30 December 2025 Current Affairs: Today's Latest National and International News for Competitive Exams
Why Today's Current Affairs Matter: Staying updated with the 29 December 2025 current affairs is crucial for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC aspirants. This compilation covers verified national and international developments, economy updates, technological achievements, and sports news—all essential for General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Essay writing sections of competitive examinations.
Section 1: India – National Current Affairs (30 December 2025)
1. Defence Acquisition Council Approves ₹79,000 Crore Military Procurement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore on 29 December 2025 in New Delhi. The approvals include Loiter Munition Systems for artillery, Low Level Light Weight Radars for drone detection, and Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for the Pinaka MRLS. Exam Relevance: Questions on defence modernization, Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence, DAC composition and functions are common in SSC, CDS, AFCAT, and UPSC exams.
2. India Successfully Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120)
DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka LRGR-120 on 29 December 2025 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket demonstrated a strike range of 120 kilometres, marking a significant milestone in India's precision strike capabilities. The LRGR-120 is developed by DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). Exam Relevance: Questions on DRDO establishments, indigenous weapon systems, and India's missile programs appear frequently in Defence and Banking exams.
3. PM Modi's 129th Mann Ki Baat Highlights India's 2025 Achievements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi aired the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 28 December 2025, reflecting on India's achievements including national security successes, sporting victories, ISRO milestones, and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. He emphasized grassroots changemakers, renewable energy efforts, and unsung freedom struggle heroes. Exam Relevance: Mann Ki Baat episodes are frequently referenced in current affairs questions for SSC, Railway, and Bank exams.
4. Indian Coast Guard Conducts RPREX-2025 Marine Pollution Exercise
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (RPREX-2025) in Mumbai, Maharashtra to strengthen oil spill response capabilities. The exercise simulated a major oil spill scenario and deployed specialized Pollution Control Vessels under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan. Exam Relevance: Questions on coastal security, environmental protection, and ICG roles appear in SSC, UPSC, and State PSC exams.
5. 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries Held in New Delhi
Prime Minister Modi chaired the three-day 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi with the theme "Human Capital for Viksit Bharat." Discussions focused on education, skilling, health, governance reforms, AgriStack, tourism development, and post-LWE (Left Wing Extremism) development strategy. Exam Relevance: Cooperative federalism, Viksit Bharat 2047, and Centre-State relations are important for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
6. Gautam Adani Inaugurates AI Centre of Excellence in Maharashtra
Industrialist Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati, Maharashtra on 28 December 2025. Fully funded by the Adani Group under Vidya Pratishthan, the centre aims to promote AI education, research, and startups. Exam Relevance: Industry-academia collaboration, AI initiatives, and skill development programs are relevant for Banking and SSC exams.
7. India to Establish First PPP-Model Medical Colleges in MP
India will establish its first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh's tribal districts of Dhar and Betul. These colleges will upgrade district hospitals as teaching hospitals under NMC norms, expanding medical education and healthcare access in underserved regions. Exam Relevance: Health sector reforms, NMC guidelines, and PPP models are important for UPSC and State PSC examinations.
8. Government Approves ₹7,000 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Magnets
The Union Cabinet approved a scheme with an outlay exceeding ₹7,000 crore to build India's first integrated ecosystem for sintered rare earth permanent magnets. The initiative targets 6,000 MT annual manufacturing capacity and supports EVs, renewable energy, electronics, defence, and aerospace sectors under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Exam Relevance: Critical minerals, rare earth elements, and strategic manufacturing are key topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
9. Indian National Congress Celebrates 140th Foundation Day
The Indian National Congress marked its 140th Foundation Day on 28 December 2025. Founded in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume with leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, its first president was W.C. Bonnerjee. Exam Relevance: INC history, freedom struggle, and key personalities are essential for SSC, Railway, and UPSC History sections.
10. Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen Passes Away
Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen passed away in December 2025 at the age of 72 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was elected four times as MLA from the Dharmanagar constituency and served as Deputy Speaker from 2018 to 2023. Exam Relevance: Constitutional posts, legislative assembly structure are important for SSC and State PSC exams.
Section 2: International Current Affairs (30 December 2025)
1. US Slashes UN Humanitarian Aid to $2 Billion
The United States announced on 28 December 2025 that it will contribute only $2 billion in UN humanitarian assistance, a dramatic reduction from the traditional $8-10 billion in voluntary contributions. President Trump's administration continues to downsize foreign aid, affecting millions dependent on UNHCR, OCHA, and other UN agencies. Exam Relevance: International organizations, UN funding mechanisms, and US foreign policy are relevant for UPSC and Banking exams.
2. Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: Zelenskyy Seeks US Agreement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on 29 December 2025 that Ukraine believes the US "wants to reach a final agreement" to end the war, offering full cooperation for peace. Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing at least 195 Ukrainian drones overnight, including five over Moscow region. Exam Relevance: International conflicts, peace negotiations, and geopolitical tensions appear in UPSC, SSC, and Banking current affairs.
3. US Southern Command Strikes Drug Trafficking Vessels
The US Southern Command announced on 28 December 2025 that US forces struck alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in at least eight casualties across three vessels. The operations target international drug smuggling networks. Exam Relevance: International security operations and drug trafficking are important for Defence and UPSC exams.
4. Pakistan Court Sentences Imran Khan to 17 Years
A Pakistani court sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison on corruption-related charges in December 2025. This adds to Khan's existing legal challenges. Exam Relevance: South Asian politics and regional developments are crucial for UPSC International Relations.
5. Chilean Presidential Runoff Elects José Antonio Kast
Chile held presidential runoff elections on 29 December 2025 between Jeannette Jara and José Antonio Kast. Kast was elected as Chile's new president. Exam Relevance: International leadership changes and South American politics appear in UPSC and Banking exams.
6. European Union Approves €90 Billion Loan to Ukraine
The European Union agreed to loan €90 billion (US$105 billion) to Ukraine from its internal budget after failing to utilize frozen Russian assets. The loan supports Ukraine's wartime economy and reconstruction efforts. Exam Relevance: International economic aid, EU mechanisms, and sanctions are important for UPSC and Banking exams.
7. Three Thai Soldiers Killed in Cambodia Border Clashes
Three Thai soldiers were killed and 29 injured during clashes with Cambodian soldiers in December 2025, highlighting ongoing border tensions in Southeast Asia. Exam Relevance: ASEAN regional security and border disputes are relevant for UPSC International Relations.
8. Global Climate Losses Exceed $120 Billion in 2025
According to a Christian Aid report, wildfires, cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and droughts caused global economic losses exceeding $120 billion in 2025, underscoring the escalating cost of climate change. Exam Relevance: Climate change impacts, disaster management, and economic losses appear in UPSC Environment and Essay papers.
Section 3: Economy & Banking (India + Global)
1. RBI Announces ₹2 Lakh Crore Liquidity Infusion Through OMO
The Reserve Bank of India announced on 23 December 2025 Open Market Operations (OMO) to purchase Government of India securities worth ₹2 lakh crore. The purchases are scheduled in four tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on 29 December 2025, 5 January 2026, 12 January 2026, and 22 January 2026 to strengthen liquidity in the banking system. Exam Relevance: OMO, liquidity management, and RBI instruments are critical for Banking exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI Grade B).
2. RBI Conducts $10 Billion USD/INR Swap Auction
RBI announced a USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap auction of $10 billion with a three-year tenor on 13 January 2026, reinforcing durable liquidity and supporting financial stability amid seasonal cash outflows. Exam Relevance: Forex operations, swap mechanisms, and RBI policy tools are important for Banking and Economic sections.
3. RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25% in December 2025
The Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% in December 2025, marking the second consecutive reduction. The RBI has cut rates by a total of 125 bps since the beginning of 2025. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate is 5.0% and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate is 5.50%. Exam Relevance: Monetary policy, repo rate impacts, and transmission mechanisms are essential for all Banking exams.
4. RBI Raises GDP Growth Forecast to 7.3% for FY2025-26
The Reserve Bank revised India's GDP growth forecast to 7.3% for FY2025-26, up from 6.8%, reflecting confidence in domestic demand and economic resilience. Headline inflation was revised down to 2.0% from 2.6%, remaining within the target range. Exam Relevance: GDP projections, inflation targeting, and economic indicators appear frequently in Banking and SSC exams.
5. RBI Releases Statistical Tables on Indian Banking Sector 2024-25
The Reserve Bank of India released on 29 December 2025 its web publication 'Statistical Tables relating to Banks in India: 2024-25'. The report provides comprehensive data on scheduled commercial banks' assets, liabilities, maturity profiles, priority sector lending, CRAR (17.24%), and GNPA ratio (2.05% as of September 2025). Exam Relevance: Banking statistics, financial ratios, and sector health are crucial for Banking and Economic sections.
6. India Achieves "Goldilocks" Economic Period
RBI's December 2025 Bulletin highlighted India's "Goldilocks Period" with 8.0% growth in H1:2025-26 paired with 2.2% average inflation—neither too hot nor too cold. This ideal economic state enabled proactive rate cuts while maintaining stability. Exam Relevance: Economic concepts, fiscal terminology, and growth-inflation balance are important for UPSC Economy and Banking exams.
7. System Liquidity Deficit at ₹54,851.83 Crore
As of late December 2025, system liquidity stands at a deficit of around ₹54,851.83 crore due to advance tax and GST payments. RBI's interventions through VRR auctions, OMO purchases, and forex swaps aim to stabilize banking liquidity. Exam Relevance: Liquidity management, fiscal operations, and central banking functions are key for Banking exams.
Section 4: Science, Technology & Environment
1. ISRO Launches Heaviest Payload BlueBird-6 Satellite
ISRO successfully launched the US-built AST SpaceMobile BlueBird-6 communications satellite weighing 6,100 kg on 24 December 2025 using the LVM3-M6 rocket from Sriharikota. This is the heaviest payload ever launched from Indian soil, enabling direct-to-smartphone 4G/5G connectivity anywhere in India. Exam Relevance: ISRO missions, commercial launches, and space technology are crucial for SSC, Railway, and UPSC exams.
2. India Achieves Space Docking Milestone with SpaDeX Mission
On 16 January 2025, India became the fourth country (after USA, Russia, and China) to achieve successful space docking. The SpaDeX mission demonstrated spacecraft rendezvous, docking, undocking, and power transfer using two satellites. Exam Relevance: Space achievements, ISRO missions, and technological milestones appear in all competitive exams.
3. ISRO's 100th Launch from Sriharikota
ISRO reached a historic milestone by completing its 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on 29 January 2025, demonstrating consistent capability in satellite deployment. Exam Relevance: ISRO's launch history and infrastructure are important for Science and Technology sections.
4. Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Travels to ISS
Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla travelled to the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-04) in June 2025, becoming the first Indian to stay aboard the ISS and conduct microgravity experiments. Exam Relevance: Human spaceflight, international cooperation in space, and ISRO's Gaganyaan program are relevant for all exams.
5. ISRO Completes Gaganyaan Parachute Tests
ISRO successfully conducted the first integrated air drop test of the Gaganyaan crew module parachute system on 24 August 2025, and drogue parachute tests on 18-19 December 2025 in Chandigarh, ensuring astronaut safety for India's 2027 human spaceflight mission. Exam Relevance: Gaganyaan mission components, safety systems, and ISRO's capabilities appear in competitive exams.
6. India Develops Indigenous 32-bit Space Microprocessors
ISRO delivered India's first fully indigenous 32-bit space-grade microprocessors—VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201—developed with Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) Chandigarh, promoting self-reliance in critical space technology. Exam Relevance: Semiconductor technology, Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, and indigenous manufacturing are important for UPSC and SSC.
7. CROPS-1 Space Biology Experiment Success
India conducted its first space biology experiment CROPS-1 on the POEM-4 platform, where cowpea seeds germinated and grew to the two-leaf stage in microgravity, providing insights for long-duration human missions. Exam Relevance: Space research applications and bio-science experiments are relevant for Science and Technology sections.
8. India's Renewable Energy Capacity Addition Record
India recorded its highest-ever renewable energy capacity addition in 2025, with 44.51 GW added till November—nearly double the 24.72 GW installed during the same period in 2024, advancing clean energy targets. Exam Relevance: Renewable energy, climate targets, and green initiatives are crucial for UPSC Environment and Current Affairs.
Section 5: Sports & Important Days
1. England Defeats Australia in Melbourne Boxing Day Test
England defeated Australia by 4 wickets in the 4th Ashes Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground on 27 December 2025, ending a 15-year winless streak in Australia. The match concluded in just two days. Josh Tongue was Player of the Match with a five-wicket haul. Exam Relevance: Major cricket tournaments, historic Test matches, and sporting rivalries appear in Sports GK sections.
2. India Women Defeat Sri Lanka in T20I Series
India Women's cricket team secured series victory against Sri Lanka Women in the T20I series being played from 28-29 December 2025, with matches at various venues including the 4th T20I. Exam Relevance: Women's cricket achievements and bilateral series are increasingly featured in competitive exams.
3. SA20 League 2025-26 Underway
The SA20 cricket league continued on 28 December 2025 with Durban Super Giants vs MI Cape Town match, showcasing franchise cricket's global expansion. Exam Relevance: International T20 leagues and cricket formats appear in Banking and SSC exams.
4. National Get on the Scales Day (29 December)
Observed annually on 29 December, this day raises awareness about holiday overeating and weight gain during the festive season, promoting health consciousness. Exam Relevance: Health awareness days occasionally appear in General Awareness sections.
5. Tick Tock Day / Still Need to Do Day (29 December)
Celebrated on 29 December as a reminder to complete pending year-end tasks and reassess to-do lists before the new year. Exam Relevance: International observances help in General Knowledge sections.
6. Indian National Congress 140th Foundation Day (28 December)
The INC marked its 140th Foundation Day on 28 December 2025, commemorating its establishment in 1885 by Allan Octavian Hume with W.C. Bonnerjee as its first president. Exam Relevance: Historical dates, freedom struggle chronology, and political history are essential for all competitive exams.
Quick Revision Points for MCQ Preparation
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Defence Acquisition Council approved ₹79,000 crore military procurement on 29 December 2025 – includes Loiter Munition Systems, Low Level Radars, and Pinaka LRGR-120.
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Pinaka LRGR-120 tested on 29 December 2025 at Chandipur, Odisha – 120 km strike range, developed by DRDO's ARDE.
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RBI announced ₹2 lakh crore OMO purchases – four tranches of ₹50,000 crore starting 29 December 2025.
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Current repo rate: 5.25% – reduced by 25 bps in December 2025; SDF: 5.0%, MSF: 5.50%.
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ISRO launched BlueBird-6 satellite on 24 December 2025 – 6,100 kg, heaviest payload from Indian soil, using LVM3-M6 rocket.
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India became 4th country to achieve space docking on 16 January 2025 – after USA, Russia, and China via SpaDeX mission.
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Scheduled Commercial Banks CRAR: 17.24% – GNPA ratio: 2.05% as of September 2025 (RBI data released 29 December 2025).
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RBI GDP forecast for FY2025-26: 7.3% – inflation projection: 2.0%; India in "Goldilocks Period".
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US slashed UN humanitarian aid to $2 billion – from traditional $8-10 billion, announced 28 December 2025.
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England defeated Australia in Melbourne Test – 4-wicket victory on 27 December 2025, ended 15-year winless streak.
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Indian National Congress 140th Foundation Day on 28 December 2025 – founded 1885, first president W.C. Bonnerjee.
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India's renewable energy addition in 2025: 44.51 GW till November – nearly double the 2024 figure of 24.72 GW.
Stay Updated: For more comprehensive coverage of today's current affairs for competitive exams in India, bookmark FreeJobAlert.com and check daily updates. Understanding these 29 December 2025 current affairs developments will strengthen your General Knowledge base for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, and State PSC examinations.
Disclaimer: All information presented is based on verified official sources and news reports available as of 29 December 2025. Candidates are advised to cross-reference with official notifications for examination purposes.
