Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for December 11, 2025.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. Union Minister C.R.PatilLaunches ‘JalShaktiHackathon-2025’ & Bharat-WIN Portal in New DelhiIn Decemb

• What happened: Union Minister C.R.PatilLaunches ‘JalShaktiHackathon-2025’ & Bharat-WIN Portal in New DelhiIn December 2025, Union MinisterChandrakantRaghunath(C.R.)Patil,Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), launched the‘JalShaktiHackathon-2025’and‘Bharat-Water Innovation Network(WIN) Portal’,at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi, Delhi. Exam Hints:What?Launch of Jal Shakti Hackathon-2025 and Bharat-WIN portalLaunched by:Union Minister C.R.
• Key details: Patil, MoJSWhere?Shram Shakti Bhawan (New Delhi, Delhi)Hosted on Portal:https://bharatwin.mowr.gov.inFinancial Assistance:Rs.1 lakh grant for Proof-of-Concept (PoC)Funding Authority:DoWR, RD&GR (MoJS)Project Implementation Agency (PIA):NIH, Roorkee JalShaktiHackathon 2025’:Objective:This newly launched hackathon is a national movement that aims to mobilise the country’s collective talent to build a secure, inclusive and technology-driven water future for India.Approach Adopted:The hackathon adopts aWhole-of-GovernmentandWhole-of-Society(Jan Bhagidari) approach, targeting wider participation from citizens, researchers, industries, and innovators.Hosted at:The hackathon is hosted athttps://bharatwin.mowr.gov.inportal that forms part ofBHARAT-WIN, a flagship initiative of Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR,RD&GR), MoJS.
• Key points: During the launch event, Union Minister C.R.Patil emphasized on‘Water Vision @2047’to bolster scientific and technological solutions in India’s water sector.; It aims to promote practical, scalable and field-ready solutions to address grassroots water challenges like: farm-level water conservation, revival conventional water practices, flood and drought management,
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Financial Assistance:

• What happened: Financial Assistance:The DoWR,RD&GR will provide financial assistance in the forms of grants-in-aid for selected innovations, under the scheme on ‘Research and Development Programme in Water Sector and Implementation of National Water Mission’. Priority Areas:The participants are required to develop innovative water solutions in priority areas like: water resource management, wastewater treatment, water-use efficiency, circular economy, climate resilience, Internet of Things (IoT)& smart water grids, precision agriculture, among others.Project Implementation Agency (PIA):The National Institute of Hydrology(NIH),Roorkee(Uttarakhand),has been designated as Project Implementation Agency (PIA) to evaluate submitted proposals and to facilitate for approval of Secretary of DoWR, RD&GR.About Ministry ofJalShakti(MoJS):Union Minister-Chandrakant Raghunath (C.R.)Patil (Constituency- Navsari, Gujarat)Minister of State(MoS)-V.
• Key details: Somanna (Constituency- Tumkur, Karnataka); Raj Bhushan Choudhary (Constituency- Muzaffarpur, Bihar).
• Key points: The winners of the hackathon will receive a grant ofRs 1Lakhfor developing Proof-of-Concept (PoC).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Chaired Apex Council Meeting under Bharat 6G Mission in New Delhi

• What happened: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Chaired Apex Council Meeting under Bharat 6G Mission in New DelhiIn December 2025, Union MinisterJyotiradityaMadhavrao (M.)Scindia,Ministry of Communications, chaired the Apex Council Meeting under theBharat 6G Mission,in New Delhi, Delhi. Key Events:Release of Booklets:During the meeting, Union MinisterJyotiraditya.M.Scindiareleased three booklets that document the establishment, performance and impact of 100 5G Use Case Labs.
• Key details: Three booklets are Gradation Awards:Union Minister Jyotiraditya M.Scindia also conferred the Gradation Awards that aim to recognise the best-performing 5G Use Case Labs under the‘Excellent Category’. >>Read Full News Union MinisterSarbananda SonowalFlags off India’s First All-Electric Tug ProjectIn December 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), virtually flagged off the steel-cutting ceremony ofIndia’s first all-electric green tug, marking a major milestone in sustainable maritime operations. Exam Hints:What? Flagging off India’s First All-Electric Green TugBy:Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, MoPSWUnder:Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP)For:Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, GujaratGTTP Target:50 green tugs by 2030.
• Key points: He also reviewed the progress of the Bharat 6th Generation Alliance(B6GA)and called for a focused roadmap to position India as a global leader in 6G by 2030.; The 5G Use Case Lab: From Infrastructure to Innovation; 5G Lab Book-Edition 1: Experiments in 5G Core, 5G NR & Use Cases; 5G Hackathon Book
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. About All-Electric Tug Project:

• What happened: About All-Electric Tug Project:Features:The green tug will feature a 60-tonne bollard pull capacity and will operate with zero carbon emissions, silent operations and improved energy efficiency.Designed for:It is designed to support harbor maneuvering, escort duties and emergency response, while lowering fuel consumption and maintenance requirements compared to conventional diesel-powered tugs.GTTP:The GTTP, launched by MoPSW, aims to induct 50 green tugs by 2030, with 16 tugs planned under Phase-1 (2024–2027) across major Indian ports.
• Key points: In Phase I, two green tugs each will be deployed at DPA, Paradip Port Authority(PPA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA), while the remaining eight major ports will receive one green tug each.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. IIT-B’s SINE Launches India’s 1st Incubator-linked Deep Tech VC Fund

• What happened: IIT-B’s SINE Launches India’s 1st Incubator-linked Deep Tech VC FundIn December 2025, the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship(SINE)at Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B), Mumbai(Maharashtra) launched‘Y-Point Venture Capital(VC) Fund’,India’s 1st Deep-Tech VC fund managed by an academia-linked incubator, with a total investment ofRs 250crore. Exam Hints:What?Launch of India’s 1st Deep-Tech VCName Fund:Y-Point Venture Capital FundLaunched by:IIT-B’s SINERegistered as:Category-II AIFTotal Investment:Rs 250 CroreMax Investment per Startup:Up to Rs.15 crore About Y-Point VC Fund:Structure:This newly developed VC Fund was approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and is registered as aCategory-IIAlternative Investment Fund(AIF).Investment:It will invest in25-30pre-seed and seed-stage startups emerging from IIT-B and other top academic and research institutes, with a maximum ticket size ofRs 15crore.Priority Areas:This new VC Fund will focus on impact areas like: Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced computing, nuclear technology, life sciences, healthcare, defence, climate tech and Space Technology.
• Key points: This new initiative will support India’s deep tech startups by offering crucial risk capital required at an early stage of their journey.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. 8th Edition of Smart India Hackathon Kicks Off Across 60 Centres

• What happened: 8th Edition of Smart India Hackathon Kicks Off Across 60 CentresIn December 2025, the 8th edition of the Smart India Hackathon(SIH 2025), organised by the Ministry of Education(MoE’s) Innovation Cell(MIC)in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), officially began across 60 nodal centres nationwide. Exam Hints:What?Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025Edition?8thLaunched by:MIC in collaboration with AICTEKey Focus Areas:Space tech, renewable energy, cybersecurity, defence, MedTech, robotics, smart educationVision Alignment:Viksit Bharat 2047 About Smart India Hackathon(SIH) 2025:Focus :The 2025 edition emphasises key domains including space technology, renewable energy, cybersecurity, defence, Medical Technology(MedTech), robotics and smart education, reinforcing India’s innovation ecosystem in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.Participants :SIH 2025 received a record 72,165 idea submissions from 68,766 student teams, addressing 271 problem statements.
• Key details: Female Finalists:A key highlight of this edition is the participation of 2,993 female finalists, including 53 all-women teams, reflecting the growing focus on women-led innovation.
• Key points: After a multi-stage evaluation, 1,360 teams comprising over 8,000 students and 1,300+ mentors qualified for the Grand Finale.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. Telangana SignsAgreement With Deakin University to Establish AICoEIn December 2025, the Government o

• What happened: Telangana SignsAgreement With Deakin University to Establish AICoEIn December 2025, the Government ofTelanganaandDeakin University (Australia)have formally signed the agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence(CoE) in Applied Artificial Intelligence(AI), the first such joint initiative between an Indian state and Australia. Exam Hints:What?Agreement SignedBy?Telangana and Deakin University, AustraliaWhere?Hyderabad, TelanganaPurpose: To setup CoE in Applied AISignificance:First Indian Applied AI Research and Innovation Hub with an Australian PartnershipFocus:Policy-aligned, secure, responsible AI for safe, transparent, ethical deployment About CoE in AI:Model:The CoE follows a co-invested, co-designed approach, combining academic leadership, government support, and ecosystem collaboration.Collaboration:It brings together Deakin University’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute(A²I²)and theTelangana AI Innovation Hubto focus on practical, scalable, and citizen-centric AI applications.Focus:It will focus on creating policy-aligned, secure, and responsible AI frameworks to ensure safe, transparent, and ethical deployment of AI across governance and industry.Priority Areas:The CoE’s initial priority areas include AI for public service and governance, health and smart education AI solutions, and climate resilience and MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) innovation.
• Key details: It will also focus on AI-led skill development and future workforce readiness. *******.
• Key points: The agreement was signed  in Hyderabad, Telangana, focused on developing applied, ethical, and impact-driven AI solutions for public benefit.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

8. Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)

• What happened: Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

9. Current Affairs 11 December 2025

• What happened: Current Affairs 11 December 2025Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches ‘Jal Shakti Hackathon-2025’ & Bharat-WIN Portal in New DelhiUnion Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Chaired Apex Council Meeting under Bharat 6G Mission in New DelhiUnion Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Flags off India’s First All-Electric Tug ProjectIIT-B’s SINE Launches India’s 1st Incubator-linked Deep Tech VC Fund8th Edition of Smart India Hackathon Kicks Off Across 60 CentresUPI Recognized as World’s Largest Real-Time Payment System: IMF & ACI Reports‘Your Money, Your Right’ Campaign Accelerates Settlement of Rs.
• Key details: 2,000 Crore Unclaimed AssetsRBI Allows Residents, Non-Residents to Undertake Rupee IRD TransactionsSahaj Insurance Secured Corporate Agency Licence From IRDAIWise Launches ‘Multi-Currency Travel Card’ in India with No Annual FeesUNESCO Expands Global Network of Learning Cities with 72 New MembersPresident Droupadi Murmu Confers National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024ICICI Bank Acquires 2% Stake in ICICI AMC for Rs. 2,140 CroresGM R Praggnanandhaa Wins FIDE Circuit 2025, Qualifies for Candidates Tournament 2026India Wins Five Medals at FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025Human Rights Day 2025 – December 10Telangana Signs Agreement With Deakin University to Establish AI CoE Aspirant:Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics related to examinations?Affairscloud:We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA Quizzes.Aspirant:Why is there a delayal in news?Affairscloud:As some of the major news sites doesn’t provide the required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure nothing is missed.Example:In ‘Important Days’ topics the International Organisations publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day.Candidates appearing for Competitive Exams. Kindly Share the General Awareness questions,which asked in their respective exams to“[email protected]”Dear Aspirants,We would like to inform you that, startingJanuary 2025,all Current Affairs Hindi Contentwill be accessible only through theCareersCloud app and CareersCloud.in website.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

💰 Economy & Banking

10. UPI Recognized as World’s Largest Real-Time Payment System: IMF & ACI Reports

• What happened: UPI Recognized as World’s Largest Real-Time Payment System: IMF & ACI ReportsAs per the International Monetary Fund (IMF)report titled –‘Growing Retail Digital Payments (The Value of Interoperability)’dated June 2025,Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has been recognised as the world’s largest retail fast payment system (FPS) by transaction volume. About ACI Report:.
• Key points: To Compliment the above ACI Worldwide released a report ‘Prime Time for Real-Time 2024’ , statsUPIaccounted for about49%of global real-time payment transactions, with India recording 129.3 billion (Bn) transactions.; India was followed by Brazil, Thailand, China and South Korea at significantly lower volumes.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. UPI Developments in India

• What happened: UPI Developments in India:Stakeholder Initiatives:The Government of India (GoI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) work together to promote digital transactions including UPI.
• Key points: This includes public services, transport and e-commerce platforms.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF):

• What happened: Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF):The PIDF introduced inJanuary 2021was intended to subsidise the deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure in Tier-3 to Tier-6 centres with a special focus on the North-Eastern (NE) States of the country. >>Read Full News.
• Key points: As of October 31, 2025, approximately 5.45 crore (Cr) digital touch points have been deployed through PIDF in tier-3 to 6 centres.; As of FY25, a total of56.86 CrQuick Response (QR) were deployed to approximately 6.5 Cr merchants.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Campaign Accelerates Settlement of Rs.

• What happened: ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Campaign Accelerates Settlement of Rs.2,000Crore Unclaimed AssetsOn 9 December 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI), announced the progress of the nationwide campaign “Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar –Your Money, Your Right,” conducted as a three-month nationwide drive from4 October to 5 December 2025to facilitate the settlement of unclaimed financial assets across India. Exam Hints:What?Progress update on “Your Money, Your Right” campaignDuration:Three months (4 October to 5 December 2025)By Whom?Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI)Coverage:Camps held in 477 districtsFramework:Awareness, Accessibility, Action (3A Framework)Funds Settled:Approx Rs 2,000 crore (first two months)Key Regulators:RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, IEPFAPlatforms used:UDGAM, Bima Bharosa, MITRA About the Campaign Your Money, Your Right:Objective: Its goal is to facilitate the settlement of unclaimed financial assets, including bank deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, shares, mutual funds, and pension amounts.Framework: The campaign is based on the 3A Framework, comprising Awareness, Accessibility, and Action.Camps: District-level camps were held in 477 districts between 4 October and 5 December 2025.Awareness: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and multilingual awareness materials were widely disseminated.Support: Camps offered digital demonstrations, helpdesks, and guidance on the claims process.Platforms used: Existing regulatory platforms Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’sUnclaimedDeposits –Gateway toAccess inforMation (UDGAM), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)’s Bima Bharosa, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)’s Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) systems, and Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) portals were utilized for tracing unclaimed assets.
• Key points: In the first two months, aroundRs.2,000crorein unclaimed funds were successfully reclaimed by rightful owners.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

14. RBI Allows Residents, Non-Residents to Undertake Rupee IRD Transactions

• What happened: RBI Allows Residents, Non-Residents to Undertake Rupee IRD TransactionsIn December 2025, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)issued the Master Direction titled‘Reserve Bank of India (Rupee Interest Rate Derivatives) Directions, 2025’,permitting both residents and non-residents to undertake rupee-denominated Interest Rate Derivative(IRD) transactions,effective from1 March 2026. Exam Hints:What?Issued Master Directions for the IRD MarketIssued by:RBIIssued Under:Section 45W of RBI Act, 1934Effective From:March 01, 2026Eligible Participants:Resident and Non-ResidentApplicable to:OTC Market and Recognised Stock Exchanges in IndiaEligible Market Makers:Scheduled bank; SPD; NBFC-UL; EXIM Bank; NABARD, among others Key Directions:Applicability:These newly issued directions will be applicable to Rupee IRD transactions undertaken in the Over-the-Counter(OTC) marketand on recognised stock exchanges in India.Conditions :The recognised stock exchanges will be allowed to introduce any IRD product only if they obtain prior approval from RBI.
• Key details: Market Makers:As per RBI directions, entities which are eligible to act as market-makers in IRDs such as: Scheduled Bank(SBs); Standalone Primary Dealer (SPD); Non-Banking Finance Company-Upper Layer (NBFC-UL); and specialised banks like: Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank); National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD); among others. User Classification:The eligible market makers are required to classify participants as Retail or Non-Retail users (which include NBFCs other than market makers and other regulated entities). PVBP Cap:RBI has proposed a cap of the Price Value of a Basis Point (PVBP) for non-resident positions i.e.
• Key points: These directions were issued by the RBI in exercise of powers given under Section 45W of the RBI Act, 1934 and of the powers enabling it in this behalf.; Also, any floating interest rate or price or index used in an exchange-traded IRD will be a benchmark published by an authorised Financial Benchmark Administrator(FBA).; Retail users can trade simple IRDs only for hedging and may buy options only. Non-retail users have no purpose restrictions and can trade complex IRDs, including swaptions.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

15. Sahaj Insurance Secured Corporate Agency Licence From IRDAI

• What happened: Sahaj Insurance Secured Corporate Agency Licence From IRDAIIn December 2025,Sahaj Insurance ServicesPrivate Limited, a subsidiary of Sahaj Retail Ltd., secured a ‘corporate agency licence’ from Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India(IRDAI). Exam Hints:What?Received Corporate Agency LicenceBy Whom?Sahaj Insurance Services Pvt.
• Key details: LimitedGranted by:IRDAITargeted Policies:Low-premium, high-relevance coverage for life, health, accident, crop, livestock, and micro-insuranceDistribution Network:Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) or Sahaj Mitrs Key Details:Corporate Agency Licence:The licence permits Sahaj Insurance to operate as a corporate agent, allowing it to solicit and distribute insurance products for underwriting insurers.Targeted Insurance Offerings:The company focuses on low-premium, high-relevance policies for households in agrarian and informal sectors, covering life, health, accident, crop, livestock, and micro-insurance in collaboration with leading insurers.Sahaj Mitrs:The company operates through Village Level Entrepreneurs(VLEs) or Sahaj Mitrsto provide digital services like E-governance (electronic governance) access, digital payments, and mobile banking, to underserved communities.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

16. Wise Launches ‘Multi-Currency Travel Card’ in India with No Annual Fees

• What happened: Wise Launches ‘Multi-Currency Travel Card’ in India with No Annual FeesIn December 2025,Wise,the global money movement company, launched its multi-currency travel card i.e.Wise Travel Cardin India, targeting travellers seeking transparent pricing and ease of use abroad. Exam Hints:What?Launch of multi-currency travel cardLaunched by:WiseCard Name:Wise Travel Card in IndiaKey Features:Exemption of issuance fee (Rs 460) until February 10, 2026; no annual fee and subscription charges or inactivity penaltiesSupports:40+ currencies AboutWise Travel Card in India:Fee Benefits:Wise waives the Rs.460 issuance fee for sign-ups until 10 February 2026, and the card carries no annual fees, subscription charges, or inactivity penalties.Supports Multiple Currencies:The card supports over 40 currencies , including destinations such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey and Georgia.Digital Onboarding Process:It provides digital onboarding through DigiLocker and video Know Your Customer (KYC).
• Key details: Network:The card is acceptable on the Visa Network in more than 160 countries.Withdrawals Limit:It offers free Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals ofup to USD 200 per month,after which standard charges will be applied.Travel Market in India:Overseas Departures:India recorded3.89 croreoverseas departures in 2024, attributed mainly by leisure travel (42.5%) which was followed by diaspora visits (34.7%) and business trips (14.9%).LRS:According to Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) data, Indians spent around USD 3-4 billion annually before Financial Year 2021-22 (FY22), which has further surged to an average of USD 17 billion over the last two years.
• Key points: It was initially announced at the Global Fintech festival(GFF 2025) which was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.; It also offers an instant digital card for online purpose, Immediate Payment Service(IMPS)-based account top-ups, and in-app controls.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

17. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• What happened: AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

18. UNESCO Expands Global Network of Learning Cities with 72 New Members

• What happened: UNESCO Expands Global Network of Learning Cities with 72 New MembersIn December 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) inducted72 new citiesfrom 46 countries into its Global Network of Learning Cities(GNLC),bringing the total membership to425 citiesacross 91 countries. Exam Hints:What?UNESCO expanded GNLCNew Addition:72 citiesTotal Cities:425Capital Cities:11 capital citiesNew Countries:12 countries joined AboutNew Members in GNLC:New Intake:The new intake includes 11 capital cities and marks the first time 12 countries have joined the network.11 Capital Cities:Among the new members are 11 capital cities, including: Porto Novo (Benin), Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Lusaka (Zambia), Cairo (Egypt), Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Lisbon (Portugal), Ankara (Türkiye), Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Hanoi (Viet Nam), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Caracas (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela).12 countries:12 countries are joining the Global Network of Learning Cities for the first time, including: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chile, Cyprus, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Mongolia, Niger, Turkmenistan, United States of America (USA), Venezuela, and Zambia.About Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC):Overview:GNLC was launched by UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in 2013 and began officially accepting city declarations in 2015.Aim: The network aims to support and promote policy dialogue, experience exchange and practice sharing among member cities to help cities build capacity for lifelong learning and sustainable community development.Requirement:In order to join the network, the municipality should pursue the vision of providing lifelong learning and becoming a learning city, in the spirit of the values and objectives guiding UNESCO in pursuit of dialogue and international cooperation.GNLC Membership growth:As of December 2025, the GNLC comprises 425 cities from 91 countries, collectively providing lifelong learning opportunities to nearly 500 million people worldwide.Indian Cities in GNLC:As of 2025, three Indian cities are part of UNESCO’s GNLC: Warangal in Telangana, and Thrissur and Nilambur in Kerala.About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):The UNESCO contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information.Director-General(DG) –Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali EzzMember States –194Headquarters –Paris, FranceEstablished –1945 PresidentDroupadiMurmuConfers National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024On 9 December 2025, the President of India,DroupadiMurmu, presented theShilpGuru AwardsandNational Handicraft Awardsfor 2023 and 2024at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, as part of the National Handicrafts Week celebrations 2025 (December 8-14, 2025).
• Key details: Highlights of Handicraft Awards 2023–2024:Background: Award Composition:A total of 48 awards were given in the 2023–2024 cycle, including 12 Shilp Guru Awards and 36 National Awards, of which 2 were special Design & Innovation Awards for artisan-designer collaboration.Women Awardees:Among the awardees, 20 were women artisans.Crafts Covered:The awardees represented a wide and diverse range of traditional Indian crafts, spanning metalwork, woodwork, hand-printed textiles, Pattachitra, leather puppetry, terracotta, stone carving, carpets, and cane-and-bamboo work.Click here to view full list of National Awardees for 2023 and 2024About Ministry of Textiles (MoT):Union Minister– Giriraj Singh (Constituency – Begusarai, Bihar)Minister of State (MoS)- Pabitra Margherita (Rajya Sabha – Assam)>>Read Full News.
• Key points: The event was organized by the Ministry of Textiles (MoT).; The event was attended by Union Minister Giriraj Singh, MoT, and the Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita, MoT.; National Awards:Instituted in 1965, the National Handicrafts Awards honor exceptional craftspersons for artistic excellence and contribution to India’s cultural heritage.; ShilpGuru:Introduced in 2002, the Shilp Guru Awards are the highest national recognition in the handicrafts sector, celebrating master craftspersons.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

19. ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

• What happened: ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

20. ICICI Bank Acquires 2% Stake in ICICI AMC for Rs. 2,140 Crores

• What happened: ICICI Bank Acquires 2% Stake in ICICI AMC for Rs. 2,140 CroresIn December 2025, ICICI Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks, executed a Share Purchase Agreement(SPA) with Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited(PCHL)to acquire an additional2% stakein ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Limited(ICICI AMC)forRs.
• Key details: 2,140crores. Exam Hints:What?Execution of Share Purchase AgreementBy?ICICI BankWith?Prudential Corporation Holdings Limited (PCHL)Stake?2% stake for Rs.2,140 croresIn?ICICI Prudential AMC Limited Key Details of Acquisition:Aim:The move is aimed at safeguarding majority control in the event of stock-based compensation being issued by the asset manager.Shareholding:After the acquisition, ICICI Bank’s stake in ICICI AMC rises to 53%, while PCHL’s holding reduces to 47%.Approval:The transaction follows shareholder approval granted at the 31st Annual General Meeting(AGM)held in August 2025 and regulatory clearance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which permitted ICICI Bank to increase its stake by up to 2% via a letter dated 12 September 2025.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

🏏 Sports

21. GM RPraggnanandhaaWins FIDE Circuit 2025, Qualifies for Candidates Tournament 2026In December 2025,

• What happened: GM RPraggnanandhaaWins FIDE Circuit 2025, Qualifies for Candidates Tournament 2026In December 2025, Indian Grandmaster (GM)RameshbabuPraggnanandhaawon the International Chess Federation(FIDE) Circuit 2025with 115.17 points, a year-long series of tournaments held from January to December 2025, securing direct qualification to theCandidates Tournament 2026. About FIDE Circuit 2025:Overview:The 2025 FIDE Circuit served as a system of top-level tournaments that acted as a qualification path for the Candidates Tournament 2026.Organiser:International Chess Federation or World Chess Federation or Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE).FIDE Circuit 2025 Standings:R.Praggnanandhaa topped the FIDE Circuit 2025 with 115.17 points, finishing comfortably ahead of runner-up Anish Giri (Netherlands) with 81.18 points and Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) with 71.61 points.About the Candidates Tournament 2026:Event Schedule:Scheduled to take place in Pegeia, Cyprus, from March 28 to April 16, 2026.Candidates 2026 Participants:Seven of the eight confirmed players for the 2026 Candidates Tournament are Anish Giri (Netherlands), Fabiano Caruana (USA), Matthias Blübaum (Germany), Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan), Wei Yi (China), Andrey Esipenko (Russia), and R.
• Key details: Praggnanandhaa (India).>>Read Full News.
• Key points: He became the only male player to qualify via the FIDE Circuit and will make his second consecutive appearance at the Candidates Tournament.; Three Indian women GM Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and Vaishali Rameshbabu have already qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

22. India Wins Five Medals at FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025

• What happened: India Wins Five Medals at FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025In December 2025, the second edition of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports or the Fédération Equestre Internationale(FEI) Asian Equestrian Championships 2025, washeld at the Thai Polo and Equestrian Club, Pattaya, Thailand, from November 24 to December 7, 2025.
• Key points: Thailand topped with7 medals(3 gold, 0 silver, 4 bronze), followed byHong Kongsecured 7 medals (0 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze), and India claimed 5 medals (1 gold, 4 silver, 0 bronze).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

23. Overview of FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025:

• What happened: Overview of FEI Asian Equestrian Championships 2025:Organiser:International Federation for Equestrian Sports or Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)India’sIndividual Gold:Ashish Limaye became the first Indian rider to win a gold medal in Eventing at the continental championship.Team Silver:The trio of Ashish Limaye, Shashank Singh Kataria, and Shashank Kanmuri clinched the silver medal.Dressage:Shruti Vora won three silver medals in Individual Dressage, Intermediate Freestyle–I, and Team Dressage alongside Divyakriti Singh and Gaurav Pundir.About International Federation for Equestrian Sports orFédérationÉquestreInternationale(FEI):President – Ingmar De VosHeadquarters – Lausanne, SwitzerlandFounded – 1921>>Read Full News.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

24. Human Rights Day 2025 – December 10

• What happened: Human Rights Day 2025 – December 10The United Nations (UN)’sHuman Rights Day(HRD) or International Human Rights Day, is observed every year across the globe on10 Decembermarks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) in 1948and promotes awareness of universal human rights without discrimination of any kind. Background:Declaration:On 4 December1950,the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA)adopted Resolution A/RES/423 (V), proclaiming 10 December as Human Rights Day (HRD).First Observation:The inaugural HRD was observed on 10 December 1950.Significance:10 December marks the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 217 (III) in 1948, which proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the global standard for fundamental human rights.2025 Events:RightsX Summit:The Summit, titled Powering the Future of Human Rights, was held on 10–11 December at the Palais Wilson, Geneva( Switzerland), as a hybrid event focused on advancing human rights through artificial intelligence and innovation.Event in India:On 10 December 2025, the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC)organised the HRD 2025 celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi(Delhi), withPresident Droupadi Murmuattending as the Chief Guest.
• Key details: >>Read Full News.
• Key points: 10 December 2025 marks the77thanniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the32ndanniversary of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).; 2025 Theme: “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”; Conference: The programme included a national conference on the theme “Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All”, emphasising universal and dignified access to public services as a core human right.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: Union Minister C.R.PatilLaunches ‘JalShaktiHackathon-2025’ & Bharat-WIN Portal in New DelhiIn Decemb?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: Financial Assistance:?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Chaired Apex Council Meeting under Bharat 6G Mission in New Delhi?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: About All-Electric Tug Project:?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q5. Which of the following is related to: IIT-B’s SINE Launches India’s 1st Incubator-linked Deep Tech VC Fund?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details