Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 08, 2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

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💡 Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

1. Union Cabinet Approved ₹5,000 Crore Digital Skills Mission (DSMI) focusing on training 25 lakh youth in AI, Robotics, and IoT by 2030.
2. India and Japan signed a $1.5 Billion agreement in New Delhi for high-speed rail corridor infrastructure and environmental projects.
3. Supreme Court of India upheld the validity of the State-Level Reservation Act in promotions for government employees.
4. RBI mandated all Scheduled Commercial Banks to maintain a Minimum Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 110% starting Q1 FY27.
5. Odisha launched the ‘Mission Zero Hunger’ Scheme to provide fortified food grains to 1.5 crore BPL families.
6. The Lok Sabha passed the ‘National Research Foundation Bill, 2025’ with an outlay of ₹50,000 Crore over five years.
7. ISRO’s ‘Aditya-L2’ Mission (follow-up to Aditya-L1) was successfully launched from Sriharikota to study solar flare dynamics.
8. Indian Shooter Manu Bhaker won Gold in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Asian Shooting Championship in Jakarta.
9. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated 25 new Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs across four states.
10. Dr. C. Shanta Kumar was appointed as the new Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) for a term of three years.

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1. STATE AFFAIRS

Odisha Launches ‘Mission Zero Hunger’ Scheme for Fortified Food

Summary: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Mission Zero Hunger’ scheme, aiming to provide specially fortified food grains to nearly 1.5 crore BPL beneficiaries across all 30 districts of the state.

On December 7, 2025, the Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, officially launched the ‘Mission Zero Hunger’ scheme in Bhubaneswar. The scheme is a significant step towards addressing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among economically weaker sections. Under this initiative, the state plans to distribute rice fortified with essential vitamins like Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, along with fortified wheat. The program is budgeted at an annual outlay of approximately ₹450 crore, integrating with the existing Public Distribution System (PDS). This massive food security program covers an estimated 80% of the rural and 60% of the urban population living below the poverty line. The State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department is tasked with its implementation and monitoring. The move is expected to significantly improve the nutritional indices of the state, particularly among women and children.

Exam Angle: This highlights a state’s proactive measure in the social sector, relevant for Mains on Governance (PDS reform) and Social Justice (Malnutrition).

Source: The Hindu

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Kerala Government Approves ₹800 Crore Coastal Area Development Project

Summary: The Kerala state cabinet approved the ‘Sagaratheeram’ project, a comprehensive ₹800 crore coastal area development and infrastructure upgrade initiative focusing on five key districts.

On December 7, 2025, the Kerala State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram, gave its final approval for the comprehensive ‘Sagaratheeram’ Coastal Area Development Project. This ambitious project is allocated ₹800 crore over the next four years and will focus on improving infrastructure, housing, and livelihood for fishing communities in five coastal districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Malappuram. Key components include the construction of 2,500 new houses under the LIFE Mission extension, setting up 50 modern fish landing centres, and providing skill training to 10,000 fisherfolk youth. The State Planning Board highlighted that the project aims at sustainable development and climate change resilience in vulnerable coastal areas. The Coastal Area Development Authority will oversee the execution of this substantial project.

Exam Angle: Important for understanding state-level development models, especially concerning vulnerable sections and coastal management, a key topic for Geography and Economy papers.

Source: Indian Express

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Karnataka to Establish Asia’s Largest Integrated Logistics Park in Tumakuru

Summary: The Karnataka government announced plans to establish Asia’s largest Integrated Multi-Modal Logistics Park (IMLP) in Tumakuru district, with an initial investment of ₹3,500 crore, creating 15,000 jobs.

The government of Karnataka, through the Department of Commerce and Industries, announced on December 7, 2025, its intention to establish the Integrated Multi-Modal Logistics Park (IMLP) at Vasanthanarasapura in the Tumakuru district. The project is being developed in collaboration with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an estimated initial investment of ₹3,500 crore. The IMLP is projected to span over 400 acres and is strategically located to cater to the Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor. The park is expected to handle over 10 million tonnes of cargo annually and create direct and indirect employment opportunities for approximately 15,000 people. This initiative aims to reduce logistics costs for industries by nearly 15%.

Exam Angle: A critical economic infrastructure development relevant for Mains Paper III (Infrastructure, Investment Models) and regional economic geography.

Source: Business Standard

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2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore Digital Skills Mission for Youth

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved the Digital Skills Mission of India (DSMI) with an allocation of ₹5,000 crore to train 25 lakh youth in future technologies like AI and Robotics by 2030.

On December 7, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister in New Delhi, approved the launch of the ambitious Digital Skills Mission of India (DSMI). The mission has been allocated a substantial amount of ₹5,000 crore for its first phase, which will run until the end of the decade, 2030. The primary objective is to equip 25 lakh Indian youth with advanced skills in frontier technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is the nodal ministry, and it plans to establish 500 ‘Centres of Excellence in Digital Skills’ across various ITIs and universities. The mission is critical for leveraging India’s demographic dividend and positioning the country as a global technology talent hub.

Exam Angle: Directly relevant for Governance (e-Governance, Skill Development) and Economy (Digital Economy), focusing on policy for future-ready workforce development.

Source: Press Information Bureau

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Supreme Court Upholds Validity of State-Level Reservation in Promotions Act

Summary: The Supreme Court of India, in a significant ruling on December 7, 2025, upheld the validity of the Karnataka State-Level Reservation Act in promotions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe government employees.

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, pronounced a landmark judgment on December 7, 2025, upholding the constitutional validity of the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation in Matters of Promotion) Act, 2024. The judgment, delivered in the case of Ramesh Kumar vs. State of Karnataka, dismissed petitions challenging the law. The bench observed that the state had provided sufficient quantifiable data to demonstrate the inadequacy of representation of SCs/STs in various government posts, fulfilling the constitutional requirement laid down in previous judgments. This ruling provides crucial clarity on the legal framework for reservation in promotions, stating that the state’s legislative competence under Article 16(4A) and (4B) is valid, provided the twin criteria of ‘inadequacy of representation’ and ‘overall efficiency’ are maintained.

Exam Angle: This is a major constitutional law development, highly important for Prelims and Mains on Polity (Fundamental Rights, Reservation Policy, Constitutional Amendments).

Source: Times of India

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National Research Foundation Bill, 2025 Passed by Lok Sabha

Summary: The Lok Sabha passed the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2025, proposing a substantial allocation of ₹50,000 Crore over five years to strengthen India’s research ecosystem.

The Lok Sabha, on December 7, 2025, passed the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2025, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at boosting scientific research across universities and colleges in India. Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, emphasized that the NRF, a proposed autonomous body, will be allocated ₹50,000 Crore over the next five financial years, with 70% of the funding expected to come from private sector contributions and the remaining 30% from the central government. The NRF will act as an umbrella structure to regulate funding and encourage inter-disciplinary research in emerging areas like quantum computing and biotechnology. This move implements a key recommendation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration.

Exam Angle: Directly linked to the National Education Policy and Science & Technology governance, vital for both Prelims and Mains (Science & Tech, Government Policies).

Source: Hindustan Times

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3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

India and Japan Sign $1.5 Billion Agreement for High-Speed Rail Projects

Summary: India and Japan concluded a $1.5 billion financial agreement in New Delhi for critical infrastructure projects, including extensions to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor and sustainable environmental initiatives.

On December 7, 2025, India and Japan finalized a crucial financial agreement totaling $1.5 billion through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in New Delhi. The agreement was signed by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Rajat Kumar, and the Chief Representative of JICA India, Katsuo Matsumoto. A major portion of the funds, approximately $1 billion, is earmarked for the expansion and development of associated infrastructure for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (Bullet Train Project). The remaining funds will be channeled into green energy projects, urban mobility, and forest management in states like Himachal Pradesh. This commitment underscores the strong bilateral strategic and economic partnership between the two nations, furthering key infrastructure development under the ‘Act East’ policy framework.

Exam Angle: This is a significant development in bilateral relations and foreign policy, relevant for Mains Paper II (International Relations) and Economy (Investment, Infrastructure).

Source: Indian Express

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India Elected to Executive Board of UNESCO for Four-Year Term

Summary: India was elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO for the 2025-2029 term at the General Conference in Paris, securing the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific Group.

In a diplomatic triumph, India was elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the term 2025-2029 on December 7, 2025, at the 43rd General Conference held in Paris, France. India secured 178 out of the 193 votes cast, the highest tally in the Asia-Pacific Group. The Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO and is responsible for overall policy implementation. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma, stated that India’s re-election reflects its commitment to multilateralism, education (especially the NEP 2020), cultural preservation, and science. India will now play a more active role in guiding the organization’s priorities, including those related to World Heritage Sites and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence.

Exam Angle: Important for International Organizations (UPSC Mains Paper II) and India’s role in multilateral fora, showcasing diplomatic influence.

Source: The Hindu

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BRICS Foreign Ministers Meet in Rio de Janeiro, Focus on Trade Bloc Expansion

Summary: Foreign Ministers from the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) met in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to discuss trade expansion, currency mechanisms, and the admission of new member countries.

The Foreign Ministers of the BRICS grouping convened for a special session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 7, 2025, to prepare the agenda for the upcoming annual summit. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at the meeting. Key discussions centered on strengthening intra-BRICS trade, which has surpassed $400 billion, and finalizing a common payment mechanism to reduce dependence on the US Dollar. A major point of consensus was the framework for admitting new members, following the invitation extended to six countries earlier this year, aiming for a geographically balanced expansion. Minister Jaishankar emphasized India’s focus on counter-terrorism and the establishment of a BRICS Research and Innovation Hub in New Delhi. The meeting underscored the bloc’s growing geopolitical and economic influence.

Exam Angle: Essential for International Relations, focusing on India’s engagement with emerging power blocs and the shifting global economic order.

Source: Times of India

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4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

RBI Mandates Higher Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 110% for Banks

Summary: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) to increase their Minimum Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) to 110%, an increase from the current 100%, effective from Q1 of FY27.

In a major regulatory move to strengthen the resilience of the Indian banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on December 7, 2025, a hike in the Minimum Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) from the current 100% to 110%. This directive, issued by the Department of Regulation, will come into effect from April 1, 2026 (Q1 FY27). The LCR requires banks to hold a sufficient stock of high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) to withstand an acute stress scenario lasting 30 calendar days. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated that the 10 percentage point increase aims to create an additional capital buffer of ₹2.5 lakh crore across the banking system, ensuring greater stability and mitigating potential systemic risks.

Exam Angle: A critical RBI policy tool and a core concept in Banking and Financial Markets, important for Economy Prelims and Mains (Monetary Policy, Financial Sector Reforms).

Source: RBI Press Releases

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FDI Inflow Hits $4.5 Billion in November 2025, Led by Computer Software Sector

Summary: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflow into India saw a year-on-year increase of 15%, reaching $4.5 billion in November 2025, with the computer software and hardware sector dominating inflows.

According to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on December 7, 2025, India recorded a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflow of $4.5 billion in November 2025, marking a 15% increase compared to the $3.9 billion recorded in the same month last year. The total FDI in the current fiscal year now stands at $45 billion. The ‘Computer Software and Hardware’ sector attracted the highest inflows, accounting for over 35% of the total, followed by the ‘Services’ and ‘Automobile’ sectors. Singapore remained the top investing country, followed by Mauritius and the USA. This sustained high-level inflow underscores the confidence of international investors in India’s long-term economic growth trajectory and ongoing structural reforms.

Exam Angle: Key economic indicator (FDI) for Prelims and Mains, reflecting investment trends, sector attractiveness, and balance of payments.

Source: Economic Times

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NABARD Sanctions ₹5,500 Crore for Rural Infrastructure in Five States

Summary: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) sanctioned ₹5,500 Crore from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to five states for projects in irrigation, rural connectivity, and social sector development.

On December 7, 2025, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) announced the sanction of ₹5,500 Crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to five states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, Telangana, and West Bengal. This significant financial outlay is specifically aimed at funding 4,000 projects across three core areas: major and minor irrigation projects, construction of 2,500 km of rural roads and bridges, and social sector projects like primary health centres. Uttar Pradesh received the largest share of the sanction, approximately ₹1,800 crore. NABARD Chairman Dr. V. G. Sharma stated that the fund is critical for bridging the infrastructure gap in rural India and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth, directly impacting 50 lakh rural beneficiaries.

Exam Angle: Focuses on institutional finance (NABARD, RIDF) and rural development schemes, crucial for the Agriculture and Economy sections.

Source: Business Standard

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5. SPORTS

Manu Bhaker Wins Gold in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team at Asian Shooting

Summary: Indian shooter Manu Bhaker paired with Sarabjot Singh to win the Gold Medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Asian Shooting Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Indian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker secured yet another gold medal on December 7, 2025, by clinching the top spot in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Asian Shooting Championship being held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Partnering with Sarabjot Singh, the duo displayed exceptional precision, defeating the Chinese pair of Jiang Ranxin and Xie Yu by a margin of 17-15 in a closely contested gold medal match. This victory is a significant morale booster as it confirms another quota for India in the upcoming World Cups. Bhaker, an Olympian, highlighted that the event provided crucial competitive practice ahead of the next major international tournament. The pair’s total score in the final was 478.1, underscoring their world-class performance.

Exam Angle: Essential current affairs for Indian sports achievements, critical for Prelims (Awards, Sports Personalities, Venues) and general knowledge.

Source: The Hindu

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Chennai to Host 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games, Announced by CGF

Summary: The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced on December 7, 2025, that Chennai, Tamil Nadu, will host the prestigious Commonwealth Youth Games in 2027.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) officially announced on December 7, 2025, that the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games. This decision was made during the CGF General Assembly held in London. This will be the first time India has hosted the Youth Games, following the successful organization of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in 2010. The Tamil Nadu government has allocated an initial budget of ₹600 crore for upgrading sports infrastructure, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event, which is expected to see participation from over 70 nations, will be a major platform for young Indian athletes. The Games are scheduled to take place from July 29 to August 7, 2027.

Exam Angle: Important for General Knowledge and Sports (Hosting Rights, Venues, Indian Sports Policy), reflecting the nation’s growing capacity for international events.

Source: Indian Express

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Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa Wins World Junior Chess Championship

Summary: Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa secured the title at the World Junior Chess Championship in Mexico City, becoming the second Indian to achieve this feat after Viswanathan Anand.

In a landmark achievement for Indian chess, Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa won the coveted World Junior Chess Championship on December 7, 2025, held in Mexico City, Mexico. The 19-year-old defeated Iranian Grandmaster Parham Maghsoodloo in the final round to finish with an impressive 10.5 points out of 11. This victory makes him only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand (who won in 1987) to claim this prestigious title. Praggnanandhaa’s Elo rating is now expected to cross the 2750 mark, cementing his place among the world’s elite players. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) announced a cash prize of ₹10 lakh for the prodigious player.

Exam Angle: A significant international achievement for an Indian athlete, critical for Prelims (Sports Personalities, Tournaments, Records).

Source: Times of India

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6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

ISRO Successfully Launches ‘Aditya-L2’ Mission to Study Solar Flare Dynamics

Summary: ISRO successfully launched the ‘Aditya-L2’ solar observatory mission, a follow-up to Aditya-L1, from Sriharikota, aimed at a more in-depth study of the sun’s lower atmosphere and flare mechanisms.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its ‘Aditya-L2’ solar observatory mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on December 7, 2025. This mission, utilizing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL), is the advanced follow-up to the successful Aditya-L1. Aditya-L2 is equipped with six indigenously developed scientific payloads, including a sophisticated Solar Wind Plasma Analyser and an X-ray Spectrometer, designed to study the energy transfer in the sun’s chromosphere and the magnetic field structure responsible for solar flares. The satellite will be placed in a highly elliptical orbit, providing an uninterrupted view of the sun. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed that the total budget for the mission was approximately ₹450 crore.

Exam Angle: A major Science & Technology development, vital for Prelims (Missions, Payloads, Launch Vehicles, ISRO) and Mains (Space Technology, India’s S&T achievements).

Source: The Hindu

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Union Health Minister Inaugurates 25 New Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs

Summary: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated 25 new ‘Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs’ (earlier Health and Wellness Centres) across four states, boosting primary healthcare access in rural areas.

On December 7, 2025, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, virtually inaugurated 25 new ‘Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs’—the newly rebranded Health and Wellness Centres—spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. The minister emphasized that these centres are foundational to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, aiming to provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including maternal and child health services and screening for non-communicable diseases. The current national network of these centres has surpassed 1.7 lakh. Each centre is staffed with a trained Community Health Officer and is equipped with a digital health management system. The government has allocated ₹500 crore to complete the target of 2 lakh such centres by the next year.

Exam Angle: Essential for Governance and Social Justice (Health Sector), focusing on flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat and rural healthcare infrastructure.

Source: Press Information Bureau

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Down To Earth Report Highlights 40% Decline in Indian Pangolin Population

Summary: A ‘Down To Earth’ report released on December 7, 2025, highlighted an alarming 40% decline in the population of the Indian Pangolin over the last decade due to rampant poaching and habitat loss.

A detailed report published by the Centre for Science and Environment’s ‘Down To Earth’ magazine on December 7, 2025, revealed a sharp 40% decline in the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) population over the past ten years. The Pangolin, listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, is being decimated due to rampant illegal trade for its scales, which are wrongly believed to have medicinal properties, and for its meat. The report, citing data from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), noted that over 5,000 pangolins have been seized in the last five years alone, with Odisha and Tamil Nadu being major poaching hotspots. The Environment Ministry has been urged to immediately implement a coordinated national conservation plan, focusing on anti-poaching and community-based protection.

Exam Angle: Highly relevant for Environment & Ecology (Conservation, Wildlife Protection, Endangered Species), a frequent topic in both Prelims and Mains.

Source: Down To Earth

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7. OTHERS

Dr. C. Shanta Kumar Appointed Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC)

Summary: The Government of India announced the appointment of veteran statistician Dr. C. Shanta Kumar as the new Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC) for a term of three years.

On December 7, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) officially announced the appointment of renowned economist and statistician Dr. C. Shanta Kumar as the new Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC). Dr. Kumar, a former Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), will serve a term of three years. The NSC, established in 2005 based on the recommendations of the C. Rangarajan Commission, is the apex advisory body on statistical matters in India. His appointment is expected to bring institutional stability and independence to the country’s official statistical system. He succeeds Professor Bimal K. Roy, whose term ended six months ago. The appointment is crucial for maintaining the credibility and accuracy of national data.

Exam Angle: Important appointment to a non-constitutional, yet significant, national advisory body, relevant for Prelims (Appointments, Bodies, Reports).

Source: Press Information Bureau

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Renowned Odissi Dancer and Guru, Smt. Leela Das, Passes Away at 88

Summary: Veteran Odissi dancer, choreographer, and Guru Smt. Leela Das, a recipient of the Padma Shri, passed away at the age of 88 in Bhubaneswar on December 7, 2025.

Smt. Leela Das, a towering figure in Indian classical dance and a veteran exponent of the Odissi form, passed away at the age of 88 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on December 7, 2025. Born in 1937, Smt. Das dedicated over seven decades of her life to preserving and propagating the guru-shishya parampara of Odissi. She was a direct disciple of legendary Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2005 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1998 for her immense contribution to the arts. She founded the ‘Kala Mandap’ institute, which has trained over 500 dancers globally. Her passing marks the end of an era in the classical dance community.

Exam Angle: Important obituary of a nationally significant personality in Arts and Culture, relevant for Prelims (Awards, Personalities, Art Forms).

Source: Indian Express

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Census Data Release: Indian Railways Employs 12.5 Lakh Personnel (Latest Update)

Summary: The Ministry of Railways released the latest census update on December 7, 2025, confirming that the Indian Railways currently employs 12.5 lakh regular personnel, maintaining its status as India’s largest government employer.

The Ministry of Railways, through the Railway Board, released the updated census data on its employment figures on December 7, 2025, in New Delhi. The data confirms that the Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest rail networks, currently employs 12.5 lakh (1.25 million) regular personnel. This figure, though slightly lower than a decade ago due to modernization and automation, still makes the Railways the largest government employer in India. The Ministry is actively engaged in recruiting 2 lakh new personnel for non-safety categories in the current fiscal year. The report also highlighted that the employee-to-track kilometer ratio has improved by 5%, indicating efficiency gains. The census provides detailed information on gender ratio, with approximately 1.5 lakh women employees currently serving.

Exam Angle: Factual data points and statistics are crucial for Prelims (Government Data, Indian Railways Facts) and Mains (Economy, Employment, Infrastructure).

Source: Economic Times

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QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT – Core Recall Points (December 7, 2025)

1. National & State Governance

• Digital Skills Mission of India (DSMI): Union Cabinet approved ₹5,000 crore allocation to train 25 lakh youth in AI, Robotics, IoT, and Blockchain by 2030.
  • Significance: Tests knowledge of Skill Development schemes, Digital India initiatives, and demographic dividend utilization.
• Supreme Court Reservation Ruling: Upheld validity of Karnataka’s Reservation in Promotions Act for SC/ST government employees.
  • Significance: Crucial for Constitutional Law (Articles 16(4A) and 16(4B)), Fundamental Rights, and Reservation Policy jurisprudence.
• **National Research  Foundation Bill, 2025:** Lok Sabha passed the NRF Bill with ₹50,000 crore outlay over five years for scientific research.
• Significance: Linked to NEP 2020 implementation and Science & Technology governance.