International Relations & Politics:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a "very warm and engaging conversation" with US President Donald Trump, where both leaders reviewed the steady progress in India-US bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments. They reiterated their commitment to working closely for global peace, stability, and prosperity. This discussion took place amidst ongoing India-US trade talks, which have continued despite existing US tariffs on Indian exports.
• Prime Minister Modi is also set to embark on a four-day visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15-18, 2025. The visits aim to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade and defence, and will mark important anniversaries in diplomatic relations with Jordan and Oman.
• In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming India's support for the early implementation of the Gaza peace plan and reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.
• The third meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Combating Transnational Crime between India and Malaysia was held in New Delhi, focusing on collaborative efforts against such threats.
• Domestically, the Parliament Winter Session saw debates on electoral reforms, including a heated exchange over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and discussions on the national song 'Vande Mataram'. Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government's stance on detecting, deleting, and deporting illegal immigrants. The Election Commission of India also extended the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states and Union Territories.

Economy:

• India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surged by 8.2%, reaching ₹48.63 lakh crore, indicating strong economic momentum. However, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) 'Grade C' rating for India's growth sustainability warns of underlying structural weaknesses.
• The government announced that over ₹1.8 lakh crore has been invested under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated rules regarding the carrying of Indian currency to and from Nepal and Bhutan, revising the permissible limits and procedures.

Science & Technology:

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is actively rolling out its INSPIRE programs, including MANAK, SHE, and Vigyan Jyoti, to foster scientific curiosity and encourage careers in STEM fields across India.
• India inaugurated its first indigenously built Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel in Varanasi, marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime transport.
• Researchers at the Bose Institute, Kolkata, have developed GlowCas9, a newly engineered variant of the CRISPR Cas9 enzyme that emits light while editing DNA, opening new avenues for "theratracking" in gene therapy.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the Gaganyaan crew escape module, a crucial step forward for India's first human spaceflight mission.
• The Bharat 6G Mission, launched in 2023, aims to build indigenous 6G technology and expand India's intellectual property rights in global 6G standards by 2030.

Social Welfare:

• The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs announced the sanctioning of 1000 Multipurpose Centers (MPCs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• The Karnataka Legislative Assembly introduced the Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025, aimed at preventing unconstitutional practices like social boycotts by caste panchayats and proposing a three-year imprisonment for offenders.
• Reforms to the Pension Scheme 2025 have been introduced, including an average increase of ₹300-₹600 in pension amounts for elderly, widows, and disabled individuals, along with simplified application procedures.
• In Tamil Nadu, the Minister for Social Welfare distributed 506 free bicycles to girl students, encouraging higher educational attainment among those from economically weaker backgrounds.
• The National Convention on Health Rights reaffirmed the need for healthcare to be recognized as a fundamental right in India.

Awards & Culture:

• The NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 winners, recognizing individuals whose contributions have shaped the nation, are set to be announced on December 19.
• Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon was named PETA India Person of the Year 2025 for her long-standing contributions to animal rights and wildlife protection.
• Indian missions worldwide celebrated the inclusion of Diwali in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a move welcomed by Prime Minister Modi as global recognition of India's cultural traditions.

Sports (Non-Cricket):

• The Indian men's hockey team advanced to the semifinals of the FIH World League after a strong performance against Germany.
• Badminton star PV Sindhu reached the quarterfinals of the BWF World Tour Finals.
• India is set to host the inaugural Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship from March 9-14 next year, with over 24 countries expected to participate.