1 Indian film Homebound nominated in the Best Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards
The Indian film “Homebound ” has been nominated for the Best Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards . Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film is one of 15 films nominated for the category. The winner will be announced on March 15th.
2 PM Modi’s visit to Ethiopia concludes
In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, the two countries signed three MoUs . These include administrative assistance in customs work, establishment of a data center at the Ethiopian Embassy, and cooperation in UN peacekeeping . Prime Minister Modi arrived in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on a two-day visit. Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali warmly welcomed him at Addis Ababa Airport. The two leaders then participated in a traditional coffee ceremony. Significantly, Hindi songs were sung to welcome the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ceremonial welcome and a guard of honor at the National Palace, the presidential residence.
3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Muscat on a two-day visit to Oman.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat on a two-day visit to Oman, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour . He arrived in Oman after successful visits to Jordan and Ethiopia . Mr. Modi was welcomed at Muscat Airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said . The two leaders discussed strengthening India-Oman cooperation in various sectors and advancing the strategic partnership. Mr. Modi is visiting Oman at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman . The landmark Economic Partnership Free Trade Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman will be signed. The agreement will be signed by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais Al Yousuf, in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and the Sultan of Oman.
4 WHO’s 2nd Global Traditional Medicine Conference inaugurated
The World Health Organization ‘s second Global Conference on Traditional Medicine was inaugurated at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi . It is being jointly organized by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of AYUSH . In his address, AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlighted India’s long-standing contribution to traditional medicine and emphasized the importance of strengthening research, quality standards, and global collaboration. He stated that this collaboration, which began in 2016, has proven crucial in advancing traditional medicine globally. The conference is expected to announce important scientific initiatives and form new global commitments aimed at promoting the safe, effective, and evidence-based use of traditional medicine globally. The theme of the conference is: ” Restoring Balance: The Science and Application of Traditional Medicine in Health and Physical Care .”
5 Desert Cyclone 2025: India-UAE joint military exercise
The second edition of the India-UAE joint military exercise, Desert Cyclone-II, is underway. An Indian Army contingent has departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 18 to 30 December 2025. The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, most of whom are from a battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment . The UAE Army contingent, of approximately equal strength, will be represented by the 53rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and promote defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Army through joint training in urban environments, with a focus on operations under the United Nations mandate, enabling the two armies to work together for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
6 Major boost to Navy’s strength: New squadron of state-of-the-art multi-role helicopters inducted
A new squadron of state-of-the-art MH-60R multi-role helicopters has been inducted into the Indian Navy fleet. The state-of-the-art MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopter Squadron, ‘ INAS 335 ‘ , was inducted into the fleet on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. It was formally commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa . Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was present on this proud occasion. This significant milestone will mark the induction of the first MH-60R Naval Air Squadron in Kochi, Kerala in March 2024. The MH-60R is a capable, state-of-the-art helicopter capable of day and night operations in all weather conditions, specially designed for diverse missions such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and maritime resupply (VRTREP).
7 Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) received two awards from IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) at the IEEE SA (Standards Association) Awards ceremony held recently in New Jersey, USA.
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) , the premier telecommunications research and development center of the Government of India , has been awarded the prestigious ” IEEE SA Corporate Award – 2025 ” for its outstanding leadership and contributions to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE SA) . IEEE SA is an executive body within the IEEE that develops global standards in telecommunications, AI, electronics, and several other industries. The IEEE SA Awards recognize outstanding contributions and voluntary participation in standards development, honoring leading figures, innovators, and collaborators from around the world through various categories. C-DOT has been awarded the IEEE SA Corporate Award 2025 for its ” pioneering contributions in advancing IEEE standards in wireless broadband, rural 5G, and telecom education, and for creating a globally recognized framework for standards-based innovation from India through leadership and support.” Since the inception of IEEE, only four member organizations worldwide have received this corporate award. C-DOT has become the fifth organization globally and the first in India to receive this award . Additionally, Mr. Sandeep Kumar Agrawal, a Scientist at C-DOT, has been awarded the IEEE SA Standards Medallion 2025. The IEEE SA Standards Medallion award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of IEEE standards and recognizes leadership in the standardization of new technologies. Mr. Sandeep Agrawal received this award for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the development of rural broadband standards and solutions.
8 India and Argentina sign ICAR-INTA Action Plan 2025-27 to promote bilateral agricultural research and technology exchange
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology of Argentina have signed an Action Plan 2025-2027 to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, capacity building, and technology exchange . Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, and Mariano Agustin Cousino, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to India, today signed an agreement on the ICAR-INTA Action Plan. This agreement is an important step towards strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation. The Action Plan addresses cooperation in the areas of natural resource management, no-till farming, sustainable agronomy, mechanization, micro-irrigation and water-based irrigation, crop and animal biotechnology, livestock enhancement, production technologies for temperate and tropical crops, digital agriculture, biosecurity and phytosanitary measures, and value chain development.
9 Demand for GI tag for three famous agricultural products of Tamil Nadu: Salt, Banana and Lemon to get new identity
Producers of three popular agricultural products from Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu — Thoothukudi salt, Aathur Poovan banana, and Villissery lemon— have applied for Geographical Indication (GI) tags to gain legal protection. The applications were filed with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Chennai, and the NABARD Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum (MABIF), which assisted producer groups with documentation and filing. The application for Thoothukudi salt was submitted by the Thoothukudi Uppu Urappatiyalargal Sangam. Salt in the region is produced using the traditional solar evaporation method, in which seawater or underground salt water is pumped into large salt beds and left to dry in the hot sun. This natural process produces salt with large, white crystals, known for its high purity and quality. Thoothukudi contributes approximately 30 percent of India’s total salt production. The GI application for Aathur Poovan banana was filed by Aathur Poovan Valai Urpathiyalargal Sangam. Grown in Aathur village and surrounding villages along the Tamiraparani Canal irrigation belt, this banana is known for its distinctive flavor, thanks to the mineral-rich irrigation water. The third application, submitted by the Villissery Lemon Urpathiyalargal Sangam, seeks GI status for Villissery lemon from Kovilpatti. This traditional lemon variety is known for its strong aroma, rich juice, sharp sourness, fewer seeds, and a naturally longer shelf life than other lemon varieties.
10 New blood test may help detect lung cancer early
A team of UK researchers has developed a new and advanced blood test that can detect and monitor lung cancer in real time. This could reduce delays in diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes for patients. Using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy, the researchers were able to identify even a single lung cancer cell in a patient’s blood . This technique combines advanced infrared scanning technology and computer analysis, focusing on the unique chemical fingerprints of cancer cells. Researchers from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), Keele University, and Loughborough University reported this.
11 Rajya Sabha passes ‘Insurance for All, Protection for All’ Bill; Lok Sabha approves it earlier
The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the ” Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025 ” by voice vote. The bill provides for several key reforms, including raising the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100% . It aims to modernize the insurance industry and achieve the goal of ” Insurance for All by 2047. ” The bill was previously passed by the Lok Sabha on December 16. It amends the Insurance Act, 1938 ; the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Act, 1956 ; and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) Act, 1999. The bill aims to improve ease of doing business, attract global capital, strengthen policyholder protection, and broaden insurance access.
12 Repealing and Amending Bill 2025 passed by Parliament
Parliament has passed the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025. The Rajya Sabha approved it after discussion. The Lok Sabha has already passed it. The bill provides for the repeal of certain Acts and amendments to certain other Acts . The bill repeals 71 Acts, including the Indian Tramways Act, 1886 , the Levy Sugar Price Equalization Fund Act, 1976 , and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Determination of Conditions of Service of Employees) Act, 1988. The bill also amends four Acts . These include amendments to the General Clauses Act, 1897, and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, to update the terminology for registered posts. The Indian Succession Act, 1925, is being amended to eliminate the requirement for courts to attest wills in certain cases. The bill also amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to correct a drafting error.
13 Inauguration of ‘Paramveer Gallery’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan, PM Modi said – it is a symbol of new consciousness.
President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘ Paramveer Gallery ‘ at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday . The gallery displays portraits of all 21 Paramveer Chakra awardees . This special gallery, built in Rashtrapati Bhavan, is dedicated to the nation’s brave sons. It was inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu. The portraits of Paramveer Chakra awardees are respectfully displayed here. The objective of this initiative is to make the countrymen aware of the indomitable courage and sacrifice of Paramveer Chakra awardee national heroes.
`14 IIT Bombay partners with Vertiv to provide cooling facilities for AI-powered data centers
IIT-Bombay has partnered with Vertiv to develop a cooling facility for artificial intelligence -powered data centers . Professor Shirish Kedare, director of IIT-Bombay, said the partnership will help bring academic research to industry use. The project will begin with a 40-kilowatt dry cooler.
15 Manu Bhaker and Simranpreet Kaur Brar win gold at the 68th National Shooting Championship
Manu Bhaker and Simranpreet Kaur Brar won the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the 68th National Shooting Championships . Both athletes won medals in the senior and junior competitions. The competition was held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi . In the final, Manu Bhaker secured the gold medal with a score of 36, while Divya won the silver medal with a score of 32. Anjali Chaudhary won the bronze medal with a score of 28.