India to Assume the Chair of the Kimberley Process

Context: India has been selected to lead the UN-backed Kimberley Process from January 1, 2026, reaffirming its role in global governance of the diamond trade.

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• India will first assume the role of Vice-Chair from December 25, 2025, before taking over the Chair in 2026.
• This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process.
  • India previously served as the Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2008 and 2019.
• The decision was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary, which brings together governments, the international diamond industry and civil society to ensure that rough diamonds are not used to finance armed conflicts or undermine legitimate governments, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

About the Kimberley Process and India’s Role

• The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society.
• The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international certification system established to prevent "conflict diamonds" (also known as "blood diamonds") from entering the legitimate global supply chain.
• The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme came into force on January 1, 2003, pursuant to a United Nations resolution.
• The initiative currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant.
• India is a leading global hub for diamond cutting, polishing, manufacturing, and trade.
• India’s leadership comes amid growing global emphasis on responsible and sustainable sourcing of diamonds.

Samudra Pratap

Context: Recently, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted the first in-built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), SAMUDRA PRATAP (Yard 1267), under the 02 PCV project of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

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• The vessel has been designed and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited as part of a national effort to enhance marine pollution response.
• The ship contains more than 60 percent indigenous content, reinforcing Make in India and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• The induction marks a milestone as it is the largest vessel currently in the Indian Coast Guard fleet.
• The vessel will strengthen India’s capability to respond to oil spills and maritime pollution within the Exclusive Economic Zone and beyond.

Features of Samudra Pratap

• Samudra Pratap is 114.5 metres long and 16.5 metres wide with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes.
• The vessel is equipped with a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns integrated with fire control systems.
• The ship features indigenously developed Integrated Bridge and Integrated Platform Management Systems.
• The vessel has an Automated Power Management System and a high-capacity external firefighting system.
• Samudra Pratap is the first Indian Coast Guard ship with Dynamic Positioning capability DP 1.
• The vessel holds FiFi 2 (Fire Fighting Class 2) and (Fire Fighting Vessel Class 2) FFV 2 notation certification for advanced firefighting operations.
• The ship is equipped with oil spill detection and response systems, including an oil fingerprinting machine.
• The vessel carries a gyro-stabilised standoff active chemical detector and onboard pollution control laboratory equipment.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar- 2025

Context: The President of India presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar- 2025 at an award ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. 

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• In this second edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, 24 awards were presented to distinguished scientists in four categories - Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team.
• The objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is to recognise the notable and inspiring contributions made by the scientists, technologists and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology and technology-led innovation.
• These awards were instituted in 2024 to replace roughly 300 individual ministry awards, which honour scientists, technologists, and innovators for path-breaking research and inspiring achievement.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar- 2025

Constitution of India in the Santhali Language

Context: The President of India released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

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• The Constitution has been published in the Ol Chiki script, which is the traditional script of the Santhali language.
• The President stated that the availability of the Constitution in Santhali would enable Santhali speakers to read and understand constitutional provisions in their own language.
• She highlighted that the year 2025 marks the centenary of the Ol Chiki script and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Law and Justice in completing this work during the centenary year.
• The initiative reflects the constitutional commitment to linguistic diversity, cultural preservation and inclusive governance.

About the Santhali Language

• The Santhali language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the Ninety Second Constitutional Amendment Act 2003.
• Santhali is among the most ancient living languages of India and it is spoken widely by tribal communities in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.
• It is an additional official language in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

First Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Context: Chhattisgarh is set to host the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), from 14 February 2026

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• The logo, theme song and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games were unveiled at the Late B R Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
• The Games are jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee.
• The inaugural edition will feature seven competitive sports, including archery, athletics, football, hockey, wrestling, swimming and weightlifting.
• The official mascot Morveer was unveiled as a cultural symbol representing courage, pride and collective identity of tribal communities.
• The name Morveer combines the Chhattisgarhi word Mor, meaning our own, with Veer symbolising bravery and valour.
• The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme which is a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Union Sports Ministry.
• In 2020, the Khelo India Games were declared an Event of National Importance under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act 2007.

Punjab has declared three holy cities

Context: Recently, the Punjab government has granted the “Holy City” status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo.

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• The Punjab government banned the sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicants in the walled city of Amritsar and within the municipal limits of Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar (Ropar) district, Punjab and Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab.
• The decision followed a unanimous resolution passed by the Punjab Legislative Assembly on November 24, granting holy city status to the three locations.
• A formal notification was issued on December 15 and the restrictions came into effect immediately after.
• The government announced plans for holistic development to ensure convenience for pilgrims and visitors.
• Facilities such as e-rickshaws, mini buses and shuttle services will be introduced to support religious tourism.
• The move aligns Punjab with similar restrictions enforced in the holy cities of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
• The decision is viewed as responding to long-standing demands from Sikh religious bodies.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the livelihood of shopkeepers and the practice of jhatka meat among Nihang Sikhs.

Key Information about the Cities

About Amritsar

• Amritsar houses the Akal Takht, which is the supreme seat among the five Sikh Takhts.
• The ban applies specifically to the walled city which surrounds the Golden Temple complex.

About Anandpur Sahib

• Anandpur Sahib is home to Takht Keshgarh Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa in 1699.
• The city holds deep historical significance linked to Sikh identity and martial tradition.

About Talwandi Sabo

• Talwandi Sabo hosts Takht Damdama Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh finalised the Guru Granth Sahib.
• It is revered as a major centre of Sikh learning and scriptural authority.

Veer Bal Diwas 2025

Context: Veer Baal Diwas is commemorated to honour the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, the Sahibzade of 10^th Guru Govind Singh Ji on 26^th December every year.

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• On this occasion, an event was organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development at the national level to commemorate the courage, sacrifice and exemplary values of India’s young heroes. 
• The children who have achieved exceptional achievements in various fields will be honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) at this event.
  • PMRBP is a prestigious national honour awarded (maximum of 25 awards) annually to children (between 5 and 18 years) for exceptional excellence in areas such as Bravery, Art and Culture, Environment, Social Service, Science and Technology, and Sports.
• This year (2025), 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories have been selected for the award, which will be conferred by the President of India.
• Veer Baal Diwas is a nationwide celebration honouring children as the foundation of India’s future.

About the young martyrs

• On 7 December 1705, the day of the Battle of Chamkaur, Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji, along with their Mata Gujri Ji (grandmother), were taken into custody by Jani Khan and Mani Khan Ranghar at Morinda.
• They were sent the next day to Sirhind and confined in the Cold Tower (Thanda Burj) of the fort.
• On 9 December 1705, they were presented before the Mughal faujdaar, Nawab Wazir Khan, who sentenced them to death despite their steadfast resolve.
• On 12 December 1705, Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji were martyred by being sealed alive in a wall.
• The site of these events, now known as Fatehgarh Sahib near Sirhind, is marked by four Sikh shrines, where a religious fair is held annually from 25 to 28 December in their memory.