Current Affairs - December 15, 2025 Current Affairs

India secured the third position globally in Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Index, reflecting its rapid progress in the artificial intelligence sector. This ranking represents a significant improvement from earlier years, as India had been placed seventh in 2023 before climbing to third in 2024. The index evaluates countries based on their competitiveness in AI, including research output, innovation, talent, and industry adoption. Achieving the third rank places India just behind the United States and China, highlighting its growing influence and capability in the global AI landscape.

India achieved a landmark milestone by winning the WSF Squash World Cup 2025, marking its first-ever title in the history of the tournament. The historic victory came after a dominant 3–0 win over top-seeded Hong Kong in the final, held at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai. This triumph highlights India’s growing strength and consistency in international squash. The WSF Squash World Cup is a prestigious global team event governed by the World Squash Federation, and winning it reflects India’s rising stature on the world squash stage.

The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 240 million loan to support the expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail network as part of a larger USD 780 million financing facility. This funding aims to improve urban mobility through the development of new metro lines and stations while promoting inclusivity, safety, and climate resilience. The project focuses on cleaner and more reliable public transport, disaster-resistant infrastructure, and long-term financial sustainability. ADB’s involvement reflects its broader role in supporting India’s urban infrastructure, low-carbon development, and inclusive growth objectives.

Google’s Project Suncatcher is a long-term research initiative aimed at developing solar-powered data centres in space to meet rising AI-driven computing demands while reducing environmental impact. As part of this ambitious plan, Google intends to deploy prototype satellites by 2027. These satellites will form a distributed computing network powered entirely by solar energy, using advanced technologies such as Tensor Processing Units and laser-based optical communication links. The 2027 timeline reflects the complexity of developing space-ready hardware, ensuring radiation resistance, and establishing reliable inter-satellite communication systems for large-scale computing in orbit.

The Insurance Amendment Bill, 2025 introduces a major reform by increasing the permissible FDI limit in insurance companies to 100%. This change reflects the government’s intention to open the sector fully to foreign investment, which is expected to bring in substantial capital inflows. Higher foreign participation can enhance competition, encourage innovation, and improve the quality and reach of insurance services in India. The reform aligns with the regulatory framework governed by the Insurance Act, LIC Act, and IRDAI Act, strengthening the sector’s growth potential.

Raiza Dhillon delivered an exceptional performance at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions by winning gold medals in both the Women’s Skeet and Junior Women’s Skeet events. Competing at the Karni Singh Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, the Olympian demonstrated consistency, precision, and composure under pressure. In the Women’s Skeet final, she scored 56 to clinch the top position. Achieving a golden double at a national-level championship highlights her technical excellence and strong competitive mindset, further establishing her as one of India’s prominent shooters in the skeet discipline.

The Indian Navy is set to commission INAS 335, known as the Ospreys, as its second squadron of MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters at INS Hansa in Goa. This induction represents a significant step in strengthening India’s naval aviation capabilities. The MH-60R helicopters are equipped with advanced sensors, weapons, and avionics, enabling them to perform critical roles such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue. The squadron’s commissioning enhances maritime domain awareness and supports India’s broader naval modernisation and operational readiness efforts.

AIIMS Delhi played a pioneering role by conducting India’s first dedicated clinical trial of an advanced brain stent under the GRASSROOT trial. The trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of the indigenously developed Supernova stent for treating severe strokes, particularly large vessel occlusion cases. Conducted across multiple medical centres, the study produced high-quality clinical evidence that led to CDSCO approval based solely on domestic data. This achievement strengthened India’s medical research ecosystem, reduced reliance on foreign trials, and supported national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the medical devices sector.

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty was elected as the first woman President of the Press Club of India, marking a historic milestone in the country’s media landscape. A senior journalist with extensive experience in political and investigative reporting, her election represents a breakthrough in gender representation within media leadership. Her panel secured a clean sweep in the 2025 elections with an overwhelming mandate, reflecting strong support from the journalistic community. Her leadership is expected to strengthen press freedom, promote ethical journalism, and address key concerns such as journalists’ rights, professional safety, and media independence in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

India achieved the 3rd position in the Asia Power Index 2025, marking a significant milestone in its regional and global standing. Published by the Lowy Institute, the index evaluates countries based on their ability to influence the Indo-Pacific through economic strength, military capability, diplomacy, and future resources. By crossing the 40-point threshold for the first time, India entered the category of a “Major Power,” placing it just behind the United States and China. This ranking reflects sustained progress in economic growth, defence preparedness, diplomacy, and long-term strategic potential.