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India – National Current Affairs

1. Goa Liberation Day Observed Across India

India commemorated the 64th anniversary of Goa Liberation Day on 19 December 2025, marking the liberation of Goa from 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule. Operation Vijay was launched on 18 December 1961 by Indian Armed Forces, involving coordinated land, air, and naval operations. Goa was officially liberated on 19 December 1961 and later became India's 25th state on 30 May 1987. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to freedom fighters and emphasized the significance of this defining chapter in India's national journey. Exam relevance: Questions on Indian independence movements, Operation Vijay, state formation dates.

2. Parliament Passes SHANTI Bill 2025 for Nuclear Energy Expansion

The Lok Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, replacing the Atomic Energy Act of 1962. The bill opens India's civil nuclear sector to private companies and establishes a tiered liability framework ranging from ₹100 crore to ₹3,000 crore based on reactor capacity. India aims to achieve 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047, supporting its clean energy transition goals under the Viksit Bharat vision. Exam relevance: Energy policy, nuclear power developments, recent legislation.

3. India-Oman Sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

India signed its second major trade pact in West Asia with Oman on 18 December 2025. The CEPA provides zero-duty market access on 98.08% of Oman's tariff lines covering 99.38% of India's exports. Key sectors benefiting include textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and automobiles. The agreement allows 100% FDI in services sectors and increases quota for intra-corporate transferees from 20% to 50%. Prime Minister Modi was conferred Oman's highest civilian honor, The First Class of the Order of Oman. Exam relevance: India's trade agreements, West Asia relations, FDI policies.

4. Securities Markets Code Bill 2025 Introduced in Lok Sabha

The Union Finance Minister tabled the Securities Markets Code (SMC) Bill, 2025, which consolidates three major legislations: Securities Contracts Regulation Act 1956, SEBI Act 1992, and Depositories Act 1996. The bill aims to modernize India's securities market laws and align regulations with digital trading platforms and fintech innovations. It has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance for detailed scrutiny. Exam relevance: Capital market regulations, SEBI functions, financial sector reforms.

5. PM Modi's Visit to Jordan and Ethiopia Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook his first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan in 2025, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of India-Jordan diplomatic relations. He held wide-ranging talks with King Abdullah II covering trade, defense, and digital cooperation. In Ethiopia, PM Modi paid tribute at the Adwa Victory Monument, honoring Ethiopia's historic 1896 victory over Italian colonial forces, a symbol of African resistance during the colonial era. Exam relevance: India's foreign policy, West Asia and Africa relations, diplomatic milestones.

6. VB-GRAM Bill 2025 Passed to Reform Rural Employment

The Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, aimed at restructuring MGNREGA provisions. The legislation focuses on productivity-linked employment, infrastructure development, and technology-driven transparency aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Special provisions are included for vulnerable groups including single women, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals. Exam relevance: Rural development schemes, employment guarantee programs, social welfare policies.

7. Supreme Court Issues Guidelines on Aravalli Mining

The Supreme Court issued comprehensive guidelines for mining activities in the Aravalli mountain range across multiple states. The Court accepted scientific mapping recommendations and mandated macro-level Environmental Impact Assessments for mining activities. While avoiding a total mining ban to prevent illegal operations, the Court imposed stringent environmental safeguards. The judgment addresses India's commitments under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Exam relevance: Environmental law, judicial activism, conservation efforts.

8. Parliament's Winter Session Concludes with 111% Productivity

The Sixth Session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha concluded after 15 sittings totaling 92 hours and 25 minutes. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the House achieved 111% productivity. During the session, 10 government bills were introduced and 8 bills passed, including amendments related to GST, insurance laws, nuclear energy reforms, and rural employment. Exam relevance: Parliamentary procedures, legislative business, productivity metrics.

9. India's Exports Rise 19% in November 2025

India's goods exports surged 19% year-on-year to $38.13 billion in November 2025, with sharp improvement in trade with the United States. The merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $24.5 billion in November from a record $41.7 billion in October, beating analysts' estimates. The improvement reflects robust export performance across multiple sectors. Exam relevance: Trade statistics, balance of payments, economic indicators.

10. India Cricket Team Wins T20I Series Against South Africa

India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth T20I at Ahmedabad on 19 December 2025, securing the series victory. Tilak Varma scored 73 runs off 42 balls, while Hardik Pandya struck a rapid 63 off 25 balls, recording the second-fastest T20I fifty for India. Varun Chakravarthy was named Player of the Series with 10 wickets. India extended its T20I series-winning streak to ten consecutive series. Exam relevance: Sports current affairs, cricket achievements, tournament results.

International Current Affairs

1. Syria Marks First Anniversary of Assad Regime Fall

Syria marked one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on 8 December 2024, ending 53 years of Assad family rule. Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was appointed as transitional president in January 2025. The U.S. Congress voted to lift Caesar Act sanctions on 18 December 2025, enabling billions of dollars for infrastructure and humanitarian needs. Over one million Syrian refugees have returned home since Assad's departure to Russia. Exam relevance: West Asia politics, regime changes, international sanctions, humanitarian issues.

2. US Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points

The U.S. Federal Reserve announced its third consecutive rate cut on 10 December 2025, lowering the federal funds rate to 3.50-3.75%. The decision was made by a divided Federal Open Market Committee with a 9-3 vote. Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled a cautious approach for 2026, indicating the central bank is well-positioned to wait and assess economic data before further cuts. The Fed's projections suggest only one rate cut in 2026. Exam relevance: Global monetary policy, impact on emerging markets, dollar movements affecting Indian economy.

3. US Military Operations in Pacific Continue Under Scrutiny

U.S. military forces killed five more people on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific on 18-19 December 2025, bringing the total death toll since September to over 104. The operations, authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have faced criticism from Latin American leaders as extrajudicial killings. The attacks are part of the Trump administration's campaign against seaborne drug trafficking. Exam relevance: International law, U.S. foreign policy, drug trafficking issues.

4. European Union Addresses China Cybersecurity Concerns

The British government launched an investigation into a cyber incident following reports that Chinese-linked hackers accessed thousands of confidential documents from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The incident highlights growing concerns about cybersecurity threats from state-sponsored actors. Exam relevance: Cybersecurity, international espionage, digital threats.

5. Poland's Constitutional Tribunal Faces EU Court Ruling

The EU's top court ruled that Poland's Constitutional Tribunal is not independent or impartial due to politicized appointments by the previous conservative government. The ruling addresses concerns about judicial independence and rule of law within EU member states. Exam relevance: European Union law, judicial independence, democratic principles.

6. UN Lifts Some Sanctions on Syria

The U.N. refugee agency in Lebanon stated that U.S. lifting of sanctions on Syria could encourage more refugees to return home. The move is expected to facilitate reconstruction and economic recovery in Syria after years of civil war. Exam relevance: International sanctions, refugee crises, humanitarian affairs.

7. Singapore Introduces Mandatory Caning for Scammers

Singapore announced that scammers will face mandatory caning of up to 24 strokes starting 30 December 2025. The measure represents the government's tough stance on financial fraud and cybercrimes affecting citizens. Exam relevance: Criminal justice systems, comparative law, cyber fraud.

8. Myanmar Military Prepares for Phased Elections

Myanmar's military government announced phased general elections beginning 28 December 2025, amid an ongoing civil war that has killed thousands and displaced millions. The elections are being held four years after the military seized power in a 2021 coup. International observers have questioned the credibility of elections conducted under military rule. Exam relevance: Southeast Asian politics, military coups, democracy issues.

Economy & Banking

1. RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% in December Policy

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% on 5 December 2025, marking the fourth rate cut in 2025. The cumulative reduction for 2025 stands at 125 basis points. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra maintained a neutral stance while revising GDP growth forecast for FY26 upward to 7.3% from 6.8%. Inflation projection was lowered to 2.0% from 2.6%, reflecting historically low price pressures. Exam relevance: Monetary policy, repo rate mechanism, inflation targeting, RBI functions.

2. RBI Announces Liquidity Injection Measures

The RBI will conduct Open Market Operations (OMO) to purchase government securities worth ₹1 lakh crore in December 2025, injecting long-term liquidity into the banking system. Additionally, a three-year USD-INR buy-sell swap of $5 billion will be executed on 16 December to provide forex liquidity. These measures aim to ensure smooth credit flow and support economic growth. Exam relevance: RBI's liquidity management tools, OMO operations, forex management.

3. India's GDP Growth Hits Six-Quarter High

India's real GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 FY26, the highest growth rate in six quarters, driven by robust industrial and services sectors. Real GVA expanded 8.1%. The strong performance was supported by GST and income tax rationalization, softer crude oil prices, and accommodative monetary conditions. Rural demand remained strong while urban demand showed steady recovery. Exam relevance: GDP calculation, economic growth drivers, quarterly performance analysis.

4. Consumer Inflation Drops to Record Low

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation fell to 0.25% in October 2025, the lowest on record, breaching the lower tolerance band of 2% for the first time under the flexible inflation targeting framework. The sharp decline was driven by correction in food prices and subdued price pressures. However, inflation rose to 0.71% in November as vegetable, egg, meat and spice prices increased. Exam relevance: Inflation measurement, CPI components, inflation targeting framework.

5. India's Forex Reserves Stand at $686 Billion

India's foreign exchange reserves stood at $686.2 billion as of November 2025, providing coverage for over 11 months of imports. The reserves offer a strong cushion for the external sector despite merchandise export moderation. Exam relevance: Balance of payments, forex reserves significance, import coverage ratio.

6. Ministry Launches ₹7,280 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Magnets

The Ministry of Heavy Industries launched a ₹7,280 crore ($805 million) incentive scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of rare earth permanent magnets. The initiative aims to reduce India's dependence on imports, particularly from China, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Exam relevance: Make in India, strategic minerals, import substitution.

7. India-US Trade Deal Remains Elusive

Despite Prime Minister Modi meeting President Trump in February 2025 with a commitment to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, India remains among the highest tariffed countries by the U.S. The absence of political will continues to be the biggest hurdle in closing a comprehensive trade agreement. Exam relevance: Bilateral trade relations, tariff barriers, trade negotiations.

Science, Technology & Environment

1. ISRO Announces LVM3-M6 Mission Launch on 24 December

The Indian Space Research Organisation announced the LVM3-M6 mission launch scheduled for 24 December 2025 at 08:54 hrs IST from Sriharikota. The LVM3 rocket, standing 43 metres tall with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, can place up to 8,000 kg payload in Low Earth Orbit. The mission will launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for AST SpaceMobile, marking ISRO's growing commercial capabilities. Public viewing is available through online registration for the Launch View Gallery. Exam relevance: ISRO missions, launch vehicles, space commercialization.

2. ISRO Completes Four Major Missions in 2025

India conducted four major orbital launch missions in 2025: GSLV-F15/NVS-02 (29 January), PSLV-C61/EOS-09 (18 May - mission failure), GSLV-F16/NISAR (30 July - NASA-ISRO joint mission), and LVM3-M5/CMS-03 (2 November). Science Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated ISRO's goal of reaching 50 launches annually by 2029-30. Exam relevance: Space technology, India-US space cooperation, ISRO achievements.

3. MeitY Launches DHRUV64 Indigenous Microprocessor

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced the launch of DHRUV64, a fully indigenous microprocessor developed by C-DAC in December 2025. The processor is part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme and represents a critical step toward building a domestic semiconductor ecosystem, reducing dependence on imported chip technologies. Exam relevance: Digital India initiatives, semiconductor manufacturing, technology self-reliance.

4. Delhi Implements Stringent BS Emission Norms

The Delhi government tightened vehicular pollution controls amid severe air quality, barring non-BS VI private vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering the city. Fuel stations will only sell fuel to vehicles with valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). Non-compliant vehicles face fines of ₹20,000, while even BS-VI vehicles can be fined ₹10,000 without valid PUCC. Exam relevance: Environmental regulations, Bharat Stage norms, air pollution control.

5. Gaganyaan Programme Expanded to Eight Missions

The scope of India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme was expanded from three to eight missions in October 2024, with a revised budget of ₹20,193 crore. The first crewed mission is now expected in 2027-28. The programme includes uncrewed missions and precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). ISRO is developing the human-rated GSLV Mk-III (LVM-3) for the missions. Exam relevance: Human spaceflight, ISRO's future plans, space infrastructure.

Sports & Important Days

1. Goa Liberation Day - 20 December

Celebrated annually to commemorate Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule on 19 December 1961. The day honors Operation Vijay conducted by Indian Armed Forces. Banks in Goa remain closed on this public holiday. The liberation ended 451 years of Portuguese colonial presence. Exam relevance: National days, freedom movement, important dates.

2. India Cricket Team's T20I Dominance Continues

India extended its T20I series-winning streak to ten consecutive series with victory over South Africa. The fifth T20I at Ahmedabad witnessed Hardik Pandya's blistering 63 off 25 balls (second-fastest T20I fifty for India) and Tilak Varma's 73 off 42 balls. Varun Chakravarthy's 10 wickets in the series earned him Player of the Series honors. India defended 231 runs, winning by 30 runs. Exam relevance: Sports achievements, cricket records, player performances.

3. International Mountain Day - 11 December

Observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of mountains for life and sustainable development. The theme for 2025 focused on mountain biodiversity and climate resilience. Exam relevance: UN observances, environmental conservation, important days.

Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation

1. Goa Liberation Day is observed on 19 December, commemorating liberation from Portuguese rule after 451 years in 1961.

2. The SHANTI Bill 2025 replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and opens nuclear sector to private companies.

3. India signed CEPA with Oman providing zero-duty access on 98.08% tariff lines covering 99.38% Indian exports.

4. RBI reduced repo rate to 5.25% (25 bps cut), marking fourth rate cut in 2025, total reduction 125 basis points.

5. India's GDP growth reached 8.2% in Q2 FY26, highest in six quarters; inflation fell to historic low of 0.25% in October 2025.

6. ISRO's LVM3-M6 mission scheduled for 24 December 2025 from Sriharikota at 08:54 hrs IST.

7. Syria marked first anniversary of Assad regime fall on 8 December 2024; Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed transitional president.

8. US Federal Reserve cut rates by 25 basis points to 3.50-3.75% on 10 December 2025, third consecutive cut.

9. Securities Markets Code Bill 2025 consolidates SCRA 1956, SEBI Act 1992, and Depositories Act 1996.

10. India's forex reserves stand at $686.2 billion, providing coverage for over 11 months of imports.

11. Varun Chakravarthy took 10 wickets in India-South Africa T20I series, named Player of the Series.

12. DHRUV64 is India's first indigenous microprocessor developed by C-DAC under Digital India RISC-V programme.