Daily Current Affairs- 8th December 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 8th December 2025

Ghaziabad Becomes India’s Most Polluted City in November 2025: CREA Report

In the News: The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released a report identifying Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, as India's most polluted city during November 2025. The report highlighted severe air quality deterioration in the National Capital Region, with Ghaziabad recording the highest levels of particulate matter pollution among Indian cities.

Key Points:

• CREA Report Findings: The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air published its monthly air quality analysis for November 2025, ranking Ghaziabad as India's most polluted city based on PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 micrometers) concentration levels..
• Pollution Levels Recorded: Exceeding India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (60 µg/m³ for 24-hour PM2.5) and the WHO guidelines (5 µg/m³ annual mean and 15 µg/m³ 24-hour mean for PM2.5) Ghaziabad recorded extremely high average PM2.5 levels during November 2025.
• National Capital Region Crisis: Multiple cities in the National Capital Region, including Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Faridabad, featured prominently among India's most polluted cities in November 2025.
• Contributing Factors: The severe pollution in Ghaziabad and surrounding areas resulted from multiple sources including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, stubble burning in neighboring states, and unfavorable winter meteorological conditions. Low wind speeds, temperature inversion, and reduced mixing height during November prevented pollutant dispersion, leading to accumulation of harmful particles.
• Health Impact Assessment: The CREA report highlighted significant public health implications of the severe air pollution, linking elevated PM2.5 levels to increased respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy.
• Government Response Measures: In response to deteriorating air quality, authorities implemented measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), including restrictions on construction activities, entry of polluting vehicles, and closure of schools during peak pollution days.

11th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 Begins in Panchkula

In the News: The 11th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) commenced in Panchkula, Haryana, running from December 6-9, 2025, at the Dussehra Ground in Sector 5. Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the festival under the theme "Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Science for Prosperity: for Self-Reliant India), celebrating India's progress in science, innovation, and technology with over 40,000 participants expected from India and abroad.

Key Points:

• Event Duration and Location: The 11th IISF 2025 is being held from December 6-9, 2025, at Dussehra Ground, Sector 5, Panchkula, Haryana.
• Theme: The festival's theme is "Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat," which translates to "Science for Prosperity: for Self-Reliant India." The theme places science at the center of national development and highlights the role of scientific applications in strengthening self-reliance and economic growth.
• Organizing Bodies: IISF 2025 is organized by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) as the lead ministry, coordinated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), a national science movement with swadeshi spirit. The festival is organized under the guidance of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
• Participating Ministries and Departments: Key participating organizations include the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy, and other scientific ministries. These departments contribute through frontier technologies, research facilities, and domain specialists.
• Outreach Partner: Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) serves as the outreach partner, facilitating public engagement, student participation, and linkages with schools, colleges, and community-based science groups across the country.
• Five Thematic Focus Areas: IISF 2025 focuses on five broad themes: (1) Science, Technology and Ecology of North-West India and the Himalayan Region, (2) Science for Society and Education, (3) Aatmanirbhar Bharat through Science and Technology, (4) Biotechnology and Bio-Economy, and (5) Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science.
• Scale and Participation: The festival is expected to bring together more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad, including scientists, researchers, students, educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, farmers, craftsmen, science communicators, and policymakers. The event features over 150 technical and thematic sessions across science, technology, innovation, and industry.
• Priority Technology Domains: The program highlights priority domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Bio-Economy, New Age Technology, Quantum Technology, Gene Editing, satellites, launch systems, space applications, and regional climate science related to the Himalayas and North-West India.
• IISF History and Inception: IISF was launched in 2015 in New Delhi under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was conceived as a national celebration of India's scientific and technological achievements, aimed at promoting scientific temper and enhancing public participation in science.
• Previous Editions: Since its inception, IISF has been hosted across major cities: 2015 (New Delhi - 1st edition), 2016 (New Delhi - 2nd edition), 2018 (Kolkata - 3rd edition), 2019 (Lucknow - 4th edition), 2020 (Chennai - 5th edition, held virtually due to COVID-19), 2021 (Goa - 6th edition), 2022 (Bhopal - 7th edition), 2023 (Faridabad - 9th edition held January 17-20, 2024), and 2024 (Assam - 10th edition).
• Expanded Participation: In 2021, the Department of Space and the Department of Atomic Energy became integral parts of IISF, broadening its scope and impact beyond the initial organizing ministries.
• 9th Edition Highlights (Faridabad 2024): The most recent 9th edition held in Faridabad (January 17-20, 2024) under the theme "Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal" drew approximately 1 lakh (100,000) visitors with participation from 21 countries and 35 international delegates. It featured an announcement of a 50-acre Science City in Faridabad and an expo with over 100 stalls from government and private organizations.

Rajasthan Becomes First Indian State to Fully Digitise Voter Rolls Under SIR

In the News: Rajasthan became the first Indian state to completely digitise its electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) program. The achievement marks a significant milestone in India's electoral modernization efforts, with the state's Chief Electoral Officer announcing the completion of the digital transformation of voter registration data across all districts.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: Rajasthan became the first state in India to achieve complete digitisation of electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative launched by the Election Commission of India. The state successfully converted all physical voter records into digital format, covering approximately 5.5 crore registered voters across 33 districts and 200 assembly constituencies.
• Special Intensive Revision Program: The SIR is a comprehensive electoral roll updation exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India to ensure accurate, updated, and error-free voter lists.
• Voter Verification Process: As part of the SIR exercise, comprehensive door-to-door verification was conducted using digital tablets and smartphones. BLOs used digital tools such as the BLO mobile app and online portals to verify and update voter details during field verification.

Tamil Nadu Unveils Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025

In the News: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the Tamil Nadu Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025, positioning the state as a global hub for next-generation toy design, development, and production. The policy aims to capture a larger share of the global toy market valued at approximately $180 billion while reviving Tamil Nadu's centuries-old artisanal toy traditions and integrating them with modern manufacturing supply chains.

Key Points:

• Policy Announcement: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025 in December 2025. The policy had been first announced for release by Industries Minister TRB Rajaa in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in June 2024.
• India's Toy Trade Transformation: Between FY 2014-15 and FY 2022-23, India witnessed a 52% decline in toy imports and a 239% surge in toy exports. Toy imports fell from $332.55 million to $158.7 million, while exports rose from $96.17 million to $325.72 million during this period.
• Investment Targets: The state government aims to attract at least 10 anchor investors in the toy manufacturing sector. Large investments exceeding Rs 50 crore that generate a minimum of 500 jobs will qualify for special incentive packages.
• Dedicated Infrastructure: The policy proposes establishment of a dedicated Toy Manufacturing Park and promotion of creative design studios to drive research, innovation, and creation of high-skilled jobs.
• Priority Product Categories: The policy prioritizes futuristic and high-value product categories including STEM-based educational toys, electronic and interactive toys, puzzles and board games, action figures, and plush dolls.
• MSME Support: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) entering toy manufacturing are eligible for capital subsidies of up to Rs 1.5 crore, along with payroll support and other benefits.
• Creative Design Studio Support: A 30% payroll subsidy for 12 months will be offered to creative design studios engaged in toy design or research and development set up in Tamil Nadu.
• Policy Validity: The policy will remain valid for five years. It will be implemented through the Industries Department, with SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited) acting as the nodal agency for incentive disbursal.
• Thanjavur Thalayatti Bommai: The iconic Thanjavur Thalayatti Bommai (bobblehead dancing doll), a traditional terracotta toy with GI tag status granted in 2008, continues to symbolize the state's rich artisanal heritage and is positioned for global footprint under the new policy.
• Ambasamudram Wooden Toys: Ambasamudram Choppu Saman, traditional wooden lacquered toys from Tirunelveli with history dating back to the 18th century, received GI tag recognition. These toys are made using seasoned wood logs, natural colors, lac resin, and screwpine leaves.
• Alignment with National Goals: The policy aligns with the Government of India's 'Make in India' campaign, National Action Plan for Toys (NAPT), and quality control measures including BIS certification requirements for toy safety.
• Tamil Nadu's Manufacturing Base: Tamil Nadu already has a significant presence in toy manufacturing among Indian states. The state employs 42% of India's total female workforce in the manufacturing sector and achieved $44 billion in export performance across various sectors in FY 2023-24.

EU's $140 Million Fine on Elon Musk's X Ignites Political Storm

In the News: The European Union imposed a fine of approximately $140 million (around €120 million) on Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for violations of the Digital Services Act. The penalty triggered a political controversy, with US Vice President JD Vance criticizing the EU for attacking American companies and Elon Musk calling for the abolition of the European Union.

Key Points:

• Fine Imposition: The European Commission imposed a fine of approximately $140 million on X for failing to comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into full effect in 2024. The fine represents one of the first major enforcement actions under the EU's comprehensive digital regulation framework designed to govern online platforms.
• Digital Services Act Background: The DSA is a landmark European Union regulation that establishes stricter rules for large online platforms, requiring them to moderate content, provide transparency in algorithms, protect user data, and take responsibility for illegal or harmful content hosted on their platforms. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to six percent of global annual revenue.
• US Political Response: US Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized the European Union's action on X, stating that "The EU should be supporting free speech, not attacking American companies over garbage
• Elon Musk's Reaction: X owner Elon Musk responded strongly to the fine, calling for the European Union to be "abolished" and characterizing the regulatory action as an attack on free speech. Musk has consistently positioned X as a platform committed to minimal content moderation and maximum free expression, often clashing with regulatory authorities.

Indian Scientists Discover Alaknanda Galaxy Using James Webb Space Telescope

In the News: Two Indian scientists, Rashi Jain and Yogesh Wadadekar from the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (NCRA-TIFR), Pune, discovered a grand-design spiral galaxy named Alaknanda using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The galaxy, remarkably similar to the Milky Way, existed when the Universe was just 1.5 billion years old, challenging long-established theories about galaxy formation and cosmic evolution.

Key Points:

• Discovery Team: The discovery was made by researchers Rashi Jain (lead author) and Yogesh Wadadekar working at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Pune, India. The research findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Astronomy & Astrophysics in November-December 2025.
• Galaxy Name Origin: The galaxy was named Alaknanda after a sacred Himalayan river that is one of the two main headstreams of the Ganga, alongside the Mandakini. The naming holds symbolic significance as Mandakini is the Hindi name for the Milky Way galaxy, drawing a poetic connection between the discovery and our own galaxy.
• Age and Timeline: Alaknanda existed when the Universe was approximately 1.5 billion years old, which is roughly one-tenth of its current age of 13.8 billion years. The galaxy's light traveled for over 12 billion years to reach the James Webb Space Telescope, making it one of the most distant grand-design spiral galaxies ever identified.
• Telescope Technology: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in 2021, is the most powerful space telescope ever built with infrared capabilities. The telescope operates from Lagrange Point L2, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, featuring a 6.5-meter segmented mirror that provides unprecedented resolution for observing distant cosmic objects.
• Galaxy Structure: Alaknanda is a grand-design spiral galaxy with two well-defined, symmetric spiral arms wrapping around a bright central bulge approximately 30,000 light-years in diameter.
• Stellar Mass and Formation: The galaxy contains approximately 10 billion solar masses of stars. Remarkably, half of Alaknanda's stars appear to have formed in just 200 million years, demonstrating extraordinarily rapid stellar assembly. The galaxy is currently forming stars at a rate 20-30 times faster than the Milky Way's present rate.
• Gravitational Lensing Discovery: Alaknanda was discovered in the direction of the massive galaxy cluster Abell 2744, also known as Pandora's Cluster, located in the constellation Sculptor. The cluster's enormous gravity acts as a natural gravitational lens, bending and magnifying the light from distant background galaxies, making Alaknanda appear twice as bright and enabling detailed observation.
• Formation Theories: Scientists propose two main theories for Alaknanda's rapid formation: (1) steady growth through rapid cold-gas accretion, allowing density waves to naturally carve spiral patterns, or (2) a gravitational encounter with a smaller companion galaxy that triggered tidal spiral arms, though such structures typically fade quickly.
• Research Duration: The discovery required 15 months of meticulous analysis and work by the research team to process and interpret the JWST data, determine the galaxy's properties, and verify the findings before publication.

Jaiswal Becomes 6^th Indian to Hit Tons in All Formats

In the News: Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal became the sixth Indian player to score centuries in all three international formats (Test, ODI, and T20I). The 22-year-old left-handed opening batsman achieved this feat during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, solidifying his position as one of India’s most promising young talents.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: Yashasvi Jaiswal joined an elite group of Indian cricketers who have scored centuries across all three international formats. He became the sixth Indian player to accomplish this rare feat, following Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shubman Gill. He has a T20I century.
• Test Cricket Success: Jaiswal had already established himself as a formidable Test batsman with multiple centuries in the longest format. His Test career includes impressive performances against top-ranked teams, showcasing his ability to adapt to different conditions and opposition bowling attacks.
• ODI Century Achievement: The young opener had previously scored his ODI century, demonstrating his versatility across white-ball formats.
• Age and Potential: At 23 years of age, Jaiswal is the youngest among the six Indian players to achieve this distinction, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential for a long, successful international career. His early success across formats indicates promising prospects for Indian cricket’s future.
• Career Statistics: Since making his international debut, Jaiswal has consistently performed across formats, accumulating runs at competitive averages and strike rates. His ability to score quickly while building substantial innings has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team across all formats.

Bodhi Day 2025: Celebrating the Buddha’s Enlightenment and Eternal Wisdom

In the News: Buddhist communities across the world observed Bodhi Day, commemorating the spiritual awakening of Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment (Bodhi) under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India, more than 2,500 years ago. The sacred occasion marks the Buddha's transformation from ignorance to insight and symbolizes the essence of Buddhism—liberation through self-realization, compassion, and wisdom.

Key Points:

• Observance Date: Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8 annually in Japan and throughout the Japanese diaspora, following the Gregorian calendar adopted during the Meiji Restoration (1862-1869). Theravada Buddhist countries celebrate the Buddha's enlightenment during Vesak festival in April-May.
• Enlightenment Process: After forsaking years of extreme ascetic practices, Siddhartha resolved to meditate until he found the root of suffering. He spent approximately seven days to 49 days (accounts vary) in intense meditation under the Bodhi tree, facing mental challenges and temptations from the demon Mara. On the morning of the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, he attained enlightenment while gazing at the morning star Venus.
• Buddhist Name Origin: The term "Bodhi" in Sanskrit and Pali means "awakening" or "enlightenment." Upon achieving enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama became known as "Buddha," meaning "The Awakened One" or "The Enlightened One." He discovered the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which became the foundation of Buddhist philosophy.
• Four Noble Truths: The Buddha realized fundamental truths about existence: Dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness exists), Samudaya (suffering arises from attachment and craving), Nirodha (suffering can cease), and Magga (the path to cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path). These teachings address the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara).
• Bodh Gaya Location: Bodh Gaya is located in Gaya district in Bihar state, approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Patna and 16 kilometers from Gaya district headquarters. It is considered the holiest site in Buddhism and one of the four most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, along with Kushinagar (place of Buddha's death), Lumbini (birthplace in Nepal), and Sarnath (first sermon).
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2002, marks the exact location of Buddha's enlightenment. The first temple was built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 260 BCE (3rd century BCE). The present temple dates from the 5th-6th century CE during the Gupta period and stands approximately 50-55 meters tall, built entirely of brick.
• Vajrasana and Bodhi Tree: The temple complex includes the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), which marks the exact spot where Buddha sat during enlightenment, and the sacred Bodhi Tree. The current Bodhi tree is a descendant of the original tree, planted in 1881 by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham from a cutting of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka, which itself was grown from a sapling of the original tree sent by Emperor Ashoka in 288 BCE.
• Japanese Celebration - Rohatsu: In Japanese Zen Buddhism, Bodhi Day is known as Rohatsu or Rohachi (臘八), literally meaning "eighth day of the 12th month." Zen monks and lay followers traditionally stay awake the entire night before Rohatsu practicing meditation. The holiday is often preceded by an intensive meditation retreat called sesshin.
• Chinese Celebration - Laba: The Chinese version is called Laba Festival (臘八), celebrated on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month. The festival is associated with eating rice porridge (congee), which recalls the offering of milk porridge that helped Siddhartha on his journey to enlightenment and replaced earlier meat offerings that violated Buddhist principles.
• Traditional Observances: Buddhists commemorate Bodhi Day through meditation and silent contemplation, study of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings), chanting of sutras (Buddhist scriptures), performing acts of kindness and compassion toward other beings, lighting lamps and candles to symbolize enlightenment dispelling ignorance, and offering food and alms to monks and the less fortunate.
• Home Celebrations: Some Buddhist families decorate a Ficus religiosa tree (Bodhi tree) in their homes with multi-colored lights, garlands, beads symbolizing interconnectedness, and ornaments representing the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). Multi-colored lights symbolize the many pathways to enlightenment and are kept lit for 30 days beginning December 8.
• Traditional Foods: Traditional meals include tea, cakes, and cookies shaped like hearts (referencing the heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi tree), and kheer or rice congee, representing the Buddha's first meal after ending his six-year period of extreme asceticism.
• Sacred Sites within Complex: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex includes several locations associated with Buddha's post-enlightenment meditation: Animeshlocha Stupa (where Buddha gazed at the Bodhi tree without blinking for a week), Ratnachakrama (Jewel Walk where Buddha paced in meditation), Muchalinda Lake (where Buddha meditated during a storm protected by serpent king Muchalinda), and Ratnaghara (site of deep reflection).
• Temple Management: The Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee, established under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, manages the site with nine members including both Hindu and Buddhist representatives. A 2013 amendment allowed non-Hindus to chair the committee. The temple area is protected under the Treasure Trove Act of 1878.
• International Monasteries: Buddhist countries including Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal, Japan,  Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan have built monasteries in Bodh Gaya, making it an international center of Buddhist heritage. A 24-meter (80-foot) Great Buddha Statue was consecrated in 1989 by the 14th Dalai Lama.