Why Today's Current Affairs Matter
Staying updated with today's current affairs for 23 December 2025 is crucial for competitive exam aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, State PSCs, Railways, and Defence examinations. Today's coverage includes major policy decisions on higher education internationalization, significant trade agreements, economic indicators, space technology milestones, and international diplomatic developments that frequently appear in static GK and current affairs sections of all government exams.
Section 1: India – National Current Affairs (24 December 2025)
1. India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Finalized
India and New Zealand concluded landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, providing 100% zero-duty access for Indian goods exports to New Zealand. The agreement enhances market access and tariff preferences while New Zealand pledged to invest USD 20 billion in India's economy over the next 15 years. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on bilateral trade, economic diplomacy, and India's trade policy under International Relations and Economy sections.
2. Eight Core Industries Growth at 1.8% in November 2025
India's Index of Eight Core Industries (Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity) increased by 1.8% in November 2025 compared to November 2024. Cement, Steel, Fertilizers, and Coal recorded positive growth during the month. Exam Relevance: Critical for questions on industrial production, economic indicators, and India's manufacturing sector performance.
3. Rabi Crop Sowing Exceeds 580 Lakh Hectares
Rabi crops have been sown across over 580 lakh hectares till date in the current season, approximately 8 lakh hectares more than the corresponding period last year. This indicates strong agricultural performance and favorable monsoon conditions. Exam Relevance: Frequently asked in questions related to agriculture, food security, and rural economy.
4. NITI Aayog Releases Higher Education Internationalization Report
NITI Aayog released a comprehensive report titled "Internationalisation of Higher Education in India: Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations" aligned with NEP 2020. The report proposes a USD 10 billion Bharat Vidya Kosh (research fund), Vishwa Bandhu Scholarship scheme, and aims to attract 7.89-11 lakh international students by 2047. Currently, India hosts only 47,000 foreign students while 13 lakh Indians study abroad (1:28 ratio). Exam Relevance: Important for UPSC Essay, Education Policy, and NEP 2020 implementation questions.
5. Centre Establishes CRISPR Innovation Centre
India signed a Letter of Intent on 22 December 2025 to establish the Centre of Excellence for CRISPR Innovation and Translation (CoE-CIT), a public-private partnership between JNCASR Bengaluru and CRISPRBITS Private Limited, Delhi. The centre will develop gene-based therapies, diagnostics, and affordable healthcare solutions. Exam Relevance: Crucial for questions on biotechnology, genetic engineering, and India's healthcare innovation.
6. Bureau of Port Security to be Established
The Central Government announced the establishment of a statutory Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. It will strengthen security at India's ports through risk-based planning, intelligence sharing, and cybersecurity measures. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on maritime security, infrastructure, and internal security.
7. President Grants Assent to VB-GRAM Bill 2025
President Droupadi Murmu officially approved the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) Bill, 2025, on 22 December 2025. This legislation aims to provide employment guarantees and livelihood support in rural areas under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Exam Relevance: Significant for questions on rural development, employment schemes, and government initiatives.
8. India Releases New Base-Year Data Series for 2026
India will release updated base-year data for key macroeconomic indicators starting in 2026. Retail inflation (CPI) with base year 2024 will be released on 12 February 2026, GDP with base year 2022-23 on 27 February 2026, and revised Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base year 2022-23 on 28 May 2026. Exam Relevance: Critical for understanding economic statistics methodology and data interpretation.
9. BJP-MGP Alliance Wins Goa Zilla Panchayat Elections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the BJP-MGP alliance for securing victory in Goa's Zilla Panchayat elections, stating this will strengthen NDA's development efforts in the state. The alliance won 31 seats while Congress secured 10 seats. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on state politics, local governance, and electoral trends.
10. Kisan Diwas (National Farmers Day) Observed on 23 December
India observed Kisan Diwas on 23 December 2025 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India's fifth Prime Minister and champion of farmers' rights. The day was first observed in 2001 and recognizes farmers' vital contribution to food security and the national economy. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on important days, agricultural policy, and personalities in Indian history.
Section 2: International Current Affairs (23 December 2025)
1. Pakistan Terror Attack in Karak District
A bomb and shooting attack against a police van in Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan killed five police officers on 23 December 2025, with no immediate claim of responsibility. This follows a pattern of increased terrorist activities in Pakistan's border regions. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on regional security, terrorism, and India's neighborhood.
2. Ryanair Fined €255 Million by Italy
The Italian Competition Authority imposed a €255 million (USD 300 million) fine on Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair for allegedly abusing its dominant market position by restricting how travel agencies sell its flights from April 2023 to April 2025. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on competition law, aviation sector, and international business regulations.
3. US Reveals Trump Class USS Defiant Battleship
United States President Donald Trump announced the development of the Trump Class USS Defiant, the first American battleship built since World War II. Navy Secretary John Phelan stated the battleship would carry nuclear cruise missiles, with construction planned to begin in the early 2030s. Exam Relevance: Significant for questions on global military developments, naval power, and US foreign policy.
4. IMF Approves USD 1.2 Billion for Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the release of USD 1.2 billion to Pakistan to assist with economic crisis recovery. Pakistan has already received USD 3.3 billion from the IMF since last year. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on international financial institutions, South Asian economy, and global economic assistance.
5. European Union to Loan €90 Billion to Ukraine
The European Union agreed to loan €90 billion (USD 105 billion) to Ukraine from its internal budget after failing to use frozen Russian assets. The loan aims to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Exam Relevance: Critical for questions on Russia-Ukraine conflict, EU foreign policy, and international relations.
6. Oman Launches First Polymer Currency Note
Oman launched its first polymer one-rial banknote featuring national landmarks including the Oman Botanic Garden and Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex. The note will enter circulation on 11 January 2026, marking a historic shift from paper to durable, secure polymer currency. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on currency innovation, polymer notes, and Gulf countries.
7. US Airstrikes Target ISIS in Syria
The United States conducted airstrikes on 70 targets at multiple locations against ISIS in Syria, in retaliation for the December 2025 Palmyra attack. The operation demonstrates continued US military presence and counter-terrorism operations in the Middle East. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on Middle East conflicts, counter-terrorism, and US foreign policy.
8. Ukraine Peace Talks Progress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that initial drafts of US proposals for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia meet many of Kyiv's demands, indicating potential diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. Exam Relevance: Significant for questions on conflict resolution, international diplomacy, and geopolitical developments.
Section 3: Economy & Banking (India + Global)
1. RBI Maintains Economic Growth Optimism
The Reserve Bank of India reported that 2025 witnessed an unprecedented shift in global trade policies, yet India remains on a high-growth trajectory. The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) resolution of 5 December 2025 revised India's GDP growth projection for FY 2025-26 upward by 50 basis points to 7.3% from the earlier 6.8%. Exam Relevance: Critical for questions on monetary policy, GDP projections, and economic growth indicators.
2. RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25%
On 5 December 2025, the RBI reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% from 5.50%, marking the fourth consecutive rate cut in 2025 with a cumulative reduction of 125 basis points. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate stands at 5.0% and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate at 5.50%. The RBI maintained a neutral stance. Exam Relevance: Extremely important for Banking, SSC, and UPSC exams on monetary policy tools and repo rate mechanism.
3. Inflation Projection Revised Downward
The RBI revised the CPI inflation projection for FY 2025-26 downward by 60 basis points to 2.0% from the earlier estimate of 2.6%, keeping it well within the target range of 2%-6%. This benign inflation outlook provides adequate space for growth-supportive monetary policy. Exam Relevance: Frequently asked in questions on inflation targeting, price stability, and RBI functions.
4. RBI Announces Liquidity Injection Measures
The RBI announced liquidity injection through ₹1 lakh crore in Open Market Operations (OMO) and a USD 5 billion three-year USD/INR buy-sell swap to support smooth rate transmission and banking system liquidity. Exam Relevance: Important for understanding RBI's liquidity management tools and monetary operations.
5. India's Current Account Deficit Moderates
India's current account deficit moderated in Q2 of FY 2025-26 compared to the same period last year, supported by lower merchandise trade deficit, strong services exports, and robust remittance inflows. Financial conditions remained benign with steady flow of financial resources to the commercial sector. Exam Relevance: Critical for questions on balance of payments, current account, and external sector indicators.
6. BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty Performance
On 23 December 2025, BSE Sensex closed 0.05% lower at 85,524.84, snapping its two-day winning streak, while NSE Nifty 50 edged up 0.02% to settle at 26,177.15. IT stocks experienced losses while financial services, FMCG, and metal shares gained. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on stock market indices, sectoral performance, and capital markets.
7. RBI Approves Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Framework
On 19 December 2025, the RBI's Central Board of Directors approved the risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks at their 620th meeting in Hyderabad under Governor Sanjay Malhotra's chairmanship. The framework aims to strengthen depositor protection. Exam Relevance: Important for Banking exams on deposit insurance, financial stability, and banking regulation.
Section 4: Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO Successfully Launches LVM3-M6 Mission
ISRO successfully launched the LVM3-M6 mission on 24 December 2025 from Sriharikota, deploying the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile. This commercial mission marks a milestone as BlueBird Block-2 is the heaviest payload (with a 223-square-meter phased array antenna) ever deployed into Low Earth Orbit by LVM3 and the largest commercial communications satellite in LEO. Exam Relevance: Critical for questions on ISRO missions, space technology, and India's commercial space capabilities.
2. India Achieves Space Docking Milestone
On 16 January 2025, ISRO successfully completed spacecraft docking with the SpaDeX mission, making India the 4th country after USA, Russia, and China to achieve space docking technology. ISRO successfully controlled two satellites as a single entity post-docking. Exam Relevance: Extremely important for questions on space technology milestones and India's space achievements.
3. Gaganyaan Mission Progress
In August 2025, ISRO completed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT) for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The programme aims for an uncrewed orbital mission in 2025 and crewed mission in early 2027, with extensive testing of propulsion elements, parachute systems, and Crew Escape System completed. Exam Relevance: Frequently asked about India's human spaceflight programme and ISRO's major missions.
4. Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from ISS
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed the Axiom-4 mission in July 2025 after spending 18 days on the International Space Station. He traveled nearly 12 million km, orbited Earth 280 times, and completed seven Indian science experiments. This marked the first time an Indian astronaut traveled to the ISS. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on space exploration, international collaboration, and Indian achievements in space.
5. ISRO-NASA NISAR Mission Operational
The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, launched on 30 July 2025, entered its science phase. Equipped with L-band and S-band radars, NISAR's 12-meter antenna images Earth every 12 days to track forests, crops, glaciers, and coastlines, representing one of ISRO's biggest collaborations with NASA. Exam Relevance: Significant for questions on earth observation, Indo-US space cooperation, and remote sensing.
6. Semi-Cryogenic Engine Development
ISRO successfully demonstrated the boot-strap mode start of the CE20 Cryogenic engine and achieved major breakthroughs in Semi-Cryogenic Engine development. The 2000 kN SE2000 engine will replace the liquid core stage in LVM3 to expand payload capability. Exam Relevance: Important for understanding rocket propulsion technology and ISRO's technological advancement.
7. NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Spacecraft
NASA lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft in early December 2025 following a routine communication blackout. The spacecraft has been studying Mars' atmosphere since its arrival. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on space missions, Mars exploration, and international space agencies.
Section 5: Sports & Important Days
1. Deepti Sharma Reaches World No. 1 in T20I Rankings
Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma climbed to the top of the ICC T20I bowling rankings on 23 December 2025, becoming the world No. 1 bowler in the format. This achievement adds to India's growing dominance in women's cricket. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on sports rankings, cricket achievements, and Indian sportspersons.
2. Virat Kohli Returns to Vijay Hazare Trophy
Virat Kohli made his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi on 24 December 2025, his first appearance in the tournament since February 2010 (over 15 years). Delhi faced Andhra Pradesh led by Nitish Kumar Reddy at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on domestic cricket, sports personalities, and major tournaments.
3. Pakistan U19 Wins Asia Cup Final
Pakistan defeated India in the U19 Asia Cup Final, with the match marred by on-field verbal exchanges. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced plans to raise the conduct issue with ICC, emphasizing that cricket should remain separate from politics. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on international cricket tournaments and youth sports championships.
4. PM Modi Meets Neeraj Chopra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met two-time Olympic medal-winning javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and his wife Himani Mor at his residence on 23 December 2025. They discussed various issues including sports development in India. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on Indian sportspersons, Olympic achievements, and government sports initiatives.
5. Sony Extends Australian Open Rights
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) extended its exclusive television and digital broadcast rights for the Australian Open across the Indian subcontinent for three more years, covering the 2026 to 2028 editions. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on sports broadcasting, media rights, and tennis tournaments.
6. Kisan Diwas Observed (23 December)
National Farmers Day or Kisan Diwas was observed on 23 December 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh (born 23 December 1902), India's fifth Prime Minister and champion of farmers' rights. The day was first observed in 2001 to honor farmers' contributions to food security and the economy. Exam Relevance: Extremely important for questions on important national days and historical personalities.
7. World Meditation Day (21 December)
World Meditation Day was observed globally on 21 December 2025, with events at the UN Headquarters in New York featuring Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. In India, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of AYUSH hosted specialized meditation sessions. Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on UN-designated days, wellness initiatives, and international observances.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
- India-New Zealand FTA: Provides 100% zero-duty access for Indian exports; NZ to invest USD 20 billion over 15 years
- Eight Core Industries Growth: 1.8% in November 2025; includes Coal, Steel, Cement, Fertilizers showing positive growth
- NITI Aayog Report: Proposes USD 10 billion Bharat Vidya Kosh; aims for 7.89-11 lakh international students by 2047
- RBI Repo Rate: Reduced to 5.25% on 5 December 2025; fourth consecutive cut; cumulative reduction of 125 bps in 2025
- GDP Growth Projection: RBI revised upward to 7.3% for FY 2025-26 from 6.8%
- Inflation Projection: CPI inflation revised down to 2.0% from 2.6% for FY 2025-26
- ISRO LVM3-M6 Mission: Launched BlueBird Block-2 satellite on 24 December 2025; heaviest LEO payload for LVM3
- India's Space Docking: 4th country to achieve space docking (after USA, Russia, China) via SpaDeX mission in January 2025
- Kisan Diwas: Observed on 23 December; marks birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh (5th PM)
- CRISPR Centre: CoE-CIT established as partnership between JNCASR Bengaluru and CRISPRBITS Delhi for gene therapy
- VB-GRAM Bill 2025: Approved by President Murmu on 22 December 2025; provides employment guarantees in rural areas
- Deepti Sharma: Became World No. 1 in ICC T20I bowling rankings on 23 December 2025
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Disclaimer: All information has been compiled from verified official sources and news reports available as of 23 December 2025. Candidates are advised to cross-verify critical facts before examinations.
