Why Today's Current Affairs Matter for Your Exam
Staying updated with the latest developments from December 28, 2025, and the past 72 hours is crucial for all competitive exams including UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSCs. These current affairs cover government policies, international relations, economic reforms, and technological achievements that frequently appear in examination questions.
Section 1: India – National Current Affairs
1. PM Modi Chairs Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi on December 27-28, 2025. The three-day conference (December 26-28) focused on "Human Capital for Viksit Bharat," emphasizing cooperative federalism. Exam Relevance: Important for questions on centre-state relations, governance reforms, and schemes related to education, skilling, and employment generation under Viksit Bharat vision.
2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah Addresses 100th IMA NATCON
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the 100th All India Medical Conference (IMA NATCON 2025) via live broadcast on December 28, 2025, marking a century of medical excellence in India. Exam Relevance: Questions on healthcare sector milestones, medical associations, and health policy initiatives.
3. Bureau of Indian Standards Releases New Standard for Incense Sticks
The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs released Indian Standard IS 19412:2025 for incense sticks (agarbattis) on National Consumer Day 2025 (December 24). The standard, developed by BIS, specifies prohibited chemicals and classifies agarbattis into machine-made, hand-made, and traditional masala categories. India is the world's largest producer and exporter of agarbattis, with the industry valued at ₹8,000 crore annually. Exam Relevance: BIS functions, consumer protection, manufacturing standards, and India's export sectors.
4. PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat Highlights India's 2025 Achievements
In his monthly Mann Ki Baat address on December 28, 2025, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's achievements in national security (Operation Sindoor), sports (ICC Champions Trophy, Women's Cricket World Cup), and scientific innovation. Exam Relevance: Government communication initiatives, major achievements of 2025, and national pride moments.
5. State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025 Report
A recent report titled 'State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025' revealed that less than 25% of marginal farmers participate in cooperatives, with weakest engagement in Bihar, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh. Cooperative-linked marginal farmers earn 45% higher household incomes and achieve 42% higher crop yields. Only 3,355 women hold cooperative board positions nationwide despite 21.25 lakh women members. Exam Relevance: Agricultural cooperatives, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), women's empowerment, and rural economy questions.
6. India-Switzerland Collaboration on AI and Research
Swissnex India and the Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) held joint workshops at Bharat Mandapam in 2025 on ethical AI in research and publishing. Collaboration includes AI-led drug discovery, medical imaging, and antimicrobial resistance through the Indo-Swiss AMR Innovation Dialogue. The India-EFTA TEPA (2024) provides institutional framework for Swiss investment in India's AI and software sectors. Exam Relevance: International collaborations, AI applications in healthcare, bilateral agreements, and science diplomacy.
7. Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) Model Revision
India began revising its Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) model in 2025 to strengthen investor protection and limit capital repatriation. This aligns with the National Single Window System offering unified approvals across 32 central ministries and 28 states/UTs. Exam Relevance: Investment treaties, ease of doing business, foreign investment policy, and economic reforms.
8. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Creates ₹50,000 Crore Fund
ANRF created a ₹50,000 crore fund to attract private investment in research and development. The Union Budget 2024-25 also abolished the Angel Tax for all investors to improve private equity and venture capital inflows. Exam Relevance: Research funding, innovation ecosystem, budget provisions, and startup India initiatives.
9. India-Bangladesh Trade Operations Continue at Manu Land Customs
On December 28, 2025, trade operations at Manu Land Customs between India and Bangladesh continued normally despite attempts by some groups to disrupt trade. The 19-District Import-Export Business Committee confirmed operations were only halted on December 25 for Christmas observance. Exam Relevance: India's bilateral trade, border trade points, international relations with Bangladesh.
10. Cold Wave Grips Ladakh, Snow Expected Over Zojila Axis
A severe cold wave tightened its grip on Ladakh, with snowfall expected over the Zojila axis from December 30, 2025. This affects strategic connectivity and transportation in the region. Exam Relevance: Geography, weather patterns, strategic locations, and disaster management.
Section 2: International Current Affairs
1. Trump-Zelenskyy Meet at Mar-a-Lago on Peace Talks
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on December 28, 2025, following Trump's telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia are "closer than ever" to a peace deal, though negotiations could still break down. Russia launched 48 drones into Ukraine overnight December 27-28, with 30 shot down. Exam Relevance: Russia-Ukraine conflict, US foreign policy, international peace negotiations, and geopolitical developments.
2. Myanmar Holds Phased Elections Amid Civil War
Myanmar's military rulers began phased general elections starting December 28, 2025, extending to late January. The UN and most Western governments denounced the vote as a "sham," as it excludes almost half the country in contested or rebel-held areas. Over 100 people have been detained under election criticism laws. China, Russia, and India have shown varying degrees of endorsement. Exam Relevance: South Asian geopolitics, military regimes, democracy issues, and India's neighborhood policy.
3. Kosovo Holds Snap Parliamentary Elections
Kosovo voted on December 28, 2025, to elect a new parliament for the second time in 11 months. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Self-Determination Movement (LVV) party seeks a majority to end yearlong political deadlock. Failure to form a government would delay the presidential election due in April and ratification of €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in EU and World Bank loan agreements. Exam Relevance: European politics, parliamentary systems, international financial institutions.
4. Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine
Russia launched over 2,100 attack drones, approximately 800 guided aerial bombs, and 94 missiles of various types against Ukraine in the week ending December 28, 2025. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy described this as Putin's "answer to peace" ahead of diplomatic talks. Exam Relevance: Modern warfare, drone technology in conflicts, international humanitarian law.
5. Canada's New Prime Minister Mark Carney Meets Zelenskyy
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on December 27, 2025, reaffirming Canada's support for Ukraine. Exam Relevance: International alliances, Canada's foreign policy, and support for Ukraine.
6. Knife Attack in Suriname Leaves Nine Dead
A knife attack outside Suriname's capital Paramaribo left at least nine people dead on December 28, 2025, according to police. Exam Relevance: Global security concerns, crime in South America.
7. Israel Deploys Iron Beam Laser Air Defense System
Israel handed over its first operational Iron Beam high-power laser air defense system on December 28, 2025, at a Rafael Advanced Defense Systems facility. The system represents advancement in missile defense technology. Exam Relevance: Defense technology, laser weapons, Israel's military capabilities, modern warfare systems.
8. Taiwan Hit by 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the northeastern coastal city of Yilan in Taiwan on December 28, 2025. The quake was felt across Taiwan, including Taipei. Exam Relevance: Natural disasters, earthquake-prone regions, disaster management, and plate tectonics.
Section 3: Economy & Banking
1. RBI Announces ₹2 Lakh Crore Liquidity Infusion
The Reserve Bank of India announced measures to infuse ₹2 lakh crore (USD 22.30 billion) liquidity through Open Market Operations (OMOs) in four tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on December 29, 2025, January 5, 12, and 22, 2026. Additionally, RBI will conduct a USD 10 billion USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap auction on January 13, 2026. System liquidity currently stands at a deficit of ₹54,851.83 crore. Exam Relevance: RBI monetary policy tools, OMOs, forex swaps, liquidity management, banking system operations.
2. RBI Repo Rate at 5.25% in December 2025
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously reduced the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December 2025, marking the most aggressive rate cuts since 2019. RBI cut rates by a total of 125 bps through 2025, from 6.50% in February to 5.25% by December. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) stands at 5.0% and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) at 5.50%. Exam Relevance: Monetary policy, repo rate mechanism, inflation targeting, MPC composition and decisions.
3. RBI Raises GDP Growth Forecast to 7.3%
RBI raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY2025/26 to 7.3%, up from 6.8%. Real GDP growth accelerated to 8.2% in Q2:2025-26, the highest in six quarters. Headline inflation was revised down to 2.0% from 2.6%, remaining within the 2-6% target range. Exam Relevance: Economic indicators, GDP calculation, growth forecasting, inflation measurement.
4. India Enters "Goldilocks Period" with High Growth and Low Inflation
India experienced a "Goldilocks Period" in H1:2025-26 with 8.0% growth paired with 2.2% average inflation. Headline inflation plummeted to 0.3% in October 2025, breaching the lower tolerance threshold of 2% for the first time since inflation targeting adoption. Exam Relevance: Macroeconomic concepts, inflation targeting framework, economic stability indicators.
5. RBI Enables Bank M&A Financing
RBI's draft on "Commercial banks: Capital market exposure" will allow domestic commercial banks greater latitude in financing M&A deals, with aggregate M&A finance exposure capped at 10% of Tier-I capital. This segment was previously dominated by foreign banks. India's annual M&A deal volumes exceed $100 billion. Exam Relevance: Banking regulations, capital adequacy, merger and acquisition financing, Tier-I capital norms.
6. Banking System Resilience - Strong CRAR and Low GNPA
Scheduled Commercial Banks reported a robust Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 17.24% and a declining Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio of 2.05% as of September 2025. Exam Relevance: Banking sector health indicators, NPA management, capital adequacy norms.
7. Global Stock Markets End 2025 Near Record Highs
Global stock markets approached record highs in late December 2025. The S&P 500 reached 6,929.94, trading near the 7,000 milestone. Japan's Nikkei 225 led global markets with 24% returns in 2025, while the US achieved 14% returns. Markets benefited from AI-driven capital expenditure and economic resilience. Exam Relevance: Global financial markets, stock indices, factors affecting market performance.
8. Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Outlook
Markets priced in approximately 80% probability that the US Federal Reserve would hold rates steady at its January 2026 meeting. The Fed indicated only one interest rate cut for 2026, while markets anticipated two to three cuts. Exam Relevance: International monetary policy, central banking, impact on Indian economy and currency.
Section 4: Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO Develops Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota
ISRO initiated development of a third launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, to accommodate future missions involving satellites weighing 12,000-14,000 kg. The third pad will be used for both crewed and uncrewed missions while existing pads serve PSLV and GSLV missions. SDSC Sriharikota spans 175 sq km, located 135 km east of Chennai. Exam Relevance: ISRO infrastructure, space missions, launch vehicles, satellite weight classes.
2. ISRO Successfully Launches BlueBird Block-2 Satellite
ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite weighing 6,100 kg aboard LVM3-M6 rocket on December 24, 2025, making it the heaviest payload ever placed into Low Earth Orbit by India. The US-based AST SpaceMobile satellite features a 223 sq meter (2,400 sq feet) phased array antenna, providing direct-to-mobile 4G/5G connectivity to standard smartphones globally. Exam Relevance: ISRO commercial missions, LVM3 (Bahubali) capabilities, satellite communications, space technology applications.
3. ISRO Plans 50 Intelligence Satellites in 5 Years
ISRO Chairman S. Somnath announced plans to launch 50 intelligence satellites over the next five years for military use. These satellites will be placed at different orbital levels and can detect activities from thousands of kilometers away. India currently has 9 military satellites. Exam Relevance: Space militarization, surveillance technology, strategic defense capabilities, geospatial intelligence.
4. ISRO Releases RESPOND Basket 2025
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan released the RESPOND Basket 2025 on December 16, featuring research problem statements for academia. The initiative supports upcoming missions including Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Chandrayaan-4 Moon Sample Return Mission, Gaganyaan missions, Venus Orbiter Mission, and human landing on the Moon. Proposal deadline is January 31, 2026, through the I-GRASP portal. Exam Relevance: Space research collaboration, ISRO's future missions, academia-industry linkages.
5. ISRO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Drogue Parachutes
ISRO successfully tested drogue parachutes for the Gaganyaan mission on December 18-19, 2025, using rocket sleds in Chandigarh. Earlier, on August 24, 2025, ISRO completed the first integrated air drop test. The Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission is scheduled for launch in early 2027. Exam Relevance: Human spaceflight program, parachute systems, crew safety mechanisms, Indian astronauts.
6. ISRO Demonstrates Semicryogenic Engine Development Breakthrough
ISRO achieved a major breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine development, conducting successful hot tests in December 2025. The SE2000 engine (2000 kN class) will power the Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (SC120), replacing the current L110 liquid core stage to expand LVM3's payload capability. Exam Relevance: Rocket propulsion systems, cryogenic technology, launch vehicle upgrades.
7. Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns from ISS
Indian astronaut and Ax-4 Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla returned after traveling to the International Space Station in June 2025, marking India's presence in international space cooperation. Exam Relevance: Indian astronauts, ISS missions, international space collaboration, Gaganyaan program personnel.
8. ISRO's Stationary Plasma Thruster Completes 1,000-Hour Test
On March 28, 2025, ISRO's 300 mN xenon-based Stationary Plasma Thruster successfully completed a 1,000-hour life test under 5.4 kW full power. The electric propulsion system, with specific impulse six times greater than chemical propulsion, will be used in the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01) mission for orbit raising to geostationary orbit. Exam Relevance: Electric propulsion technology, satellite station-keeping, fuel efficiency in space missions.
Section 5: Sports & Important Days
1. India Women Defeat Sri Lanka in 4th T20I
India Women's cricket team defeated Sri Lanka Women by 30 runs in the 4th T20I on December 28, 2025, at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Smriti Mandhana scored her 32nd T20I fifty (35 balls, including 8 fours and 1 six), and Shafali Verma contributed significantly. India leads the five-match series 4-0. Exam Relevance: Women's cricket, T20 format, current sports achievements, venues.
2. India's Major Sports Achievements in 2025
According to PM Modi's December 28 Mann Ki Baat address, India achieved historic milestones in sports in 2025:
- Men's cricket team won ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (defeating New Zealand in Dubai)
- Women's cricket team won Women's World Cup 2025 (first-ever World Cup win, defeating South Africa)
- Women's team won the Women's Blind T20 World Cup Exam Relevance: ICC tournaments, historic sports victories, women's cricket achievements.
3. Divya Deshmukh Wins FIDE Women's World Cup 2025
19-year-old Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in the final. This marked a historic moment for Indian chess. Exam Relevance: Chess achievements, FIDE tournaments, Indian chess players, women in sports.
4. Rohan Bopanna Felicitation Event
Former tennis player Rohan Bopanna was felicitated during the "Legacy of Rohan Bopanna" event by Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) in Bengaluru on December 28, 2025. Exam Relevance: Tennis personalities, sports administration bodies, sports awards and recognitions.
5. National Call a Friend Day - December 28
December 28 is observed as National Call a Friend Day in several countries, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendships and human connections. Exam Relevance: Social awareness days, international observances.
6. Holy Innocents Day - December 28
Holy Innocents Day is observed on December 28, commemorating the massacre of young children in Bethlehem as described in Christian tradition. Exam Relevance: Religious observances, cultural awareness.
7. Guru Gobind Singh Birth Anniversary Celebrations
Free food (langar) was distributed at gurudwaras in Prayagraj and across India on the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, during late December 2025. Exam Relevance: Sikh history, religious festivals, community service traditions.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
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Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held on December 27-28, 2025, in New Delhi with theme "Human Capital for Viksit Bharat"
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RBI repo rate currently stands at 5.25% (December 2025), reduced by 125 bps through 2025
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India's GDP growth forecast for FY2025/26: 7.3% (revised upward from 6.8%)
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ISRO launched BlueBird Block-2 weighing 6,100 kg on December 24, 2025 - heaviest payload to LEO
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ISRO plans to launch 50 intelligence satellites in the next 5 years
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BIS released IS 19412:2025 standard for incense sticks on National Consumer Day 2025
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India's agarbatti industry valued at approximately ₹8,000 crore annually
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ANRF fund of ₹50,000 crore created for R&D and private investment
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Third launch pad at Sriharikota to accommodate satellites weighing 12,000-14,000 kg
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Trump-Zelenskyy meeting held at Mar-a-Lago on December 28, 2025
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Myanmar elections began on December 28, 2025 - denounced as "sham" by UN and Western nations
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India Women won Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 - first-ever World Cup victory
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Divya Deshmukh, age 19, won FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, defeating Koneru Humpy
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RBI liquidity infusion: ₹2 lakh crore through OMOs plus USD 10 billion forex swap
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Cooperative-linked marginal farmers earn 45% higher household incomes and achieve 42% higher crop yields
Stay Updated Daily: For more current affairs updates, download daily PDFs and practice MCQs on FreeJobAlert.com. Consistent revision of national and international news, economy, science, and sports is key to scoring high in General Awareness sections of all competitive exams.
Exam Strategy Tip: Focus on names, dates, numbers, and locations mentioned in these current affairs. Many MCQs directly test factual recall from recent developments.
