Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 22, 2025

Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources

Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.

🎯 Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

Rural Employment: President assents to VB-GRAM G Bill 2025, guaranteeing 125 days of work
Maritime Heritage: India-Netherlands MoU for Lothal Maritime Complex development
Tiger Conservation: Environment Minister chairs 28th NTCA meeting at Sundarbans
Spirituality: World Meditation Day celebrated at IIM Nagpur on Winter Solstice
Sports Achievement: Pakistan wins U-19 Asia Cup 2025, defeats India by 191 runs
Good Governance: VP C.P. Radhakrishnan attends Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary
Mathematics Award: Dr. Alexander Smith wins SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 2025
Climate Action: Justice K.V. Viswanathan emphasizes individual climate responsibility
Wildlife Expansion: Project Cheetah expands to Gujarat’s Gandhisagar and Banni Grasslands
Science Festival: IISF 2025 theme announced as “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat”

1️⃣ NATIONAL AFFAIRS

✅ President Assents to Viksit Bharat-GRAM G Bill 2025

Summary: The President of India approved landmark legislation expanding rural employment guarantees to 125 days annually.

On December 21, 2025, the President of India granted assent to the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) Bill, 2025. This historic legislation officially replaces the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) framework, raising the statutory wage employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per financial year for eligible rural households.

Key Features:

Guaranteed 125 days of employment annually for rural households
60-day “agricultural pause” period to align with peak sowing seasons without reducing total entitlement
Focus on durable asset creation including water security infrastructure and climate-resilient projects
Funding ratio: 60:40 for general states; 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states

Exam Significance: This represents a major shift in social security legislation and rural development policy. Frequently tested in GS Paper II (Social Welfare) and GS Paper III (Economic Development).

Source: Press Information Bureau – Official Press Release

✅ Vice-President Participates in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centenary Celebrations

Summary: VP C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted former PM Vajpayee’s legacy as the architect of modern India’s infrastructure.

Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan participated in the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on December 21, 2025. The event was organized by the Atal Foundation to commemorate Vajpayee’s contributions to Indian democracy and infrastructure development.

Key Highlights:

VP praised landmark projects: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Golden Quadrilateral highway project
Unveiled a statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar at Daly College, Indore
Recognized Indore’s consistent ranking as India’s cleanest city under Swachh Bharat Mission
Contextual reference to three states created during Vajpayee tenure: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand

Exam Significance: Relevant for Good Governance Day (December 25) questions, infrastructure development policies, and administrative history. Tests knowledge of “Good Governance” principles and national flagship schemes.

Source: Press Information Bureau – VP’s Address

✅ World Meditation Day Celebrated at IIM Nagpur

Summary: IIM Nagpur hosted a national event on the winter solstice promoting spiritual wellness and India’s soft power in wellness sectors.

On December 21, 2025, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur celebrated World Meditation Day, coinciding with the winter solstice (shortest day of the year). The event featured Shivkrupanand Swamiji, founder of the Himalayan Samarpan Dhyanyog movement, who called for India to lead the world in “soul wellness” just as it has with International Yoga Day.

Key Points:

Symbolic significance: Shortest day carries the “biggest message” of inner peace and renewal
IIM Nagpur Director Prof. Bhimaraya Metri emphasized integration of traditional wellness into modern education
Event attended by IG Sandip Patil and Brigadier Abhijeet S. Valimbe
Links to India’s ongoing “Soft Power” diplomacy through traditional knowledge systems

Exam Significance: Demonstrates India’s soft power diplomacy, cultural leadership, and the integration of ancient wellness practices into modern institutional frameworks. Relevant for International Relations and India’s Cultural Influence topics.

Source: Press Information Bureau – Wellness Initiative Press Release

2️⃣ INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

✅ India and Netherlands Sign MoU for Lothal Maritime Complex

Summary: Bilateral agreement signed between India and Netherlands to develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal with world-class museum expertise.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 21, 2025, to collaborate on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat. This partnership links India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with the prestigious National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam.

Key Developments:

Partnership to showcase India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy (Indus Valley Civilization)
Focus on world-class curation and museum design expertise from Netherlands
Additional discussions on “Green Shipping” initiatives and sustainable port development
Lothal as a key Harappan civilization archaeological site with maritime significance

Exam Significance: Critical for Indo-Netherlands bilateral relations, archaeological heritage conservation, and international cultural collaboration. Also relevant for Indus Valley Civilization (Ancient India) and maritime trade history questions.

Source: ANI News – India-Netherlands MoU

✅ Justice K.V. Viswanathan Addresses Climate Change and Constitutional Responsibility

Summary: Supreme Court Judge emphasizes that while climate change is a global crisis, individual action is the key solution.

Delivering the 7th D.V. Subbarao Memorial Lecture in Visakhapatnam on December 21, 2025, Supreme Court Judge Justice K.V. Viswanathan stated that climate change requires both global cooperation and individual responsibility. His lecture, titled “The Constitution through an Environmental Prism,” argued that environmental protection is a collective responsibility of every stakeholder—not just the state.

Key Arguments:

Environmental protection as a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life)
Importance of climate education at formative stages in schools and colleges
Building a resilient society through awareness and individual action
Constitutional interpretation of environmental rights and duties

Exam Significance: Highly relevant for UPSC Ethics paper, Constitutional Law, and Fundamental Rights jurisprudence. Tests knowledge of Article 21, environmental justice, and the judiciary’s role in interpreting environmental protection. Also important for GS Paper IV (Ethics and Values).

Source: The Hindu – Climate and Constitution Article

3️⃣ SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

✅ 28th NTCA Meeting Reviews Project Cheetah Expansion

Summary: Union Environment Minister chairs conservation authority meetings at Sundarbans, ratifying Project Cheetah expansion to Gujarat.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired the 28th Meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the 22nd Steering Committee of Project Elephant on December 21, 2025, at Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal.

Key Decisions:

Project Cheetah Expansion: Ratified expansion to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat
All India Tiger Estimation: Released 6th Cycle reports with ground surveys commenced in November 2025
Publications Released: Six comprehensive publications on tiger conservation and elephant management
Global Initiative: Discussions on proposed Global Big Cat Summit for species conservation

Exam Significance: Top-tier update for aspirants tracking wildlife protection, conservation acts, and species reintroduction programs. Tests knowledge of Project Tiger, Project Cheetah, scheduled species protection, and wildlife management authorities under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Source: The Hindu – Tiger Conservation and Wildlife Updates

✅ India International Science Festival 2025: Theme Announced

Summary: IISF 2025 theme “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat” unveiled with focus on AI, Space, and Biotechnology.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences announced comprehensive details for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 on December 21, 2025. Coordinated by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, the festival emphasizes India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India).

Festival Highlights:

Theme: “Vigyan Se Samruddhi: for Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Prosperity Through Science: For Self-Reliant India)
41 Events across verticals: Artificial Intelligence, Space Technology, Biotechnology, Climate Science, Green Energy
Special Attraction: 10-metre high replica of Moon’s surface showcasing India’s lunar achievements (Chandrayaan missions)
Focus Areas: Scientific temperament, innovation, and technology accessibility for common people

Exam Significance: Vital for Science and Technology sections of competitive exams. Tests knowledge of government initiatives to promote “Scientific Temper” (Article 51A), ISRO achievements, and India’s tech-driven development agenda. Relevant for GS Paper III (Science and Technology).

Source: Press Information Bureau – IISF 2025 Theme Announcement

4️⃣ SPORTS

✅ Pakistan Clinches U-19 Asia Cup 2025 Title

Summary: Pakistan defeated India by 191 runs in the final, with opener Sameer Minhas scoring a record 172 runs in a U-19 Asia Cup final.

In the final of the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2025, held on December 21, 2025, at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, Pakistan secured a massive 191-run victory over India. The commanding performance was powered by a record-breaking century from Pakistan’s opening batsman Sameer Minhas.

Match Details:

Pakistan Innings: 347/8 in 50 overs
India Innings: 156 all out in 26.2 overs (led by Ayush Mhatre)
Sameer Minhas: 172 runs off 113 balls (highest individual score in U-19 Asia Cup final history)
Pakistan’s Achievement: First U-19 Asia Cup title since 2012

Exam Significance: Important for sports-related questions in SSC, Banking exams, and UPSC. Key facts to remember: Record-breaking innings by Minhas (172 runs), tournament venue (Dubai – ICC Academy), and Pakistan’s first title in 13 years. Relevant for Current Affairs and General Awareness sections.

Source: NDTV Sports – U-19 Asia Cup Final Coverage

5️⃣ AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS

✅ Dr. Alexander Smith Receives SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 2025

Summary: Northwestern University mathematician awarded the prestigious SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for groundbreaking work in number theory.

On December 21, 2025, Dr. Alexander Smith from Northwestern University, USA, was formally recognized as the 2025 recipient of the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious mathematics awards. The prize carries a cash award of $10,000 and is given annually to mathematicians under age 32 for outstanding contributions influenced by the work of Srinivasa Ramanujan.

Award Details:

Recipient: Dr. Alexander Smith, Northwestern University
Cash Prize: $10,000 USD
Recognition: Breakthrough research in Number Theory
Specialization: Combining combinatorics and probability theory to solve long-standing mathematical problems
Ceremony Venue: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu (birthplace of Srinivasa Ramanujan)
Annual Award: Given to recognize young mathematicians contributing to Ramanujan’s mathematical legacy

Exam Significance: Recurring topic in “Awards and Honours” sections of PSC and UPSC exams. Tests knowledge of major international mathematical awards, Indian mathematical contributions to global science, and recognition of scientific excellence. Relevant for GS Paper I (Science and Culture).

Source: The Hindu – SASTRA Ramanujan Prize Award Announcement

📚 QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT – CORE RECALL POINTS

1. National & State Governance

VB-GRAM G Bill 2025 Assent: President approved legislation guaranteeing 125 days of rural employment annually.
- Significance: Replacement of MGNREGA; major shift in social security legislation; focus on asset creation and climate-resilient projects; tests knowledge of rural employment policy (GS II – Social Welfare)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centenary Celebration: VP C.P. Radhakrishnan participated in birth centenary in Indore.
- Significance: Highlights Good Governance Day (Dec 25); landmark infrastructure projects (PMGSY, Golden Quadrilateral); tests knowledge of administrative history and state formation (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand)
World Meditation Day at IIM Nagpur: Celebrated on winter solstice with focus on India’s soft power in wellness.
- Significance: India’s cultural diplomacy; integration of traditional wellness into modern education; tests knowledge of soft power initiatives and International Yoga Day framework

2. International Relations & Diplomacy

India-Netherlands MoU for Lothal Maritime Complex: Bilateral agreement for National Maritime Heritage Complex development.
- Significance: Indo-Dutch bilateral relations; conservation of Indus Valley Civilization heritage sites; international cultural collaboration; tests knowledge of Lothal’s archaeological importance and museum best practices
Justice K.V. Viswanathan’s Climate Address: Supreme Court judge emphasizes individual action on climate change at Visakhapatnam.
- Significance: Constitutional interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life); environmental justice jurisprudence; individual responsibility vs. state action; tests UPSC Ethics knowledge and Fundamental Rights interpretation

3. Science, Technology & Environment

28th NTCA Meeting – Project Cheetah Expansion: Expansion to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat.
- Significance: Wildlife conservation policy; Project Cheetah and Project Tiger implementation; species reintroduction programs; human-wildlife conflict management; tests knowledge of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and conservation authorities
IISF 2025 Theme – “Vigyan Se Samruddhi”: Festival theme focusing on AI, Space, and Biotechnology.
- Significance: Government’s commitment to scientific temper (Article 51A); Aatmanirbhar Bharat in technology; ISRO achievements and lunar missions; tests knowledge of India’s science and technology governance framework
All India Tiger Estimation (6th Cycle): NTCA released tiger census reports with data collection begun in November 2025.
- Significance: Biodiversity monitoring; wildlife population assessment methodology; conservation effectiveness tracking; tests knowledge of wildlife monitoring systems

4. Sports & International Achievements

Pakistan Wins U-19 Asia Cup 2025: Defeated India by 191 runs in final; Sameer Minhas scored 172 runs (highest in U-19 final history).
- Significance: Pakistan’s first U-19 Asia Cup title since 2012; tournament venue (Dubai – ICC Academy); record-breaking individual performance; tests sports trivia and major cricket tournament knowledge
Dr. Alexander Smith – SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 2025: Northwestern University mathematician awarded $10,000 for number theory contributions.
- Significance: Recognition of Indian mathematical legacy globally; awards for scientific excellence; tests knowledge of major international mathematical honors and Indian scientists’ global recognition

💡 KEY EXAMINATION TAKEAWAYS

Topic	Key Fact	Exam Relevance
Rural Employment	125-day guarantee (VB-GRAM G)	GS II – Social Welfare & Rural Development
Good Governance	Vajpayee’s infrastructure legacy	GS I – Historical and Administrative Context
Wildlife Conservation	Project Cheetah expansion to Gujarat	GS III – Environment & Conservation
Climate Responsibility	Individual action on climate change	GS IV – Ethics & Article 21 Jurisprudence
Science Festival	“Vigyan Se Samruddhi” theme	GS III – Science & Technology Governance
Sports Achievement	Pakistan U-19 Asia Cup victory	General Awareness & Current Affairs
Mathematical Excellence	SASTRA Ramanujan Prize 2025	GS I – Awards & Scientific Recognition
Maritime Heritage	India-Netherlands NMHC collaboration	International Relations & Cultural Heritage

📌 Compilation Note: All articles verified from original newspaper sources. URLs provided for direct reference and further reading.

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