Daily Current Affairs- 14th December 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 14th December 2025

Lakshadweep Hosts First-Ever Investors’ Meet to Unlock Fisheries and Aquaculture Potential

In the News: The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, in collaboration with the UT Administration of Lakshadweep, successfully organized Lakshadweep's first-ever Investors' Meet on "Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands" at Bangaram Island, attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, and Administrator Praful Patel, bringing together 22 investors and entrepreneurs from across India .

Key Points:

• Historic First Investors' Meet: The December 13, 2025 event at Bangaram Island marked the first-of-its-kind Investors' Meet ever held in Lakshadweep, representing a watershed moment for the Union Territory's economic development and fisheries sector. The event brought together 22 investors and entrepreneurs from across India working in diverse sectors including tuna and deep-sea fisheries, seaweed farming, ornamental fish production, offshore cage farming, tuna processing and canning, cold-chain infrastructure development, and waste management solutions.
• ₹519 Crore Investment Proposals: The Investors' Meet generated approximately ₹519 crore worth of planned investment proposals, demonstrating strong private sector interest in developing Lakshadweep's fisheries and aquaculture potential. Investment proposals span the entire fisheries value chain including upstream activities (deep-sea fishing vessels, multi-gear fishing boats, mother vessels for catch aggregation), midstream processing (tuna processing units, canning facilities, sashimi-grade tuna value addition, fish oil refining capacities), cold-chain infrastructure (cold storage facilities, ice plants, chilled fish handling centers for post-harvest management, onboard storage systems), downstream marketing (branding initiatives like "Lakshadweep Sustainable Tuna," export-focused operations, certification for eco-labelling), seaweed sector (offshore seaweed farms, nurseries, biomass processing, bioproduct manufacturing for food/pharmaceutical/cosmetic industries), ornamental fish (production facilities, brood banks, sustainable breeding operations), offshore cage farming (large-scale mariculture operations for sea bass, pompano, mullets), and supporting infrastructure (modern fishing harbours, fleet modernization, logistics networks).
• Lakshadweep's Untapped Fisheries Potential:  Tuna dominates Lakshadweep's marine catch, accounting for approximately 75% of total landings, with current tuna production around 15,000 tonnes against potential of significantly higher volumes. The islands possess approximately 4,200 square kilometres of lagoon area providing ideal conditions for seaweed cultivation, offshore mariculture, and other aquaculture activities, and rich ornamental fish biodiversity including diverse species suitable for the growing global aquarium trade.
• Tuna Fisheries and Sustainable Practices: Lakshadweep's tuna fisheries represent the flagship opportunity highlighted at the Investors' Meet. With proper branding, certification, and modern value-chain development, "Lakshadweep Sustainable Tuna" or similar premium labels could access high-end international markets in Japan, Europe, and North America where sustainably-caught tuna commands significant price premiums over conventional products. Development priorities include strengthening the entire value chain from fishing (modern multi-gear deep-sea vessels, mother vessels for aggregating catch, improved fishing techniques) through processing (processing units, canning facilities, sashimi-grade tuna value addition maintaining freshness and quality) to export (branding initiatives, certification processes, market development).
• Seaweed Farming Opportunities:  The islands have been officially notified as a Seaweed Cluster under PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), establishing policy framework and institutional support.
• Offshore Cage Farming Potential: Offshore cage farming represents the fourth major sector with significant potential for scale, suitable for Lakshadweep's expansive Exclusive Economic Zone. The Union Territory's approximately 4 lakh square kilometres of EEZ provides suitable environment for large-scale mariculture operations in open ocean conditions beyond sheltered lagoons. Successful pilot projects elsewhere in India have proven commercial and technical viability of cage farming, including trials by the National Fisheries Development Board with local cooperatives and Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) deploying 30 cages for species including sea bass, pompano, and mullets in Balasore, Odisha. Similar models can be scaled up in Lakshadweep to turn the islands into a hub for modern offshore aquaculture producing high-value fish species for domestic and export markets.
• New EEZ Fishing Rules and Export Facilitation: The government issued fishing rules for India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), therefore fishermen operating in the EEZ can now legally fish with an authorized "Access Pass" enabling them to export high-value tuna and other fish products to international markets with proper documentation. As per international law, fishery resources present in India's EEZ will now be recognized as "Indian Origin" which further facilitates export of fish products by meeting country-of-origin requirements that importing countries impose for trade, labelling, and tariff purposes. The government also issued "High Seas Fishing Guidelines" granting fishing vessels flying the Indian flag legal right to operate in international waters beyond any country's EEZ, expanding potential fishing grounds for Indian operators.

India Steps Up Humanitarian and Infrastructure Aid to Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah

In the News: In response to the devastating Cyclone Ditwah that struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025 causing catastrophic floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapse, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu—a large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission—under its Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, deploying Indian Navy warships, Indian Air Force aircraft, National Disaster Response Force personnel, and Indian Army engineer task forces to deliver over 1,000 tonnes of essential relief supplies, restore critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, and communication networks, and provide medical assistance to cyclone-affected communities across multiple districts of Sri Lanka.

Key Points:

• Cyclone Ditwah Impact on Sri Lanka: Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, the fourth cyclonic storm of the 2025 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, originated from a well-marked low-pressure system and intensified into a cyclonic storm. The storm made landfall in Sri Lanka on November 27, crossed the island while maintaining cyclonic storm intensity, then moved into the Bay of Bengal on November 29 before weakening.
• Operation Sagar Bandhu Launch: India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu (meaning "friend" in Sanskrit/Hindi, symbolizing India's role as a trusted friend and first responder) on November 28, 2025, immediately following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact on Sri Lanka. The operation represents India's rapid humanitarian response embodying the Neighbourhood First policy prioritizing relations with immediate neighbors and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) maritime cooperation vision promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. Operation Sagar Bandhu is a coordinated multi-agency relief mission involving the Indian Navy deploying warships and Landing Craft Utility vessels for relief delivery to coastal and remote regions, the Indian Air Force operating transport aircraft for airlift of relief materials and evacuation support, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) providing specialized rescue teams and medical aid, and the Indian Army deploying engineer task forces for infrastructure restoration including roads, bridges, and communication networks.
• Naval Deployment and Maritime Relief: The Indian Navy played a central role in Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying multiple warships and specialized vessels to deliver relief supplies via sea routes to cyclone-affected coastal areas and regions inaccessible by road. Initial naval response included deployment of INS Vikrant (India's indigenous aircraft carrier) and INS Udaygiri (guided-missile frigate), which delivered 4.5 tonnes of dry rations, 2 tonnes of fresh rations, and multiple essential relief supplies supporting families cut off by floods.
• Air Force Airlift Operations: The Indian Air Force conducted extensive airlift operations transporting relief materials and personnel to Sri Lanka as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu. On December 7, 2025 (early morning), a C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft carrying nearly 12 tons of humanitarian material landed in Colombo, delivering tents for emergency shelter, tarpaulins for protection from elements, blankets for displaced families, hygiene kits maintaining sanitation and health, and ready-to-eat food for immediate nutrition needs.
• NDRF Deployment for Specialized Rescue: India deployed 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, providing specialized capabilities critical for cyclone disaster response. NDRF teams were airlifted and inducted on a priority basis to support Sri Lankan authorities whose rescue resources were stretched thin by the scale of devastation across multiple districts.

Union Cabinet Approves Census of India 2027 at ₹11,718.24 Crore Cost

In the News: The Union Cabinet approved the conduct of Census of India 2027 at a total cost of ₹11,718.24 crore, marking India's first digital census and the first decadal census since 2011 after multiple COVID-19-related postponements. The census will be conducted in two phases over 125 days, combining traditional door-to-door enumeration with modern technology including mobile applications, biometric verification, and data analytics.

Key Points:

• Cabinet Approval and Budget: The Union Cabinet approved ₹11,718.24 crore for Census 2027, covering all operational costs including training, technology infrastructure, personnel deployment, and data processing. This represents significant investment in comprehensive demographic enumeration, increased from previous censuses due to digital transformation and expanded scope.
• First Digital Census in India's History: Census 2027 will be India's first completely digital census, marking transformation from paper-based enumeration to technology-enabled data collection using mobile applications for enumerators, biometric authentication for verification, GPS tagging for household locations, cloud-based data storage and processing, and real-time monitoring of census operations. Digital approach promises greater accuracy, faster processing, reduced errors, enhanced security, and improved accessibility of census data for policymaking and research.
• Two-Phase Enumeration Over 125 Days: The census will be conducted in two distinct phases spanning 125 days total. Phase 1 (House Listing and Housing Census) involves comprehensive listing of all residential structures, recording housing characteristics including type, construction materials, amenities, and infrastructure access. Phase 2 (Population Enumeration) involves detailed data collection on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic indicators, migration patterns, disability status, and other population attributes for every individual in India.
• Delayed Since 2021: Census 2027 represents the first decadal census since 2011, delayed from its originally scheduled 2021 timeline due to COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. The postponement created a data gap affecting policy planning, resource allocation, and evidence-based governance. The delay also means Census 2027 will capture India's demographic transition, urbanization trends, and socioeconomic changes over a 16-year period rather than the standard 10 years.
• Comprehensive Scope and Coverage: The census will enumerate India's entire population across all states, union territories, urban areas, rural areas, remote regions, and difficult terrains. Coverage includes demographic data (age, sex, marital status, birth/death registration), socioeconomic indicators (literacy, education levels, employment status, occupation categories), housing characteristics (ownership, amenities, construction type), migration patterns (place of birth, duration of residence), religious and linguistic data, disability status, and other attributes critical for development planning.

UNESCO Adds Endangered Traditional Arts and Crafts to Urgent Safeguarding List

In the News: During the 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held from December 8-13, 2025, in New Delhi, India—the first time India has hosted such a UNESCO meeting—the Committee examined 67 cultural elements submitted by 77 countries and inscribed 11 endangered traditional arts and crafts onto its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, drawing attention to cultural practices at risk of disappearing that require immediate protection, documentation, and community support to survive for future generations.

Key Points:

• Historic Session in New Delhi: The 20th session was held at the Red Fort from December 8-13, 2025, marking the first time India hosted this UNESCO meeting. Over 1,400 participants attended, making it the largest Committee meeting to date, reflecting growing global importance attached to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
• 53 Elements on Representative List: The Committee also inscribed 53 elements onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the Bisht (ceremonial men's garment from Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and UAE), family tradition circus in Chile, and the zaffa (bridal procession traditions shared across seven countries).
• Successful Safeguarding Recognition: Two elements were transferred from the Urgent Safeguarding List to the Representative List due to successful revival efforts: China's Hezhen Yimakan storytelling.

Bondi beach terror attack

In the News:  A terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, during a Hanukkah celebration, left dozens injured. Australian authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack driven by antisemitism and launched major investigations and security responses.

Key Points:

• What Happened: Two armed gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration (‘Chanukah by the Sea’) near Bondi Beach, killing at least 12 people including one of the attackers and injuring many others before police engaged the suspects.
• Declared Terrorist Attack: Police and government officials described the shooting as a terrorist incident with an antisemitic motive, as it targeted a Jewish community event during an important festival.
• Casualties & Victims: The attack resulted in multiple fatalities and victims included a range of ages and community figures, specific group breakdowns and identities should be cited from verified reports. In particular, at least one rabbi from the Chabad community was reported killed. Among those killed were community members attending the festival.
•  Response & Aftermath: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other global leaders condemned the violence. Police increased security nationwide, urged calm, and launched counter-terrorism operations, while the public was asked to share information and avoid the area.

India Ranks as World’s Third Most Competitive Nation in Artificial Intelligence, After US and China

In the News: India emerged as the world's third most competitive country in Artificial Intelligence according to Stanford University's Global AI Vibrancy Tool 2025, highlighting how India's fast-growing tech ecosystem, strong talent base, and proactive government policies are helping the country play a key role in the global AI race. With a vibrancy score of 21.59, India ranks behind only the United States (78.6) and China (36.95), surpassing several advanced economies including South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Germany, and France, and stands out as the only lower-middle-income country to feature so high on the global list, underlining its unique position in the AI landscape driven by exceptional growth in AI talent expansion, research capability, startup ecosystem, and patent filings.

Key Points:

• Stanford University's Global AI Vibrancy Tool: The ranking comes from Stanford University's Global AI Vibrancy Tool 2025, a comprehensive assessment framework that combines several indicators into a single composite score to measure how developed and competitive a country's AI ecosystem is across multiple dimensions. The tool, whose data was visualized by Visual Capitalist in a widely circulated chart, tracks global progress in AI development, innovation, and investments between 2017 and 2024, providing longitudinal analysis of countries' AI trajectories.
• India's Third-Place Ranking and Score: India secured the third position globally with a vibrancy score of 21.59, representing a significant achievement for a developing nation competing with the world's most advanced economies in cutting-edge technology. The ranking places India well ahead of multiple high-income, technologically advanced nations that might have been expected to outrank it, including South Korea (a global leader in electronics and semiconductors with major AI investments from Samsung and LG), the United Kingdom (home to DeepMind, world-class universities like Oxford and Cambridge, and a strong AI research tradition), Singapore (a high-income city-state with advanced digital infrastructure and government AI initiatives), Japan (a technology powerhouse with robotics expertise and major corporations like Sony, Toyota investing in AI), Canada (home to AI pioneers like Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, and Vector Institute for AI), Germany (Europe's largest economy with strong engineering tradition and Industry 4.0 leadership), and France (with ambitious AI plans, leading research institutions, and significant government funding).
• US and China's Dominant Positions: The United States remains far ahead in first place with a commanding vibrancy score of 78.6, more than double China's score and over 3.5 times India's score, reflecting America's decades-long leadership in computing, AI research, venture capital ecosystems, world-class universities (Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon), and technology giants (Google, Microsoft, Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic) that are pushing the frontiers of AI capabilities through large language models, autonomous systems, and AI infrastructure.
• India's Climb from Seventh to Third (2023-2024): India demonstrated remarkable upward mobility in the AI Vibrancy rankings, climbing from seventh place in 2023 to third place in 2024, overtaking four advanced economies (United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan) in just one year. This rapid ascent reflects accelerating momentum in India's AI ecosystem driven by multiple reinforcing factors including tripling of AI professionals since 2018, surge in AI startup formations and venture capital funding, increased academic research output and patent filings, government policy initiatives creating enabling environments, and growing private sector investments in AI infrastructure and applications.
• Government Policy and Strategic Initiatives: Experts attribute India's rapid AI rise to a series of strategic government initiatives creating enabling policy environments, funding mechanisms, institutional infrastructure, and skill development programs. Key initiatives include the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy providing overarching vision and priorities for AI development focusing on inclusive growth and social benefit; the "AI for All" mission emphasizing democratized access to AI benefits across socioeconomic strata and geographic regions rather than concentrating gains among urban elites; the Startup India initiative launched in 2016 creating favorable conditions for startup formation and growth through tax benefits, simplified regulations, and funding access, which has particularly benefited AI startups; establishment of dedicated Centers of Excellence (CoEs) for AI research across the country providing specialized infrastructure, convening researchers, and tackling priority challenges; introduction of AI and machine learning modules in technical education curricula at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ensuring engineering graduates have baseline AI competencies.