1 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow , Uttar Pradesh, paying tribute to the life and ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee . In his address on the 101st birth anniversary of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister said that the land of Lucknow is witnessing a new inspiration. Shri Modi highlighted that December 25th marks the special occasion of the birth anniversaries of two great personalities of the nation. He said that Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji and Bharat Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya ji dedicated their lives to protecting India’s identity, unity, and pride. Rashtriya Prerna Sthal has been developed as a historic national monument and an inspiration complex of permanent national importance. Built at a cost of approximately ₹230 crore and spread over a vast area of 65 acres, the complex is envisioned as a permanent national heritage dedicated to promoting leadership values, national service, cultural consciousness, and public inspiration. The complex houses 65-foot-tall bronze statues of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolizing their indelible contributions to Indian political thought, nation-building, and public life. It also houses a state-of-the-art museum, spread over approximately 98,000 square feet, designed in the shape of a lotus.
India has been elected to assume the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process (KPCS) at the Kimberley Process (KPCS) Plenary Meeting from January 1, 2026. The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society , aimed at preventing the trade in ” rough diamonds “—rough diamonds that rebel groups or their allies use to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments, as defined in UN Security Council resolutions. India will assume the position of KPCS Vice-Chair from December 25, 2025, and will assume the Chairship in the New Year. This will be the third time India has held the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established under a UN resolution, came into force on January 1, 2003, and has since evolved into an effective mechanism to curb the trade in rough diamonds. The Kimberley Process currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States considered as the only participants. KP’s partners together control more than 99 percent of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism regulating the sector.
The Indian Navy formally decommissioned INS Sindhughosh on December 19 , 2025 , marking the end of a glorious four-decade journey. The retirement of this iconic submarine marks the end of an important chapter in India’s naval and submarine warfare history. The decommissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard, attended by several senior naval officers and veterans. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, attended the ceremony. The submarine was decommissioned under the command of Lieutenant Commander Rajat Sharma. Captain K.R. Azrekar (Retd.), the second Commanding Officer of INS Sindhughosh, was the chief guest. Several former Commanding Officers, veterans, and original crew members were present. INS Sindhughosh was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1985 as the lead submarine of the Sindhughosh-class submarines .
4 Tamil Nadu government unveils otter conservation initiative in Cauvery basin
The Tamil Nadu government has launched a special conservation initiative to protect the Smooth-Coated Otter , a vulnerable species found in the Cauvery River Delta . The program focuses on studying otter populations, improving habitats, and reducing conflicts between otters and local fishing communities. The initiative reflects growing concern over the degradation of freshwater ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of conserving the species. The conservation program was announced during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session on the protection of endangered species. Officially titled ” Conservation Initiative to Study the Population Dynamics, Behavioral Patterns, and Habitat Improvement of the Smooth-Coated Otter, ” the project will cover parts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Cuddalore districts in the Cauvery Delta region. The key objectives of the project include assessing otter populations, identifying and prioritizing critical habitats, studying threats such as pollution and human-wildlife conflict, and habitat restoration through measures such as reed planting and fish ladders.
5 Ravi DC receives prestigious French Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award
Malayalam publisher Ravi DC , Managing Director of DC Books , has been awarded France ‘s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award for his contributions to literature, translation, and cultural exchange between India and France . In a significant cultural achievement, Malayalam publisher Ravi DC has been awarded the prestigious French honor, the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to literature, publishing, and intercultural exchange, especially between India and France. The honor was presented at a ceremony held at the French Embassy in India on December 4, 2025. This reflects the growing importance of cultural diplomacy and literary cooperation.
6 Advocate Shubham Awasthi honoured with the prestigious ’40 Under 40 Lawyer Award’ 2025
Supreme Court lawyer Shubham Awasthi has been honored with the prestigious 40 Under 40 Lawyers Award 2025 for legal excellence and humanitarian contributions, recognizing his impact on public interest litigation and the Indian judicial system . Recognizing young legal talent in India, advocate Shubham Awasthi has been honored with the 40 Under 40 Lawyers Award 2025. This award is considered highly prestigious in the Indian legal field. It not only recognizes professional excellence but also commends commitment to public service and humanity. This honor highlights the important role young lawyers play in India’s judicial system. Shubham Awasthi is an advocate practicing in the Supreme Court of India, known for his work on matters related to public interest litigation, constitutional law, and social justice. He holds a postgraduate degree in media and entertainment law and has been actively associated with several government and statutory bodies, demonstrating his involvement beyond court advocacy.
The Government of India will create the Bureau of Port Security (BOS) to strengthen port and ship security . Established on the model of the BCAS, this new statutory institution will focus on risk-based security, intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity at Indian ports . In a significant step to strengthen India’s maritime security infrastructure, the Central Government has decided to establish the Bureau of Port Security (BOPS). This new institution will improve the security of ports and ships through better coordination, intelligence sharing, and risk-based security plans. This decision comes at a time when trade volumes at India’s ports are continuously increasing, making them vital national assets and requiring robust and future-proof security. The Bureau of Port Security (BOPS) will be a statutory body responsible for regulating and monitoring security arrangements at ports, ships, and port facilities across India. It will be established under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW). The structure of BoPS will be modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which oversees airport and aviation security in the country.
8 NASA’s Maven Mars orbiter loses contact with the agency
NASA ‘s MAVEN Mars orbiter has studied Mars ‘ atmosphere for more than a decade. Engineers are trying to restore communication after detecting unusual rotation and a possible orbital change . Communication with MAVEN, the long-serving Mars orbiter, has been disrupted, causing concern among the global scientific community. The spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014 , suddenly went out of service in early December . NASA continues efforts to re-establish contact with the satellite. On December 4th, MAVEN transmitted its last complete set of routine health data. Two days later, it passed behind Mars from Earth’s perspective—a normal blackout period. However, when the spacecraft was expected to reconnect, NASA’s Deep Space Network did not detect MAVEN’s signal. NASA publicly confirmed the problem on December 9th. A small amount of tracking data received later indicated unexpected rotation and a possible orbital change. MAVEN stands for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution . This mission was launched by NASA in November 2013 to study how Mars lost most of its atmosphere over billions of years.
9 Oman issues first polymer one riyal note, to enter circulation from January 2026
Oman has introduced its first polymer one rial note bearing the national emblem and equipped with modern security features . This durable note will enter into circulation alongside the existing currency from January 11, 2026 by the Central Bank of Oman . Taking a significant step towards modernising its currency system, Oman has issued the first polymer one rial note. This marks a historic transition from the traditional paper currency. This new note issued by the Central Bank of Oman will officially enter into circulation from January 11, 2026.
10 National Consumer Day 2025
National Consumer Day 2025 was celebrated on December 24th under the theme ” Swift and Efficient Resolution through Digital Justice ,” focusing on India’s digital consumer complaint redressal reforms and e-awareness under the Consumer Protection Act , and platforms such as the National Consumer Helpline. National Consumer Day is celebrated every year on December 24th in India to highlight the importance of consumer rights, protection, and awareness. This day marks an important milestone in India’s legal framework, as the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, received Presidential assent on December 24th, 1986. The theme of National Consumer Day for 2025 is “Efficient and Speedy Resolution through Digital Justice,” reflecting India’s increasing reliance on technology to ensure accessible, transparent, and timely consumer complaint redressal. This year, the day will be celebrated under the theme ” Efficient and Speedy Resolution through Digital Justice .”