- Theme: Combat Ready, Cohesive and Self-Reliant
- About 20 warships and 32 aircraft took part
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Economy
Rupee breaches 90 per US dollar for the first time213214
The Indian rupee settled at a then-record low of 90.21 against the US dollar on 3 December 2025, its first close beyond 90, after touching 90 intraday on 2 December. Foreign fund outflows and higher crude prices were blamed.
- First close beyond 90 per USD on 3 December 2025 (touched 90 intraday on 2 December)
- Closed at then-record 90.21 (provisional), down 25 paise
- Intraday low reported about 90.30
- Previous record close 89.96 on 2 December
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Polity
Centre withdraws order to pre-install Sanchar Saathi on phones215216217
The Department of Telecommunications had ordered handset makers to pre-install the government cyber-safety app Sanchar Saathi on all new phones. After a privacy backlash the government withdrew the mandate on 3 December, saying the app would remain voluntary.
- DoT directive dated 28 November 2025 asked phone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi
- Mandate withdrawn 3 December 2025 after privacy backlash
- Government cited surge in voluntary sign-ups (about 6 lakh in one day)
- Minister of Communications: Jyotiraditya Scindia
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Appointments
CEC Gyanesh Kumar takes over as chair of International IDEA218219220
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took over as chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA at Stockholm on 3 December 2025, for the year 2026.
- Date: 3 December 2025 at Stockholm
- Chair of International IDEA's Council of Member States for 2026
- Mauritius and Mexico are vice-chairs for 2026
- Met Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora
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Books and culture
Oxford names 'rage bait' word of the year 2025221222223
Oxford University Press named 'rage bait' its 2025 Word of the Year on 1 December, describing online content meant to provoke anger.
- Announced 1 December 2025
- Word of the Year: rage bait
- Shortlist: rage bait, aura farming, biohack; over 30,000 public votes
- Usage reportedly tripled in 12 months
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States
Nagaland marks 63rd Statehood Day224225226
Nagaland, formed on 1 December 1963 as India's 16th state, observed its 63rd Statehood Day, with the CM pressing for a settlement of the Naga political issue.
- Statehood Day observed 1 December 2025 (63rd)
- CM Neiphiu Rio urged an early Naga political settlement and talks among Naga political groups
- Nagaland was formed on 1 December 1963 as the 16th state; capital Kohima
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Disasters
Cyclone Ditwah floods kill hundreds in Sri Lanka; India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu227228229
Floods and landslides from Cyclone Ditwah killed hundreds in Sri Lanka. India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November with naval ships, air-lifted aid and NDRF teams.
- Sri Lanka toll rose past 200 by 1 December and reached 465 by 3 December 2025
- India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu on 28 November 2025
- INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri delivered relief supplies at Colombo
- Two urban search and rescue teams with 80 NDRF personnel deployed
- INS Sukanya reached Trincomalee with relief on 1 December
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International
Bangladesh court jails Sheikh Hasina and Tulip Siddiq in land-plot case230231232
A Dhaka special court on 1 December 2025 sentenced former PM Sheikh Hasina to five years, her sister Sheikh Rehana to seven years and British MP Tulip Siddiq to two years in a case over Purbachal plot allocations. Hasina had been sentenced to death on 17 November 2025 in a separate case.
- Date: 1 December 2025
- Hasina: 5 years; Rehana: 7 years; Tulip Siddiq: 2 years
- Case over Purbachal New Town plot allocation (RAJUK)
- Hasina received a death sentence on 17 November 2025 in a separate crimes against humanity case
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