INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Operation Hawkeye Strike: US Air Action Against ISIS in Syria

• The United States launched “Operation Hawkeye Strike” targeting ISIS positions inside Syria, signalling a sharp military response.

• The strikes followed a mid-December ISIS attack in the Syrian desert that killed two Iowa National Guard personnel and a US civilian interpreter.

• Washington described the operation as a deterrent action to prevent further attacks on American forces.

• President Donald Trump termed the move a strong and serious retaliation, warning extremist groups against targeting US nationals.

• Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the strikes were punitive and limited, not the start of a wider conflict.

• The operation used advanced air platforms, including F-15 fighters, A-10 attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters.

• ISIS camps and infrastructure were hit to weaken leadership, supply networks, and operational capacity.

• The US confirmed prior coordination with Syrian authorities, reflecting continued counter-terror cooperation in eastern Syria.

STATE NEWS

First International Dangal Wrestling Event in Jammu & Kashmir

• Jammu and Kashmir is hosting its first international Indian-style wrestling meet along with the Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title 2025.

• The event is being held on 20 December at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu.

• Over 100 wrestlers are competing, featuring renowned national and international Dangal athletes.

• Participants have arrived from India, Iran, and other countries, giving the event global stature.

• It is among the largest wrestling competitions ever organised in the Union Territory.

• Matches include open-category bouts, showcasing traditional Indian wrestling formats.

• The Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir title is reserved for wrestlers above 85 kg, with the winner receiving ₹50,000, along with Gurj and Patta honours.

• Cash awards include ₹30,000 for the runner-up and ₹20,000 for third place, with the event organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.

PM Modi Launches Major National Highway Projects in West Bengal

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited West Bengal to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for key highway projects.

• The combined investment in these projects is about ₹3,200 crore.

• The initiatives aim to strengthen road infrastructure and boost economic development in the state.

• The launch ceremony was held at Ranaghat in Nadia district.

• PM Modi inaugurated the 66.7 km four-lane stretch of NH-34 between Barajaguli and Krishnanagar.

• He also laid the foundation stone for four-laning the Barasat–Barajaguli section of NH-34 in North 24 Parganas.

• Both highway stretches are designed to improve travel efficiency and safety.

• The projects will act as a vital connectivity corridor linking Kolkata with Siliguri.

BANKING AND ECONOMY NEWS

India’s Forex Reserves and FDI Inflows: Latest Update

• India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $1.69 billion in the week ending 12 December, as per RBI data.

• With this increase, the country’s total forex reserves reached $688.94 billion.

• The latest rise followed a $1.03 billion increase recorded in the previous week.

• Gold holdings also strengthened, climbing by about $758 million to $107.74 billion.

• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) increased marginally by nearly $14 million, reaching around $18.74 billion.

• In the week ending 5 December, gold reserves had jumped by over $1.18 billion, while SDRs rose by about $93 million.

• India also witnessed robust foreign direct investment growth during the year.

• FDI inflows in the first half of FY 2025–26 touched $50.36 billion, a 16% year-on-year rise, marking the highest-ever inflow for the first half, with $35.18 billion recorded between April and September 2025.

AWARDS

Air India Wins Best Domestic Airline Award 2025

• Air India has secured the Best Domestic Airline title at the Travel + Leisure Awards 2025.

• This marks the airline’s second straight year winning the same honour.

• The awards are based on global reader voting, reflecting passenger preferences.

• The recognition signals improved traveller satisfaction and service experience.

• Air India stated that the award reinforces customer confidence and trust in the brand.

• The airline is undergoing major fleet modernisation, with 570 new aircraft on order.

• A USD 400 million refurbishment programme is being carried out for existing aircraft.

• A320 retrofitting is complete, while two Boeing 787-8 jets are being upgraded in the US and are expected to rejoin operations by February 2026.