1. Census 2027 scheme approved: The Union Cabinet approved a scheme to conduct the Census of India in 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore. It will be India’s first fully digital census, including self-enumeration via mobile apps and detailed data (including caste) collection.
2. MGNREGA renamed: The government cleared a bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the “Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) – 2025” (VB-G Ram G). The renamed scheme will continue to guarantee 125 days of rural employment with an outlay of about ₹1.51 lakh crore.
3. Higher cigarette taxes: Parliament passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill 2025, sharply raising taxes on cigarettes. New value-based excise duties will range from ₹2,700–11,000 per 1,000 sticks (in addition to 40% GST) to curb tobacco use. This is expected to make cigarettes much more expensive and reduce smoking.
4. Delhi pollution forces hybrid schooling: In Delhi-NCR, severe air pollution (GRAP-IV level) prompted authorities to switch city schools for Classes 1–9 and 11 to a hybrid (online+offline) mode from Dec 15, 2025 to protect children’s health.
1. Australia – Sydney synagogue shooting: A mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach (Sydney) left at least 15 people dead and many wounded. Police say two gunmen (a father and son) opened fire, killing 12-year-old girl and others. One suspect (the father) was shot dead; the son was subdued by a local fruit vendor and arrested. The attack targeted a Jewish gathering, raising security concerns.
2. United States – Brown University shooting: A gunman opened fire at Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island) on Dec 14, killing 2 students and injuring 9 others. The campus went into lockdown; police later arrested a suspect outside campus. The victims have been identified, and the motive is under investigation. Classes were canceled as the community mourns.
3. Chile elects far-right president: In runoff elections, former presidential candidate José Antonio Kast (far-right) won the Chilean presidency. Kast ran on a law-and-order, anti-crime platform and praised dictator Pinochet, saying “if he were alive, he would vote for me.” His victory marks a shift from the center-left, raising debate on immigration and social policies.
4. Morocco floods: Heavy rains caused flash floods in Morocco’s Safi province, killing at least 37 people and flooding around 70 homes and businesses. These were the first significant rains after a seven-year drought; authorities have deployed relief forces and declared a national mourning period.
5. Belarus releases political prisoners: Belarus freed 123 political detainees (including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski) in mid-December after international talks. In parallel, the U.S. lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash exports. A U.S. envoy noted hopes that more prisoners will be released soon as a confidence-building step.
1. Trade deficit falls: India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low of $24.53 billion in November, down from a record $41.68b in October. The decline reflects lower gold and oil imports. Exports hit the highest November level in a decade ($38.13b, +19% YoY), led by a 22% jump in shipments to the U.S. despite American tariffs. Robust exports strengthen India’s hand in bilateral trade talks.
2. Inflation and rates: India’s retail inflation in November rose slightly to 0.71% (from 0.25% in October) but remains well below the Reserve Bank’s target range (2–6%). Economists expect the RBI to cut policy rates again (after a Nov cut to 5.25%) to support growth, given subdued inflation and strong GDP growth forecasts.
3. Rupee weakens: The Indian rupee hit a record low (around ₹90.74 per USD on Dec 15) due to stalled U.S. trade deal talks and heavy foreign outflows (over $18 billion equity sold this year). The RBI intervened to prevent a sharper fall. The rupee’s ~6% fall this year makes it the weakest Asian currency, reflecting trade-policy uncertainty.
4. FDI in insurance: The Union Cabinet approved raising foreign direct investment (FDI) in insurance companies to 100% (up from 74%). The bill stipulates that to use 100% FDI, at least one of the insurer’s Chair, MD, or CEO must be an Indian resident. This move opens Indian insurance sector fully to global investment.
5. Global PMI slows: S&P Global’s preliminary December PMI shows U.S. business activity growth slowing. The composite index fell to 53.0 (a six-month low), with services at 52.9 and manufacturing 51.8. New orders contracted, suggesting the earlier growth spurt is losing steam. (PMI values above 50 still signal expansion, but at a slower pace.)
1. India 3rd in AI Vibrancy: A Stanford University study (Global AI Vibrancy Index 2024) ranked India 3rd worldwide (score 21.59) in AI readiness, up from 7th in 2023. India trails only the U.S. and China, outpacing South Korea and the UK, reflecting strong performance in AI innovation, economy, and infrastructure pillars.
2. BlueBird-6 launch delayed: India’s space agency ISRO postponed the Dec 15 launch of BlueBird-6 to Dec 21. BlueBird-6 is a 6.5-tonne US satellite (by AST SpaceMobile) for direct-to-device 5G broadband, with a huge phased-array antenna. Its launch by ISRO’s LVM3 rocket highlights India’s growing role in commercial space missions.
1. Shifting crop-fire timing: NASA reports that stubble-burning fires in India’s Punjab/Haryana region are now occurring later in the day (mostly 4–6 PM), compared to earlier (1–2 PM). This timing shift means many crop fires evade satellite monitoring (which catches midday blazes). Scientists warn this change reflects farmer tactics and complicates pollution tracking.
2. Global environment report (GEO-7): The UN Environment Programme’s new Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) finds that investing in climate and nature offers huge benefits – up to $20 trillion/year added to global GDP by 2070. It also says 9 million premature deaths (from air pollution, etc.) could be averted by 2050, and over 100 million people lifted out of poverty, if sustainable policies are adopted. The report stresses urgent action on climate, biodiversity, and sustainability.
India’s air-defence choices: India reportedly scrapped a planned $1.9 billion deal to buy U.S.-made NASAMS ground-based air-defense systems. Instead, the armed forces will rely on indigenous medium-range SAMs (QRSAM, MRSAM) and Russian S-400 missiles as more cost-effective options. This reflects Delhi’s focus on self-reliance and balancing of foreign defense partnerships.
1. Narges Mohammadi (Iran): Nobel Peace laureate and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi was arrested on Dec 12 during a government crackdown on dissidents. She was reportedly taken to hospital twice after the arrest. The Norwegian Nobel Committee condemned the “brutal” arrest and demanded her immediate release and safety. The arrest drew international criticism given her human rights work.
2. Rob Reiner (USA): Veteran Hollywood director/producer Rob Reiner (78) and his wife Michele Singer (68) were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on Dec 14. Their 32-year-old son Nick Reiner has been arrested for the murders. The family released a statement expressing “profound sorrow” at the tragic loss. Rob Reiner was known for films like The Princess Bride and Spinal Tap.
1. India vs South Africa (T20): India won the 3rd T20I at Dharamsala by seven wickets, taking a 2–1 lead in the five-match series against South Africa. Captain Jasprit Bumrah starred with a six-wicket haul. The series continues, with bragging rights and T20I rankings implications.
2. Squash World Cup: India clinched its first-ever Squash World Cup title by beating Hong Kong in the final. The women’s team made history in the inaugural championship, highlighting India’s rising profile in squash.
3. Odisha Masters (Badminton): The Odisha Masters (BWF Super 100 tournament in Cuttack) concluded with an all-Indian women’s final. Unnati Hooda beat Isharani Baruah to win the women’s title, while Kiran George won the men’s crown. These wins showcase the strength of Indian shuttlers on the world circuit.
4. First Indian in World Darts win: Nitin Kumar became the first Indian ever to win a match at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship. Kumar’s victory over Brazil’s Fernando Feitoza made headlines, as darts gains popularity in India.
1. Lakshminarayana Music Award: Indian music composer A.R. Rahman will receive the Lakshminarayana International Award on Dec 15, 2025 in Chennai, honoring his contributions to the arts. Rahman (a multi-Oscar winner) will be feted at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival curtain-raiser.
2. Nobel Peace Prize 2025: The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. (The Norwegian Nobel Committee noted this just as Iran’s Nobel laureate Mohammadi was arrested.) Machado was recognized for her struggle for democracy in Venezuela.
1. World Turkic Language Family Day (Dec 15): UNESCO has declared Dec 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day to honor Turkic languages spoken by 200+ million people across Eurasia. The date marks the 1893 decipherment of the Orkhon inscriptions (ancient Turkic script).
2. International Tea Day (Dec 15): Dec 15 is observed as International Tea Day (originally celebrated in tea-producing nations since 2005). The day raises awareness of tea’s cultural, economic, and environmental importance and advocates sustainable tea farming and fair prices for growers.
1. Nitin Nabin (Bihar): After being named BJP National Working President on Dec 15, Nitin Nabin resigned from his Bihar cabinet portfolios (Road Construction and Urban Development). The departments were reassigned to other ministers, as he shifted to full-time party organizational work.
2. Chief Information Commissioner: Former IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal took oath on Dec 15 as India’s Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), filling the long-vacant post. He and eight new information commissioners were sworn in at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the CIC’s “full strength” after nine years.
1. BRIDGE Summit 2025: The global media and entertainment industry met in Abu Dhabi for the BRIDGE Summit (Dec 13–16), billed as the world’s largest debut media event. It combined conference and exhibition formats for leaders across media, tech, finance and politics. The Summit wrapped up on Dec 16 with discussions on digital media trends.
2. UNEA-7 (Nairobi): At the 7th UN Environment Assembly (Dec 13–17 in Nairobi), delegates adopted India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires”. The resolution, advocated by India, calls for better international cooperation on wildfire monitoring and management, responding to increasing global fire risk.
3. India-Jordan visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a bilateral visit to Jordan on Dec 15, meeting King Abdullah II. Talks focused on strategic partnership, trade, and regional issues (including West Asia stability). This visit deepens India’s ties with the Middle East.
1. Delhi (Pollution): Delhi government implemented GRAP-IV emergency measures as air quality hit “severe” levels. Schools (Classes 1–9,11) moved to hybrid mode, and construction activities were halted to protect public health. The city council also drew up plans to tackle the winter smog.
2. Bihar – Power Museum: Bihar announced India’s first-ever Power (Electricity) Museum to be developed on the 3-acre site of the defunct Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station in Patna. The museum (planned after Dec 11) will showcase the state’s power generation heritage and serve educational and tourism purposes.
3. Chhattisgarh – Ramsar site: Kopra Reservoir (near Bilaspur) was declared Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar Wetland site on Dec 12. The reservoir, a critical rain-fed freshwater wetland, is now globally recognized for its biodiversity (aquatic life and migratory birds). Officials say it will aid conservation and sustainable use efforts.
1. Frank Gehry: World-renowned architect Frank Gehry died Dec 5 at age 96. Gehry (designer of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Walt Disney Concert Hall, etc.) passed away in Santa Monica after a brief illness. Tributes poured in for the architect of many iconic modern structures.
2. Sophie Kinsella: British author Sophie Kinsella (real name Madeleine Wickham), famed for the “Shopaholic” series, died Dec 10 at age 55 after battling an aggressive brain cancer. Her family announced her passing on social media, noting she faced illness with courage.
1. Global AI Vibrancy Index: The 2024 Global AI Vibrancy Index (Stanford) ranked India 3rd worldwide (score 21.59), reflecting rapid growth in its AI ecosystem. The U.S. and China held the top two spots.
2. Arton Passport Index: In the 2025 Arton Capital Passport Index, India ranked 67th (mobility score 74). The United Arab Emirates retained the #1 spot globally for the 7th year running. (The index measures global travel freedom.)
No major news: We did not find significant literary news or notable book releases dated Dec 15, 2025 in the sources checked. No prominent author or publishing announcements were reported on this date.
Cultural tribute: India is observing the first death anniversary of tabla maestro Pandit Zakir Hussain (d. Dec 14, 2024). A two-day tribute festival featuring performances and exhibitions is underway at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (Mumbai) to honor his legacy.
📝 Explanation: Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital census, allowing citizens to self-enumerate using mobile applications. It will collect comprehensive demographic data, including caste details, improving accuracy, efficiency, and policy planning while reducing manual errors.
📝Explanation: The government renamed MGNREGA to Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) – 2025, emphasizing employment, livelihood security, and national development, while retaining its legal guarantee of rural employment.
📝 Explanation: A deadly shooting occurred at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney. The attack targeted a Jewish gathering, raising global concerns about religious violence and public security at cultural and religious events.
📝 Explanation: Far-right leader José Antonio Kast won Chile’s presidential runoff election. His victory marked a political shift toward conservative policies focusing on law and order, crime control, and economic nationalism.
📝 Explanation: India’s trade deficit fell to a five-month low because of reduced gold and crude oil imports, which lowered import bills while exports remained strong, especially to the United States.
📝 Explanation: The government approved 100% Foreign Direct Investment in the insurance sector, aiming to boost capital inflows, innovation, competition, and insurance penetration, while ensuring Indian leadership in top management positions.
📝 Explanation: India secured the 3rd position globally in AI readiness, reflecting strong growth in AI research, talent, startups, and infrastructure, behind only the U.S. and China.
📝 Explanation: BlueBird-6 is designed to provide direct-to-device 5G broadband connectivity, enabling smartphones to access satellite networks without additional hardware, supporting global communication coverage.
📝 Explanation: NASA observed that farmers are burning crop residue later in the day to avoid satellite detection, complicating pollution monitoring and worsening air quality management in North India.
📝 Explanation: The UN Environment Programme’s GEO-7 report stressed that sustainable investments in climate and nature could generate massive economic benefits and prevent millions of premature deaths.
📝 Explanation: India decided not to procure the U.S.-made NASAMS air-defense system, opting instead for indigenous missile systems and Russian S-400s to promote self-reliance and cost efficiency.
📝 Explanation: Iranian activist and Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi is internationally recognized for advocating women’s rights and opposing state repression, making her arrest a major human rights concern.
📝 Explanation: India defeated Hong Kong to clinch its maiden Squash World Cup title, marking a historic milestone for Indian squash on the global stage.
📝 Explanation: Nitin Kumar scripted history by winning a match at the PDC World Darts Championship, signaling India’s growing presence in non-traditional global sports.
📝 Explanation: Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights.
📝 Explanation: December 15 commemorates World Turkic Language Family Day, recognizing the cultural and linguistic heritage of Turkic languages spoken across Eurasia.
📝 Explanation: Former IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal was sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner, completing the full strength of the Central Information Commission.
📝 Explanation: India led a resolution at the 7th UN Environment Assembly to strengthen global wildfire management cooperation, addressing increasing forest fire incidents worldwide.
📝 Explanation: Kopra Reservoir became Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar wetland site, recognizing its ecological importance and promoting conservation of wetlands and biodiversity.
📝 Explanation: Frank Gehry was a world-famous architect known for iconic structures like the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. His innovative designs reshaped modern architecture globally.
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