Current Affairs 15/12/2025
1. Who has been appointed as the new UN Resident Coordinator in India by UN Secretary-General António Guterres?
Answer : Stefan Priesner
Stefan Priesner Appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in India
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Stefan Priesner as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in India. With this appointment, Priesner assumes the role of the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System in the country, responsible for coordinating the work of all UN agencies operating in India.
Stefan Priesner is a seasoned UN official from Austria with over three decades of experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, and UN coordination. Prior to his posting in India, he served as UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, where he played a key role in strengthening partnerships with governments, civil society, and development stakeholders to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As UN Resident Coordinator in India, Priesner will lead the UN Country Team and support the Government of India in aligning national development priorities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. His responsibilities include enhancing inter-agency coordination, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth, and ensuring effective delivery of UN programmes across sectors such as health, education, climate action, and social protection.
His appointment reflects the UN’s continued commitment to deepening cooperation with India, a key global development partner, and to advancing people-centred, sustainable, and equitable development outcomes in the country.
2. Roman Gofman has been appointed as the head of the national security agency of which country?
Answer : Israel
Roman Gofman Appointed as Head of Israel’s National Security Agency
Roman Gofman has been appointed as the head of Israel’s national security agency, marking a significant development in the country’s security leadership. His appointment comes at a time when Israel continues to face complex internal and external security challenges, requiring strong coordination among intelligence, defense, and law-enforcement institutions.
As head of the national security agency, Gofman will be responsible for overseeing critical intelligence operations, counter-terrorism efforts, and strategic security planning. The role involves close coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and other intelligence bodies to ensure national stability and safeguard Israel’s strategic interests.
Gofman is known for his extensive experience in security and intelligence affairs, having served in key operational and leadership roles over the years. His professional background and strategic expertise are expected to strengthen Israel’s security apparatus and enhance its ability to respond effectively to evolving regional and global threats.
The appointment underscores Israel’s focus on reinforcing its national security framework and maintaining a robust intelligence structure in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
3. Voreyur Cotton Saree and Thooyamalli Rice belong to which state that received GI tag?
Answer : Tamil Nadu
Voreyur Cotton Saree and Thooyamalli Rice Receive GI Tag from Tamil Nadu
The Voreyur Cotton Saree and Thooyamalli Rice have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing their unique identity and traditional significance. Both products belong to the state of Tamil Nadu, which continues to gain national and international recognition for its rich agricultural and handloom heritage.
The Voreyur Cotton Saree, traditionally woven in the Tiruchirappalli region, is known for its fine cotton fabric, durability, and suitability for everyday wear in tropical climates. The GI tag helps protect the traditional weaving community by ensuring authenticity and preventing misuse of the name.
Thooyamalli Rice is an indigenous paddy variety cultivated in parts of Tamil Nadu. It is valued for its nutritional benefits, aromatic quality, and suitability for traditional diets. Often associated with medicinal and health benefits, this rice variety reflects the state’s ancient agricultural practices and biodiversity.
The GI recognition not only preserves the cultural legacy of Tamil Nadu but also enhances market value, supports local farmers and weavers, and promotes sustainable livelihoods. It reinforces India’s commitment to protecting traditional knowledge and region-specific products under intellectual property rights.
4. The 36th Konark Festival was held in which state?
Answer : Odisha
36th Konark Festival: A Celebration of Classical Arts in Odisha
The 36th Konark Festival was held in the state of Odisha, continuing its long-standing tradition as one of India’s most prestigious cultural festivals. Organised annually near the iconic Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival serves as a vibrant platform for the promotion of India’s classical dance and music traditions.
The Konark Festival brings together renowned artists from across the country, presenting classical dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam, along with classical music performances. The majestic backdrop of the Sun Temple lends a unique historical and aesthetic charm, enhancing the cultural experience for audiences.
Organised by the Odisha Tourism Department in association with cultural organisations, the festival plays a vital role in preserving India’s artistic heritage while also boosting cultural tourism in the state. It attracts art lovers, scholars, and tourists from India and abroad, contributing to Odisha’s reputation as a hub of classical art and culture.
The successful conduct of the 36th edition reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to safeguarding traditional performing arts and promoting cultural continuity through organised festivals of national importance.
5. Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Perplexity AI?
Answer : Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi Appointed as Brand Ambassador of Perplexity AI
Global football icon Lionel Messi has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Perplexity AI, marking a significant collaboration between one of the world’s most celebrated athletes and a fast-growing artificial intelligence company. The association highlights Perplexity AI’s ambition to expand its global reach and strengthen its brand identity across diverse audiences.
Perplexity AI is known for its AI-powered search and information platform, which focuses on delivering accurate, real-time, and conversational responses. By partnering with Messi, the company aims to position itself as a trusted, innovative, and user-friendly AI solution in an increasingly competitive technology landscape.
Lionel Messi’s global appeal, credibility, and influence across generations make him a powerful representative for the brand. His association reflects values such as excellence, consistency, and innovation—qualities that align closely with Perplexity AI’s vision of redefining how people access and interact with information.
The appointment is also seen as a strategic move to bridge technology with popular culture, helping AI tools reach mainstream audiences worldwide. This partnership underscores the growing trend of technology companies collaborating with global sports personalities to enhance visibility and public trust.
6. Who won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025?
Answer : Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen Wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
Max Verstappen clinched victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, delivering a commanding performance at the Yas Marina Circuit to cap off another remarkable Formula One season. The win further reinforced Verstappen’s dominance in modern Formula One and highlighted the technical and strategic strength of the Red Bull Racing team.
Starting from a strong grid position, Verstappen maintained excellent race control, showcasing consistent pace, precise tyre management, and flawless execution throughout the race. His ability to handle pressure during crucial phases, including pit-stop strategies and safety car situations, played a decisive role in securing the win.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, traditionally the final race of the Formula One calendar, attracted global attention as drivers and teams concluded the 2025 season. Verstappen’s victory not only added another prestigious title to his career achievements but also underlined his status as one of the most successful drivers in Formula One history.
This triumph in Abu Dhabi marked a fitting end to the season, reflecting Verstappen’s exceptional skill, Red Bull Racing’s engineering excellence, and their continued supremacy on the world’s premier motorsport stage.