Current Affairs - December 8, 2025 Current Affairs

Bodhi Day 2025 is observed on December 8 by Buddhist communities worldwide. This day commemorates Siddhartha Gautama’s attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, more than 2,500 years ago. The observance emphasizes meditation, chanting, lighting lamps, acts of generosity, and decorating Bodhi trees to reflect on spiritual awakening. It highlights the core teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, promoting self-awareness, compassion, and moral discipline. Bodhi Day serves as a spiritual reminder of liberation through insight and the journey from ignorance to wisdom.

Indian astronomers Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar discovered the Alaknanda Galaxy using the James Webb Space Telescope. This spiral galaxy, located in the Abell 2744 cluster, existed when the universe was just 1.5 billion years old and exhibits well-formed spiral arms, challenging previous assumptions that early galaxies were small and chaotic. Its rapid star formation rate, approximately 63 solar masses per year, indicates accelerated development compared to the Milky Way. Naming the galaxy after the Himalayan river Alaknanda symbolically connects it to Indian tradition and highlights the significant contribution of Indian researchers to global astrophysics and our understanding of early cosmic evolution.

Deloitte India is set to launch ‘Tax Pragya,’ an AI-driven platform designed to transform tax research by providing near-instant analysis of over a million tax-related court judgments and two decades of internal knowledge. The platform aims to significantly reduce the time tax professionals spend on legal research, offering actionable insights for both direct and indirect taxes. Its features include real-time updates on legal amendments, predictive litigation analysis, and future AI-generated tax opinions. The phased rollout begins on December 9, 2025, initially serving 500 clients, and will eventually expand to MSMEs and SMEs across India, enhancing decision-making and efficiency in tax consulting.

Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his maiden ODI century during the third ODI against South Africa on December 6, 2025. This century completed his set of hundreds across all three international formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—making him the 6th Indian to do so. Known for his aggressive yet composed batting, Jaiswal has already amassed seven Test centuries and a T20I century. His achievement underscores his versatility and adaptability across formats, highlighting him as one of India’s most promising young cricketers with the potential to play key roles in future international tournaments.

IIT Kanpur has partnered with the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to strengthen cybersecurity and integrate AI/ML technologies in mining operations. The collaboration focuses on conducting risk assessments, providing policy support, improving security operations, and enhancing incident response capabilities. Additionally, the partnership includes training programs and innovation projects, as well as joint research and pilot solutions aimed at increasing NMDC’s technological readiness. This initiative not only advances digital security in mining but also promotes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in one of India’s key industrial sectors, reflecting a significant step toward modernization and efficiency.

Rajasthan has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian state to complete 100% digitisation of its voter rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme. This initiative ensures that all voter details are electronically maintained, mapped, and verified, enhancing accuracy and reducing manual errors. With 97% of voter mapping completed, Rajasthan leads the nation in digital electoral management. The digitisation streamlines verification, improves transparency, reduces electoral fraud, and facilitates easier access for voters. Dedicated efforts by Booth Level Officers and local staff played a key role in achieving this success, setting a benchmark for other states.

Rohit Sharma achieved the milestone of 20,000 international runs on December 6, 2025, during a high-pressure ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. This achievement makes him only the fourth Indian to reach this elite club, following Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rahul Dravid. Rohit’s remarkable career includes over 500 international appearances, 50 centuries, and more than 11,500 runs in ODIs alone. Known for his elegant strokeplay and explosive performances, he has been a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, consistently delivering match-winning innings and setting new standards of consistency and longevity in modern cricket.

Tanzania has initiated a comprehensive 5-year livestock vaccination programme aiming to vaccinate 19 million cattle, 17 million goats and sheep, and 40 million chickens by 2029. The initiative targets prevention of major animal diseases such as anthrax, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and Rift Valley Fever, with the goal of halving livestock mortality. By incorporating ear-tagging for traceability and deploying veterinary teams to remote pastoral areas, the programme supports rural livelihoods, enhances food security, strengthens export potential, and boosts climate resilience. This nationwide effort positions Tanzania as a leader in livestock health management in the region.

Lando Norris clinched his first Formula 1 World Championship in a dramatic finale at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third in the race but securing the championship by a narrow two-point margin over Max Verstappen. At 26 years old, he became the 11th British F1 world champion and McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008. Norris’ consistent performance throughout the season, including key podium finishes and strategic racing, allowed him to overcome challenges and demonstrate mental resilience. His triumph marks a historic moment for British motorsport and cements his status as a rising legend in Formula 1.

The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 is taking place in Panchkula, Haryana, from December 6 to 9, 2025. The festival, themed “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” showcases India’s achievements in science, technology, and innovation while promoting scientific temper and self-reliance. With over 150 technical sessions across fields such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and climate science, IISF 2025 is expected to host more than 40,000 participants, including scientists, students, and industry leaders. The event emphasizes collaboration between scientific institutions and society and highlights India’s progress in cutting-edge technologies.