11 December 2025 – Current Affairs (Point-Wise) for Competitive Exams
1. National Affairs — India
Launch of Jal Shakti Hackathon-2025 & Bharat-WIN Portal
Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil inaugurated the Jal Shakti Hackathon-2025 and the Bharat Water Innovation Network (Bharat-WIN) Portal in New Delhi to strengthen water innovation across India.
Initiative aligns with Water Vision @2047 to promote technology-driven solutions for water challenges like conservation, wastewater reuse, flood/drought forecasting, smart water monitoring, and traditional water system revival.
National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, will evaluate proposals and assist statewide deployment.
Financial assistance includes grants for proof-of-concept projects to encourage grassroots innovations in water sector technologies.
(Jal Shakti Hackathon details)
President of India’s Official Visit to Manipur
President Droupadi Murmu commenced a two-day official visit to Manipur on 11 December, focusing on engagement with local communities and governance priorities.
Political Developments — Rahul Gandhi’s Germany Visit
Congress leaders defended Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Germany (15–20 Dec) amid criticism from the BJP, casting it as strategic diaspora outreach and global political engagement.
School Closures & Local Updates
Multiple states including Kerala, Telangana, and Jammu & Kashmir declared school holidays on 11 December due to local elections and adverse weather conditions.
2. Important Days & Global Observances
UNICEF Day 2025 — 79th Foundation Anniversary
11 December marks UNICEF Day, commemorating the founding of the United Nations Children’s Fund in 1946.
The observance emphasizes protection of child rights, health, education, equity, and welfare across 190+ countries.
2025 themes focus on child participation and rights (“My Day, My Rights”) and global solidarity for children’s futures.
International Mountain Day
Also observed on 11 December to raise awareness of sustainable mountain development and environmental protection.
3. International Affairs
US–Venezuela Oil Tanker Seizure Tensions
Geopolitical friction escalated as the U.S. seized an oil tanker near Venezuela, with Caracas denouncing it as “international piracy” and warning of broader conflict implications in energy geopolitics.
The incident drew international attention and criticism from political figures and opposition groups.
Cambodia–Thailand Border Conflict Impacts
Renewed military clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border led to Cambodia withdrawing from the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, escalating diplomatic tensions and regional security concerns.
Global Banking & Financial Trends
Australia: Westpac shareholders rejected a transparency resolution on fossil fuel lending, highlighting financial sector resistance to climate accountability.
Bureau of Meteorology in Australia updated its weather information platform following heavy user criticism.
4. Economy & Banking
Global Markets React to Fed Policy
Indian stock benchmarks were projected to open higher as the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 25 basis points, boosting investor confidence.
Continued foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows remained a key market risk factor, influencing Nifty and Sensex performance.
Banking & FinTech Developments
Reports indicate sustained importance of UPI as a leading real-time payment system globally, recognized by international financial institutions.
Major business expansions and investment announcements continued to shape India’s digital and financial sectors.
5. Sports Affairs
Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship & Cricket Updates
India is set to host the Commonwealth Kho Kho Championship with participation from multiple nations, enhancing traditional sports on a global stage.
Domestic and international cricket highlights, including key matches and rankings, featured in sports news.
6. Miscellaneous & Social Updates
Cultural & Social News
Deepavali (Diwali) received recognition as an intangible cultural heritage globally, underscoring India’s cultural diplomacy achievements.
A high-profile prayer meet in Delhi to commemorate veteran actor Dharmendra brought notable strategic social attention.
Exam-Oriented Quick Facts
Static GK & Observances
UNICEF Day: 11 December marks UNICEF’s founding in 1946.
International Mountain Day also falls on 11 December.
Banking / Financial Awareness
U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut (25 bps) impacts global equity markets and banking sentiment.
UPI’s global prominence strengthens India’s digital payments leadership.
Innovation & Government Scheme Relevance
Bharat-WIN Portal signals the government’s emphasis on innovation ecosystem in water management — key for policy and science & tech questions.
