“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Anti‑Corruption Day 2025

Every year, December 9 is observed as International Anti‑Corruption Day, a global initiative led by the United Nations to raise awareness about corruption and its harmful impact on governance, development, and society. For 2025, the focus is on empowering young people under the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

Corruption – defined as the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain – weakens institutions, slows growth, and erodes trust in public systems.

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of Genocide Victims

The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is observed every year on December 9, marking a solemn moment to reflect on the horrors of genocide, honour its victims, and renew global commitment to preventing such crimes. This year, 2025, marks the tenth anniversary of this UN-designated day, providing an opportunity to assess international progress, confront new challenges, and strengthen mechanisms that uphold human dignity, accountability, and justice.

“SPORTS”

3-Year-Old Indian Boy Becomes World’s Youngest FIDE-Rated Chess Player

In December 2025, India marked yet another historic milestone in global chess as 3-year-old Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha from Madhya Pradesh became the youngest officially rated chess player in the world. At just 3 years, 7 months, and 20 days old, he entered the records of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) with a rapid rating of 1572—far exceeding the baseline 1400 required for official recognition. 

“APPOINTMENTS”

Stefan Priesner Appointed as New UN Resident Coordinator in India

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Stefan Priesner of Austria as the new UN Resident Coordinator in India. Priesner brings extensive experience in international development, having served as UN Resident Coordinator in Iran (2021–2025), Malaysia–Brunei–Singapore (2017–2021), and Uzbekistan (2013–2017), along with various senior UNDP roles across Asia and Europe.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONA NEWS”

UPI Recognized as World’s Largest Real-Time Payment System by IMF

In a landmark recognition of India’s digital infrastructure, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its June 2025 report titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments (The Value of Interoperability)” declared Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as the world’s largest real-time payment system by transaction volume. Complementing this recognition, the ACI Worldwide report titled “Prime Time for Real-Time 2024” confirmed that UPI accounts for 49% of global real-time transactions, a figure that cements India’s position as a global fintech leader.

Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Secures GI Tag

Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its historic sweetness, superior quality, and deep cultural association with the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The GI application was community-driven, initiated by former UBKV professor Tulsi Saran Ghimiray and later transferred to the Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation, ensuring that the benefits directly reach local growers.

Odisha CM Inaugurates 36th Konark Festival and 15th International Sand Art Festival

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 36th Konark Festival and 15th International Sand Art Festival, beginning five days of cultural celebrations featuring dance, music and creative sand art. The festivals, organised by the Tourism Department, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, and OTDC, aim to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence.