Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 09, 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. Sensex Plunge: The BSE Sensex closed 0.71% lower, falling 609 points, with the Nifty ending below the 26,000 mark amid profit booking.
2. Puri Declaration: The Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 concluded in Puri, Odisha, with the presentation of the draft ‘Puri Declaration’ focused on India’s clean energy transition.
3. Metal-G Milestone: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) announced a breakthrough in the indigenous production of Metal-G, a critical material for advanced missile technology.
4. Global Poverty: World Bank’s revised International Poverty Line (I$3/day) shows India’s extreme poverty rate has fallen significantly from 27.12% to a provisional 5.25%.
5. UNEA-7 Summit: The Seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) commenced in Nairobi, Kenya, with 170+ nations focusing on 15 draft resolutions on climate, nature, and pollution.
6. Shooting Triumph: India achieved its best-ever performance at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha, winning a total of six medals, including two gold and three silver.
7. AIFF/ISL Crisis: Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to urgently resolve the crisis caused by the expiry of the Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA).
8. Air Traffic Issue: IndiGo submitted its official response to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Show Cause Notice, citing a “compounding effect of multiple factors” including new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules.
9. Paddy Fire Success: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported a significant 90% reduction in paddy fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana compared to 2022.
10. Syria’s Anniversary: Syria marked the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus and Aleppo, with Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowing to rebuild the nation.

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1. STATE AFFAIRS

Odisha’s Puri Declaration to Guide India’s Clean Energy Shift

Summary: The Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 in Puri concluded with the presentation of the draft ‘Puri Declaration’ and the signing of four strategic MoUs for green energy development.

The two-day Global Energy Leaders’ Summit (GELS) 2025 concluded in Puri, Odisha, on December 8, 2025, with the presentation of the draft Puri Declaration. Designed as India’s first COP-style platform for interstate coordination on clean energy, the summit saw the signing of four strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to accelerate research and clean-energy deployment in the state. Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo (Energy, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment), highlighted that the Declaration, prepared with inputs from the Union Power Ministry and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, will serve as a guiding framework for ongoing working groups. The summit, which achieved carbon neutrality by offsetting 45.33 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through afforestation, laid the groundwork for a long-term, collaborative platform to steer India’s energy sector toward a resilient and innovation-driven future. The MoUs covered trilateral collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, for pilot projects, and a Green Hydrogen Centre of Excellence to be established in Odisha. This is highly relevant for exam topics on federalism, state-led initiatives, and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Source: UNI India — https://www.uniindia.com/story/gels-2025-concludes-with-puri-declaration-and-four-mous-to-boost-india-s-clean-energy-transition

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UDBHAV 2025 Culminates, Recognising Tribal Excellence in Sports

Summary: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ flagship sports event, UDBHAV 2025, concluded in Andhra Pradesh, with Telangana leading the medal tally, promoting indigenous games.

The UDBHAV 2025 National Tribal Sports Meet, organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, successfully concluded its final events in Andhra Pradesh on December 8, 2025. This flagship national initiative, which ran over several weeks in different locations, aims to identify and nurture tribal sporting talent across India, with a strong focus on promoting and including indigenous games in the national sports framework. The final medal tally saw Telangana top the charts, securing a total of 18 medals, including eight gold, five silver, and five bronze. The event saw participation from nearly 2,500 tribal athletes from 26 states and 5 Union Territories. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, emphasized that UDBHAV is key to aligning the National Education Policy (2020) mandate of integrating sport with education and leveraging traditional physical activities for holistic development. The event serves as a critical source for questions on government schemes for marginalized communities, sports policy, and cultural preservation initiatives for competitive exams.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069747

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Andhra Pradesh Pioneers ₹10,000 Crore Aqua Hub Project

Summary: The Andhra Pradesh government approved a massive ₹10,000 crore project to establish 25 ‘Aqua Hubs’ across coastal districts to boost seafood exports and farmer income.

On December 8, 2025, the government of Andhra Pradesh approved the ambitious Aqua Hub project, a state-driven initiative with an estimated investment of ₹10,000 crore over the next three years. The project, spearheaded by the State Fisheries Department, aims to establish 25 state-of-the-art Aqua Hubs across its nine coastal districts. The primary goal is to shift from subsistence farming to organized, modern aquaculture, thereby increasing the state’s share in India’s total seafood exports, currently at approximately 45%. The hubs will provide integrated facilities, including disease testing labs, cold chain logistics, and direct market linkage for over 1.5 million aqua farmers. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that this initiative is expected to double the income of coastal farmers by 2028 and generate 15,000 direct and 50,000 indirect jobs. For aspirants, this is a prime example of a state’s flagship economic and infrastructure scheme, relevant for questions on blue economy, agricultural policy, and coastal development.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/

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2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

IndiGo Submits Response to DGCA, Cites FDTL Rules for Disruptions

Summary: IndiGo submitted its reply to the DGCA Show Cause Notice regarding mass flight cancellations, citing multiple compounding factors, including the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules.

On December 8, 2025, low-cost carrier IndiGo submitted its formal reply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Show Cause Notice regarding the severe network disruptions and mass flight cancellations that occurred in early December. The response, submitted by CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras, expressed a “profusely apologetic” tone but attributed the crisis to an “unfortunate and unforeseeable confluence” of five main factors. These factors include minor technical glitches, adverse weather, increased congestion, schedule changes linked to the winter season, and crucially, the implementation of the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) Phase II rules. The airline requested more time to conduct a comprehensive Root Cause Analysis (RCA), noting the DGCA manual allows a 15-day timeline for SCN responses. The DGCA is now reviewing the response before deciding on enforcement action. This development is crucial for understanding aviation regulation, the role of the DGCA, and the impact of the new FDTL rules in the context of Indian governance and public service delivery.

Source: Business Today — https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/indigo-submits-reply-to-dgca-on-flight-cancellations-heres-what-the-airline-said-505672-2025-12-08

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Nationwide Campaign ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ to be Launched

Summary: The Ministry of Personnel announced the launch of the nationwide campaign ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ on December 19, 2025, to improve public grievance redressal and service delivery at the grassroots level.

The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions announced on December 8, 2025, the upcoming launch of the nationwide campaign ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ (Administration Towards the Village). The campaign will be held from December 19 – 25, 2025, as a key element of the 5th Good Governance Week. The initiative is a decentralized version of the Special Campaign 5.0 and aims to bring effective governance closer to rural populations. Over 700 District Collectors across all states and Union Territories are expected to participate, with officials visiting Tehsils and Panchayat Samiti Headquarters to hold special camps for grievance redressal and improving service delivery. The campaign will also focus on the collation and dissemination of best governance practices. Minister of State (PP) Dr. Jitendra Singh will inaugurate a workshop on December 25, 2025, to mark the culmination of the Week. This campaign is highly relevant for exam topics on Good Governance, decentralization, and the role of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069719

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India’s First Indigenous Metal-G Production Achieved

Summary: The Department of Atomic Energy announced a major breakthrough in the indigenous production of ‘Metal-G,’ a critical raw material for advanced missile and defence applications.

On December 8, 2025, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), under the Government of India, announced a significant technological achievement: the successful indigenous production of ‘Metal-G’ (a coded name for a specific, high-purity rare earth alloy). This material is a critical component for specialized sensors and guidance systems used in advanced missile and defence applications. The breakthrough was achieved at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) facility in Mumbai, culminating a five-year long research and development (R&D) effort involving over 150 scientists and engineers. Previously, India was 100% reliant on imports, with global supply being tightly controlled by a few industrialized nations. The successful indigenization is expected to save the exchequer approximately ₹500 crore annually in foreign exchange and significantly boost the nation’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) mission, particularly in the strategic defence sector. This story is vital for Science & Technology, Defence, and self-reliance aspects of the exam syllabus.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069735

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3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Seventh UN Environment Assembly Commences in Nairobi

Summary: The Seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) opened in Nairobi, Kenya, with over 170 countries and 6,000 participants addressing 15 draft resolutions on planetary resilience.

The Seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, officially opened on December 8, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. Representatives from over 170 countries, including 79 Ministers and 35 Vice-Ministers, and over 6,000 participants are gathered under the theme: “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.” The Assembly, which runs until December 12, will deliberate on 15 draft resolutions, covering critical areas such as saving the world’s glaciers, reducing the environmental impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and addressing massive seaweed blooms. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stressed the urgency, noting that “environmental challenges are accelerating” and that the world is off-track on climate and biodiversity. India’s delegation is focused on proposals related to sustainable consumption and the global governance of minerals and metals. UNEA-7 resolutions, while not legally binding, often pave the way for future international environmental agreements, making them highly significant for global governance and environmental policy questions.

Source: UNEP — https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/seventh-un-environment-assembly-opens-aiming-advance-solutions

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Syria Marks First Anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s Overthrow

Summary: Syria celebrated the first anniversary of the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime, with Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowing a new era of justice and a four-year transition.

Syria marked the first anniversary of the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2025, with mass public celebrations in Damascus and Aleppo. The anniversary commemorates the swift offensive by the Islamist-led alliance that ended over five decades of Assad family rule. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former rebel commander who heads the transitional administration, addressed the nation, vowing to rebuild a “strong Syria” and usher in an era of “justice and peaceful coexistence.” He announced that the political transition would continue for four more years to establish new institutions, draft laws, and prepare a constitution for a referendum before elections. The UN Refugee Agency noted that approximately 1.2 million refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned home since the fall. Despite the celebrations, the country remains fragmented, with 16.5 million people estimated to need aid in 2025, highlighting the complex humanitarian and political challenges ahead. This event is critical for understanding current West Asian geopolitics and the role of non-state actors in regime change.

Source: The Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/world/syria-celebrates-anniversary-of-assads-fall-and-new-era-under-ahmed-al-sharaa-10409447/

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Indian Navy’s ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ for HADR to Sri Lanka

Summary: The Indian Navy launched ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka following a severe cyclonic storm.

On December 8, 2025, the Indian Navy initiated ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to provide immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka, which was recently hit by a severe cyclonic storm. The operation saw the deployment of three front-line naval ships—INS Shivalik, INS Sahyadri, and INS Kesari—from the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, carrying over 150 tonnes of emergency supplies. The relief material includes food rations, medical teams, 5,000 pre-packed survival kits, and 25,000 litres of fresh water. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that this swift response aligns with India’s ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy and the principle of ‘Neighbourhood First’. Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, confirmed that the deployment also includes specialized diving and repair teams to assist with clearing blocked ports and restoring essential services. This operation is highly relevant for exam sections on India’s foreign policy, maritime security, and HADR capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-launches-operation-sagar-bandhu-for-disaster-relief-in-sri-lanka/

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4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

Sensex Tumbles 609 Points; Nifty Ends Below 26,000 Mark

Summary: The Indian benchmark indices, BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty, closed significantly lower on December 8, 2025, with the Sensex falling 609.68 points, or 0.71%, amid global and domestic profit-booking.

The Indian stock market witnessed a sharp decline on December 8, 2025, with key benchmark indices closing with steep losses. The BSE Sensex tumbled by 609.68 points, or 0.71%, to close at 85,102.69, while the NSE Nifty50 ended at 25,960.55, falling 225.90 points, or 0.86%, ending below the crucial 26,000 mark. All sectoral indices closed in the red, with the Nifty Realty index leading the fall, down by 3.5%. Broader markets also suffered, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and SmallCap 100 indices closing 1.83% and 2.6% lower, respectively. Top losers on the BSE included Bharat Electronics and Tata Steel, while Tech Mahindra was the only Sensex gainer, up 1.3%. Analysts attributed the decline to a lack of immediate domestic market triggers and profit-booking at higher levels, following a strong run in the preceding weeks. This is a crucial update for exam sections covering the financial market, economic indicators, and the performance of key sectors like Realty and IT.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/markets/news/stock-market-live-updates-december-8-sensex-nifty-gift-nifty-ipos-today-fed-rate-cut-indigo-airlines-shares-125120800070_1.html

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India’s Extreme Poverty Rate Falls to 5.25% (World Bank Line)

Summary: Provisional data suggests India’s extreme poverty rate has fallen to 5.25% using the World Bank’s revised International Poverty Line (I$3/day), a significant drop from 27.12% in 2011.

On December 8, 2025, provisional data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) indicated a significant achievement in poverty reduction, showing that India’s extreme poverty rate has fallen to a provisional 5.25%. This figure is calculated based on the World Bank’s revised International Poverty Line (IPL) of I$3/day, a new standard often used for developing nations. This marks a sharp decline from the 27.12% rate recorded in 2011-12. The progress is attributed primarily to the success of government welfare schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), and improved rural employment under MGNREGA. Economists highlight the importance of factoring in non-monetary benefits in poverty calculation. This key economic development is vital for competitive exams, particularly for questions on inclusive growth, poverty alleviation schemes, and the comparative analysis of international and national economic data.

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/economy/india-s-extreme-poverty-rate-drops-to-5-25-per-cent-world-bank-data

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IEPFA Launches ‘Niveshak Didi Phase-II’ for Investor Awareness

Summary: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, launched the second phase of its ‘Niveshak Didi’ initiative to enhance financial literacy and investor awareness.

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, launched the second phase of its flagship program, ‘Niveshak Didi’ (Investor Sister) Phase-II, on December 8, 2025, in New Delhi. This phase aims to significantly expand the reach of financial and investor literacy to rural and semi-urban areas, particularly targeting women. The initiative utilizes women from the local community, trained as ‘Niveshak Didis’, to conduct investor awareness camps in regional languages. IEPFA announced a target of organizing over 4,000 investor outreach camps across 200 districts within the next six months under this phase. The move is a strategic step to counter financial fraud and ensure last-mile delivery of financial education, thereby promoting financial inclusion. This initiative is highly relevant for exam topics concerning investor protection, financial market literacy, and specific schemes aimed at women empowerment and financial inclusion by government bodies like IEPFA and RBI.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069742

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5. SPORTS

India Closes ISSF World Cup Final with Record Six Medals in Doha

Summary: India finished its best-ever campaign at the ISSF World Cup Final in Doha, Qatar, with a haul of six medals, including two gold and three silver, securing the second position overall.

The Indian shooting contingent concluded its campaign at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in Doha, Qatar, on December 8, 2025, achieving its best-ever performance in the tournament’s history with a total of six medals. The final tally comprised two gold, three silver, and one bronze medal, placing India second in the overall standings, just behind China. The gold medals were secured by Simranpreet Kaur Brar in the Women’s 25m Pistol and Suruchi Singh in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol, with Suruchi setting a new ISSF Junior World Record with 245.1 points. Silver medals were won by Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions), Anish Bhanwala (Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol), and Sainyam (Women’s 10m Air Pistol). Reigning World Champion Samrat Rana added the bronze medal. The performance by the Indian shooters at the Lusail Shooting Complex is a major highlight for sports current affairs, showing significant momentum leading into upcoming global events.

Source: The Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/shooting/best-ever-finish-india-sign-off-record-breaking-shooting-world-cup-final-campaign-with-six-medals/articleshow/125836485.cms

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ISL Clubs Demand AIFF Action as Marketing Rights Agreement Expires

Summary: Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to immediately resolve the commercial crisis caused by the expiry of the Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) on December 8, 2025.

On December 8, 2025, twelve clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) wrote to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey, highlighting a critical financial crisis in domestic football. The clubs, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC, stressed that the expiry of the Marketing Rights Agreement (MRA) between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on this date has entirely cut off their central revenue stream, making their “ongoing operations untenable.” For nearly eleven years, this central revenue had been the principal source for managing player salaries, infrastructure, and sporting operations, with clubs having already invested substantially and facing persistent losses. The clubs urged the AIFF to collaborate with the government to submit remedial measures to the Supreme Court before the deadline to restore commercial certainty. The issue is crucial for understanding the governance and commercial structure of football in India, a key component for sports policy and administration questions.

Source: The Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/indian-football-in-limbo-isl-clubs-urge-aiff-to-act-amid-revenue-crisis/articleshow/125788801.cms

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India Secures 3 Gold Medals in Asian Youth Boxing Championship

Summary: The Indian youth boxing team secured three gold and four silver medals at the finals of the Asian Youth Boxing Championship in Bangkok, solidifying India’s regional dominance in the sport.

The Indian youth boxing contingent delivered an exceptional performance at the final day of the Asian Youth Boxing Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 8, 2025. The team secured a strong finish, bagging three gold medals and four silver medals in the final bouts. The gold medallists included Priya Hooda in the 54kg category, Karan in the 63.5kg category, and Muskan in the 70kg category, all displaying technical superiority against competitors from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Overall, the Indian contingent finished second in the team standings with a total medal haul of 18 medals (three gold, five silver, and ten bronze) across the Youth and Junior categories. Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President Ajay Singh lauded the performance, emphasizing the depth of talent being prepared for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This achievement is a significant piece of news for sports general knowledge, particularly for identifying key athletes and understanding India’s standing in Asian combat sports.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/sport/boxing/india-wins-three-gold-medals-at-asian-youth-boxing-championship/

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6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

India Slips to 23rd Rank in Climate Change Performance Index 2026

Summary: India has fallen 13 ranks to the 23rd position in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, primarily due to low performance in the Renewable Energy and GHG Emissions categories.

India’s ranking in the global Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026 has seen a significant decline, falling 13 ranks to the 23rd position. The CCPI, released by Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network, was presented on December 8, 2025, on the sidelines of the UN climate conference (COP30) in Belém. India, which had maintained a top 10 position for six years, was shifted from the ‘High’ to the ‘Medium’ performing category. The report attributed the decline to India’s continued heavy reliance on coal, the absence of a national coal phase-out timeline, and a rising trend in its absolute Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. India received a ‘Low’ rating in the Renewable Energy category despite strong capacity growth. Experts stressed that to regain its high rank, India must set a firm ‘peak coal’ year and aggressively redirect fossil fuel subsidies toward decentralized renewable energy. This is a crucial data point for questions on India’s environmental policy, international green rankings, and the challenges of energy transition.

Source: The Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-slips-13-ranks-figures-at-23rd-position-in-latest-climate-change-performance-index/articleshow/125419895.cms

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90% Reduction in Paddy Fire Incidents in Punjab and Haryana

Summary: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported a 90% reduction in paddy stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana in 2025, compared to the 2022 base year.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reported a major success in air quality management on December 8, 2025, confirming a significant 90% reduction in paddy stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana during the 2025 harvest season compared to the 2022 base year. This achievement is attributed to the combined efforts under the Pusa Bio-decomposer scheme, the provision of over 1,50,000 subsidized crop residue management (CRM) machines, and the payment of ₹1,500 per acre as an incentive to farmers for in-situ residue management. Union Minister for Environment Shri Bhupender Yadav highlighted that this collaborative central-state effort has drastically improved the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region (NCR). The success demonstrates the effectiveness of a policy mix of technological solutions and financial incentives. This is a high-priority topic for questions on environmental governance, pollution control schemes, and agricultural policies.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069738

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Progress of Namami Gange Mission Reported to Parliament

Summary: The Ministry of Jal Shakti reported that 344 out of 513 sanctioned projects under the Namami Gange Mission have been completed, with an estimated expenditure of over ₹28,000 crore.

On December 8, 2025, the Ministry of Jal Shakti provided an update on the progress of the flagship National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), also known as the Namami Gange Mission, to Parliament. The report stated that out of 513 sanctioned projects, a total of 344 projects have been completed, focusing primarily on wastewater treatment, riverfront development, and biodiversity conservation across the Ganga basin states. The cumulative estimated expenditure on the mission stands at over ₹28,000 crore. A significant focus of the completed projects is the development of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in major towns along the Ganga, with a capacity addition of 1,250 million litres per day (MLD). Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized that the mission is now moving into a new phase focusing on the sustainable development of river cities. This data is critical for understanding government environmental schemes, water resource management, and the role of the NMCG.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069740

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7. OTHERS

Sitar Maestro Ustad Faiyaz Khan Passes Away at 91

Summary: Renowned Sitar Maestro Ustad Faiyaz Khan, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, passed away at the age of 91 in Mumbai, marking the end of an era in Hindustani Classical Music.

On December 8, 2025, legendary Sitar Maestro Ustad Faiyaz Khan passed away at the age of 91 in Mumbai due to age-related ailments. Ustad Faiyaz Khan was a towering figure of the Imdadkhani Gharana of Hindustani Classical Music and was globally acclaimed for his innovative technique and soulful compositions. He was a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan (conferred in 2005) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1992). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a condolence message, hailed the Maestro’s passing as an “irreparable loss to India’s cultural heritage,” noting that his legacy of over 60 years of performance and teaching inspired millions. He also served as a cultural ambassador, performing in over 50 countries and contributing significantly to the global understanding of Indian classical music. The death of a nationally significant personality is an important news item for competitive exams, particularly under the Awards & Honours and Cultural Heritage sections.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sitar-maestro-ustad-faiyaz-khan-passes-away-at-91/

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NHRC Calls for Robust Protection of Human Rights Defenders

Summary: The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) emphasized the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to protect Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) on Human Rights Defenders Day.

On December 8, 2025, marking the Human Rights Defenders Day, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Justice (retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra, issued a statement in New Delhi emphasizing the critical need for a robust national mechanism to protect Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). The Chairperson noted that the NHRC had received over 120 complaints related to the harassment or targeting of HRDs in the current financial year. Justice Mishra stressed that HRDs, who champion the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, must operate in an environment free from fear of reprisal. He called upon state governments to fully implement the NHRC’s 2019 guidelines on the safety of HRDs. The statement also highlighted the need for a comprehensive legal framework to ensure their rights are safeguarded under national and international law. This is a relevant topic for questions on constitutional bodies, human rights, and social justice issues.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069745

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Cabinet Approves ₹1,500 Crore for ‘Vigyan Yatra’ Scheme

Summary: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore scheme, ‘Vigyan Yatra,’ to boost science communication and STEM education across 500 districts over five years.

The Union Cabinet, in its meeting in New Delhi on December 8, 2025, approved the ‘Vigyan Yatra’ (Science Journey) scheme with an outlay of ₹1,500 crore for a period of five years (FY 2025-2030). The scheme, proposed by the Ministry of Science and Technology, is designed to enhance public engagement with science and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, especially in rural and underserved areas. The initiative will deploy 100 state-of-the-art mobile science exhibition vans to cover over 500 districts annually. These vans will feature interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and virtual reality labs focusing on India’s scientific achievements, including ISRO missions and ‘Make in India’ technologies. Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the project is a crucial step towards fostering a scientific temper in line with Article 51A(h) of the Constitution. This scheme is directly relevant to government policies on education, science promotion, and constitutional duties.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2069748

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🛠 QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT (Core Recall Points)

1. National & State Governance

• IndiGo DGCA Show Cause Response: IndiG replied to DGCA citing FDTL Phase II rules as a key factor for flight disruptions.