Indian Current Affairs News Digest

Date: December 30, 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.

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Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)

1. DRDO Success: Maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) conducted at Chandipur.
2. Industrial Growth: India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) jumped to a 25-month high of 6.7% in November 2025.
3. Supreme Court: Stayed the suspension of Kuldeep Sengar’s life sentence in the Unnao rape case.
4. Aravalli Row: SC paused its own previous judgment that restricted the definition of Aravalli hills to elevations above 100 meters.
5. Corporate Conflict: Reliance Industries (RIL) refuted reports of a $30 billion government claim regarding KG-D6 gas output.
6. Internal Security: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Guwahati Police Commissionerate and a city-wide CCTV surveillance system.
7. Chess Milestone: India’s Koneru Humpy secured the Bronze medal at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha.
8. Banking: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) received RBI approval to set up an IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City, Gujarat.
9. Hockey: Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 began in Ranchi; Shrachi Bengal Tigers defeated Soorma Hockey Club 1-0.
10. Environment: A study in Nature Climate Change warns that global glacier extinction will peak between 2041 and 2055.

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1. STATE AFFAIRS

Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Guwahati Police Commissionerate and Surveillance System

Summary: Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a ₹111-crore permanent building for the Guwahati Police Commissionerate and a comprehensive city surveillance project.

On December 29, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new permanent building of the Guwahati Police Commissionerate in Assam. Built at a cost of ₹111 crore, the facility is designed to modernize urban policing in the Northeast. Alongside the building, a massive city-wide surveillance system featuring 2,000 high-definition CCTVs was launched to enhance real-time monitoring and crime prevention. Shah also visited an exhibition on the implementation of new criminal laws organized by the state CID. This initiative is part of the “Smart Policing” vision to integrate technology with law enforcement. The Home Minister emphasized that these upgrades would ensure Guwahati becomes a safer hub for the entire region. The project also includes integrated command centers to streamline emergency responses across the metropolitan area.

Exam Angle: Relevant for questions on internal security, police reforms, and regional development in the Northeast. Connects to the “Modernization of State Police Forces” (MPF) scheme.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/top-news-of-the-day-december-29-2025/article70449551.ece

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Punjab Cabinet Elevates Banur to Tehsil Status and Creates New Sub-Tehsil

Summary: The Punjab Cabinet approved the administrative upgrade of Banur to a Tehsil and established a new sub-tehsil in Hariana.

During a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on December 29, 2025, the Punjab government officially approved the elevation of Banur in Patiala district to the status of a full tehsil. Previously functioning as a sub-tehsil, this move is aimed at bringing administrative services closer to the residents and accelerating local development. Furthermore, the cabinet sanctioned the creation of a new sub-tehsil in Hariana (Hoshiarpur) to improve governance in the Doaba region. Administrative upgrades like these typically involve the appointment of more revenue officials, including Tehsildars and Naib-Tehsildars, and the establishment of dedicated judicial and land record offices. The decision follows long-standing demands from local residents for better access to government schemes without traveling long distances to district headquarters.

Exam Angle: Important for State PSC exams regarding administrative divisions, local governance, and revenue administration in Punjab.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-cabinet-banur-tehsil-hariana-sub-tehsil-9746823/

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Chandigarh Doctors End Strike After CM’s Intervention and Panel Formation

Summary: Junior doctors at Chandigarh’s premier medical institutes resumed services on December 29 after the government promised a new panel to address the IGMC incident.

On December 29, 2025, Resident Doctors in Chandigarh called off their ongoing strike after assurances from the government regarding safety and administrative transparency. The strike had severely impacted Outpatient Department (OPD) services across major hospitals. The breakthrough occurred after the Chief Minister directed the Health Department to constitute a high-level panel to re-examine the controversial incident at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC). The panel is tasked with investigating lapses in resident safety and administrative protocol. Healthcare services, which had been paralyzed for several days, returned to normalcy by Monday afternoon. The government has committed to implementing the panel’s recommendations within a fixed timeframe to prevent future unrest in the medical community.

Exam Angle: Highlights issues of medical ethics, labor strikes in essential services, and the administrative mechanisms for grievance redressal in public health.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chandigarh-doctors-strike-ends-igmc-panel-9746791/

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2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Supreme Court Stays Suspension of Kuldeep Sengar’s Life Sentence in Unnao Case

Summary: The Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life imprisonment of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

On December 29, 2025, a Supreme Court Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Suren Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih stayed the relief previously granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar, a former MLA, was convicted for the 2017 rape of a minor in Unnao. The Delhi High Court had earlier suspended his sentence, allowing him a temporary release. However, the apex court intervened following a plea, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the need for justice for the survivor. The Court also issued directions to ensure legal aid and continued protection for the survivor and her family. This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s strict stance on crimes against women and the accountability of high-profile convicts.

Exam Angle: Crucial for understanding judicial review, criminal law, and the protection of victims’ rights in landmark sensitive cases.

Source: The Hindu — https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-stays-delhi-high-court-order-suspending-kuldeep-sengars-life-sentence/article70449348.ece

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SC Pauses Own Judgment Defining Aravalli Range to Prevent Ecological Dilution

Summary: The Supreme Court kept in abeyance its November 20 verdict that limited the Aravalli range definition to hills with an elevation of 100 meters or more.

In a significant environmental decision on December 29, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed its own recent judgment that had potential implications for mining and construction in the Aravalli range. The previous ruling defined Aravallis strictly based on a 100-meter elevation threshold, which critics argued would leave many ecologically sensitive hillocks unprotected. Recognizing these concerns, the Court has now proposed the formation of a high-powered panel of experts to rethink the definition. The stay ensures that the current protections for the world’s oldest mountain system remain intact while the panel evaluates the biological and geological significance of lower-elevation slopes. This decision is seen as a victory for conservationists who feared that the 100-meter rule would facilitate illegal mining.

Exam Angle: Significant for environmental law, the “Public Trust Doctrine,” and the role of the judiciary in sustainable development.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court-aravalli-hills-100-meter-definition-stay-9746812/

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Railways Rolls Out 5-Step Action Plan to Combat Fog-Induced Delays

Summary: The Ministry of Railways launched a comprehensive strategy on December 29 to minimize train disruptions caused by the prevailing thick fog in North India.

On December 29, 2025, the Indian Railways initiated a 5-step operational plan to handle the severe fog conditions affecting the Northern, North-Western, and North-Central zones. The plan includes the deployment of “Fog-Safe” devices for loco pilots, which provide GPS-based audio-visual cues about upcoming signals and level crossings. Additionally, the railways have increased the frequency of track patrolling and implemented speed restrictions of 60-75 kmph in zero-visibility zones to ensure safety. To manage passenger convenience, real-time SMS alerts for delays and the deployment of additional staff at inquiry counters have been prioritized. The move comes as dozens of trains were reported running 4-10 hours late due to visibility dropping below 50 meters in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.

Exam Angle: Relevant for infrastructure management, disaster mitigation, and the use of technology (GPS/AIS) in Indian Railways.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-fog-safety-measures-delays-9746805/

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3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Trump and Putin Hold “Positive” Call on Ukraine War Resolution

Summary: The White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a productive discussion regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

On December 29, 2025, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump had concluded a “positive call” with Vladimir Putin. The primary focus of the dialogue was finding a pathway to end the war in Ukraine. This follows Trump’s recent engagements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where a 15-year security guarantee for Ukraine was reportedly discussed as part of a potential peace deal. While details remain classified, the call signals a shift in diplomatic momentum as the new U.S. administration seeks to mediate an end to the hostilities. However, the development was met with skepticism in Kyiv, where Zelenskyy warned that Russia might be using the diplomatic cover to prepare for fresh strikes on government buildings.

Exam Angle: Important for International Relations (IR), specifically U.S.-Russia-Ukraine dynamics and the changing geopolitics under the new U.S. administration.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/trump-putin-ukraine-call-positive-discussion/articleshow/126222255.cms

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MEA Rejects Pakistan’s Claims on Indian Minorities as “Abysmal Record”

Summary: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on December 29 dismissed Pakistan’s allegations regarding the treatment of minorities in India.

In a sharp rebuttal on December 29, 2025, the MEA spokesperson rejected statements made by the Pakistani leadership concerning the status of minorities in India. India asserted that Pakistan, with its “abysmal record” on human rights and the systematic persecution of its own minority communities, has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal matters. The MEA highlighted the regular reports of forced conversions and attacks on places of worship in Pakistan as evidence of its failed state responsibilities. This diplomatic exchange follows a pattern of Pakistan attempting to internationalize India’s domestic social issues at various forums. India maintained that its democratic framework and constitutional safeguards provide robust protection to all its citizens, unlike its neighbor.

Exam Angle: Relevant for India-Pakistan bilateral relations and India’s stance on human rights and international diplomacy.

Source: Indian Express — https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mea-rejects-pakistan-claims-indian-minorities-9746798/

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Zambia vs. Morocco: El Kaabi Brace Powers Morocco to 3-0 Win in AFCON

Summary: Morocco continued its dominant run in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 with a convincing victory over Zambia on December 29.

In an international sporting event affecting global football rankings, Morocco defeated Zambia 3-0 on December 29, 2025. Striker Ayoub El Kaabi was the star of the match, scoring two goals (a brace) to secure the win. The victory ensures Morocco’s progression in the tournament and cements their status as favorites for the title. The match, held amidst high regional interest, showcased the growing profile of African football on the global stage. For India, these developments are tracked due to the rising viewership of international football leagues and the bilateral sports cooperation agreements with African nations. The AFCON tournament serves as a crucial scouting ground for global clubs and reflects the soft power of participating nations in the Global South.

Exam Angle: While primarily sports-focused, it is relevant for “International Events” and understanding the regional significance of AFCON in the African Union context.

Source: ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43248912/afcon-2025-morocco-zambia-results-el-kaabi-brace

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4. ECONOMY & FINANCE

IIP Growth Surges to 25-Month High of 6.7% in November 2025

Summary: India’s industrial activity showed a robust recovery, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) hitting its highest growth rate in over two years.

Data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on December 29, 2025, revealed that industrial production grew by 6.7% in November 2025. This surge was primarily driven by a sharp recovery in the manufacturing sector and a significant uptick in capital goods production. Mining and electricity sectors also contributed positively to the overall growth. This 25-month high comes as a boost to the Indian economy, indicating that the festive demand and government capital expenditure are yielding results. Analysts noted that the broad-based nature of this improvement suggests a strengthening of the domestic supply chain. The NSO also revised the previous month’s (October) growth to 0.5%. The data serves as a critical indicator for the RBI’s future monetary policy stance regarding interest rates.

Exam Angle: Essential for Economy sections; specifically concepts of IIP, manufacturing sector performance, and macroeconomic indicators.

Source: Business Standard — https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/india-iip-industrial-production-november-2025-6-7-percent-growth-124122900875_1.html

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RIL Refutes Reports of $30 Billion Government Claim Over KG-D6 Output

Summary: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) issued a formal denial on December 29 regarding media reports claiming a $30 billion penalty from the Indian government.

Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, clarified in a stock exchange filing on December 29, 2025, that reports of a $30 billion claim by the government are “factually incorrect and irresponsible.” The controversy stems from an ongoing arbitration regarding gas production shortfalls in the KG-D6 block in the Bay of Bengal. While reports suggested the government was seeking compensation for “mismanagement” that led to underproduction, RIL stated that the actual claim involved is approximately $247 million, which has already been disclosed in its audited financial statements. RIL and its partner BP maintained that they have complied with all contractual obligations. The three-member arbitration tribunal is expected to deliver its final verdict in mid-2026. The KG-D6 block remains a critical asset for India’s energy security.

Exam Angle: Important for Corporate Governance, Energy Policy (Production Sharing Contracts), and Arbitration mechanisms in India.

Source: Livemint — https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliance-industries-denies-30-billion-claim-kg-d6-gas-block-11767026475851.html

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Indian Overseas Bank Receives RBI Nod for IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City

Summary: The RBI has authorized Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) to establish an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in Gujarat’s GIFT City to enhance its international footprint.

On December 29, 2025, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) announced that it had received the green light from the Reserve Bank of India to open its unit at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This move allows the public sector lender to offer a range of foreign currency-denominated services, including trade finance, external commercial borrowings (ECBs), and corporate banking to international clients. Establishing an IBU at GIFT City provides banks with tax incentives and a regulatory environment comparable to global financial hubs like Singapore or Dubai. For IOB, this represents a strategic step toward diversifying its portfolio and tapping into the growing demand for offshore banking services within India. The unit is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2026.

Exam Angle: Significant for Banking awareness, GIFT City (India’s first IFSC), and RBI’s regulatory framework for offshore banking.

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/indian-overseas-bank-rbi-approval-ifsc-banking-unit-gift-city/articleshow/126222567.cms

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5. SPORTS

Koneru Humpy Wins Bronze at 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship

Summary: Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy secured the Bronze medal in the women’s section of the World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha on December 29.

In a stellar performance on December 29, 2025, Koneru Humpy finished third at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship held in Doha, Qatar. Humpy remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing her trademark consistency and tactical depth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her on social media, hailing her “commendable dedication” to the sport. Despite tying for a higher spot on points, Humpy was awarded Bronze based on the tournament’s tie-break criteria. The event also saw Indian youngsters like Arjun Erigaisi putting up strong fights against global legends like Magnus Carlsen. Humpy’s achievement adds to her illustrious career and reinforces India’s status as a global chess powerhouse. Her focus now shifts to the Blitz segment of the championship.

Exam Angle: Important for sports awards and achievements; specifically international chess tournaments and prominent Indian sports personalities.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2209423

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Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 Kicks Off in Ranchi

Summary: The second season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) began on December 28-29, with matches held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Stadium.

The 2025-26 season of the Hockey India League (HIL) saw its women’s league commence in Ranchi. On December 29, 2025, the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Soorma Hockey Club. This followed the opening match on December 28, where JSW Soorma Hockey Club defeated Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 2-0 in a different fixture. The tournament features a double round-robin format with the final scheduled for January 26, 2026. Ranchi serves as the exclusive host for all matches of the women’s league. The HIL is a critical platform for Indian domestic players to compete alongside international stars, serving as a talent pipeline for the national team. The league features six franchises competing for the championship title.

Exam Angle: Relevant for sports news, specifically domestic leagues and the development of field hockey in India.

Source: Hockey India League — https://www.hockeyindialigue.com/results-standings-2025-26

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Mattis Stenshagen Claims Maiden World Cup Win in Tour de Ski Stage 2

Summary: Norway’s Mattis Stenshagen won his first-ever FIS Cross-Country World Cup victory in the 10km classic in Toblach, Italy, on December 29.

The Tour de Ski 2025-26 continued in Toblach, Italy, where Norway dominated the podium on December 29, 2025. Mattis Stenshagen finished the 10km interval start classic in 22:11.0, securing his first career World Cup win. He was followed by teammate and five-time Olympic gold medalist Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. In the women’s race, Norway’s Astrid Øyre Slind claimed victory, while American Jessie Diggins finished third to retain her overall lead in the Tour standings. The Tour de Ski is a grueling multi-stage event that tests the endurance of the world’s best skiers. While cross-country skiing is primarily a European-dominated sport, the event is of interest for global sports enthusiasts and for tracking potential contenders for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Exam Angle: Useful for international sports results and names of prominent global athletes in the Winter Olympics cycle.

Source: Olympics.com — https://olympics.com/en/news/tour-de-ski-2025-26-stage-2-stenshagen-slind-toblach-10km-classic

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6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT

DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Flight Test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket

Summary: The DRDO tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) with a range of 120 km at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur.

On December 29, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major milestone by successfully flight-testing the Pinaka LRGR 120. The rocket reached its maximum range of 120 km with precision, demonstrating all planned in-flight maneuvers. Launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, the LRGR 120 is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with other DRDO labs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed the test a “game changer” for the Indian Armed Forces, as it significantly enhances the long-range artillery capabilities. The Pinaka system, originally a multi-barrel rocket launcher, has evolved into a precision-guided munition capable of hitting targets deep within enemy territory. This indigenous development aligns with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in defense manufacturing.

Exam Angle: Highly relevant for Science & Tech (Defence); specifically indigenous missile/rocket systems like Pinaka and DRDO’s role.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2209588

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Global Glacier Extinction to Peak Between 2041 and 2055, Study Warns

Summary: A study published in Nature Climate Change projects that the world will lose up to 4,000 glaciers annually by the mid-21st century.

On December 29, 2025, findings from an ETH Zurich-led study highlighted a looming “peak glacier extinction.” According to the research, the number of vanishing glaciers will reach its highest point between 2041 and 2055. Even under moderate warming scenarios, regions like the Caucasus, European Alps, and the Subtropical Andes could lose over 50% of their glaciers within two decades. High-mountain Asia, which hosts one-third of the world’s glaciers, is expected to see a distinct mid-century peak in losses. The study emphasizes that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could double the number of surviving glaciers by 2100 compared to a 2.7°C rise. These vanishing “water towers” are critical for freshwater supply, hydropower, and agricultural stability for billions of people globally.

Exam Angle: Crucial for Environment and Ecology; specifically Climate Change, glacier melting, and the “Third Pole” (Hindu Kush Himalayas).

Source: Down To Earth — https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/glacier-disappearance-projected-to-peak-mid-century-100234

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Union Minister Jitendra Singh Inaugurates New BRIC Secretariat for Bioeconomy

Summary: The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) received a new secretariat complex in New Delhi on December 29 to streamline India’s bio-innovation.

Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the new secretariat complex of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) on December 29, 2025. Describing it as a “key milestone for India’s future bioeconomy,” the Minister stated that the facility would serve as a central hub for coordinating biotechnology research across the country. BRIC was formed to unify various autonomous institutions under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to foster synergy and efficiency. The government aims to grow India’s bioeconomy to $300 billion by 2030, and this secretariat will play a pivotal role in policy implementation and industry-academia collaboration. The move is expected to accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable energy through advanced biotechnological applications.

Exam Angle: Relevant for Science & Tech (Biotechnology) and Government initiatives like “BioE3 Policy” and the “National Biotechnology Development Strategy.”

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2209590

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7. OTHERS

Delhi Records ‘Severe’ Air Quality as Smog Engulfs National Capital

Summary: On December 29, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi’s ITO area hit 407, placing it in the ‘Severe’ category and affecting health and visibility.

The national capital continued to struggle with hazardous pollution levels on December 29, 2025. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the AQI crossing the 400-mark in several locations, including the ITO and Anand Vihar areas. A thick layer of smog reduced visibility to less than 50 meters in the early morning, causing traffic snarls and flight delays. Authorities have advised citizens, especially children and the elderly, to avoid outdoor activities. The worsening air quality is attributed to a combination of low wind speeds, dropping temperatures, and local pollutants. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is reportedly considering stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage IV to curb the pollution, which has persisted throughout the winter season.

Exam Angle: Important for Environment; specifically AQI categories, CPCB standards, and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Source: Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/delhi-air-quality-severe-aqi-407-fog-smog/articleshow/126222890.cms

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Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Arrives in Kerala for Official Visit

Summary: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar reached Thiruvananthapuram on December 29 to participate in several cultural and developmental programs.

Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, was received at the Thiruvananthapuram airport by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and other state dignitaries on December 29, 2025. His visit includes the inauguration of a local self-government seminar and participation in development-related events. The Vice-President is also scheduled to meet with local innovators and visit historical sites in the state capital. Such visits by constitutional heads are significant for highlighting regional development and strengthening the ties between the Centre and the States. During his arrival, prominent figures including state ministers and local administrators were present, emphasizing the cross-party reception typical of high constitutional visits.

Exam Angle: Relevant for “Appointments & Visits” and understanding the protocol and functions of the Office of the Vice-President.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2209585

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“Namotsav” Multimedia Tribute to PM Modi Held in Ahmedabad

Summary: A grand musical and multimedia event titled “Namotsav” was organized in Ahmedabad on December 29 to celebrate the life and vision of the Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Culture organized “Namotsav” in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on December 29, 2025. The event featured a grand musical tribute and multimedia presentations showcasing the various phases of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life and his vision for “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Attended by thousands, the program utilized 3D mapping and light shows to depict key milestones of the government’s flagship schemes like Swachh Bharat and Digital India. Local artists performed traditional dances, blending culture with modern technology. The event aims to inspire the youth through the narrative of national transformation and the Prime Minister’s journey from a common citizen to the leader of the world’s largest democracy.

Exam Angle: Relevant for “Art & Culture” and understanding government outreach programs and soft power initiatives.

Source: Press Information Bureau — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2209592

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QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: Core Recall Points

1. National & State Governance

• Guwahati Police Commissionerate Inauguration: ₹111 crore building with 2,000 CCTV surveillance system inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
  • Significance: Tests knowledge of Internal Security, Smart Policing initiatives, and Modernization of Police Forces (MPF) scheme.
• Supreme Court on Kuldeep Sengar: SC stayed Delhi HC order suspending life sentence of Kuldeep Sengar in Unnao rape case.
  • Significance: Crucial for Judicial Review, Criminal Justice, and victims’ rights protection mechanisms.
• Aravalli Hills Definition Stayed: SC paused its own November ruling that limited Aravalli definition to 100-meter elevation.
  • Significance: Important for Environmental Law, Public Trust Doctrine, and ecological conservation jurisprudence.
• Punjab Administrative Upgrade: Banur elevated to Tehsil status; new sub-tehsil created in Hariana (Hoshiarpur).
  • Significance: Relevant for state-specific governance, revenue administration, and local government structures.
• Chandigarh Doctors’ Strike Ends: High-level panel formed to address IGMC incident after CM’s intervention.
  • Significance: Highlights healthcare governance, grievance redressal mechanisms, and labor issues in essential services.
• Railways Fog Action Plan: 5-step strategy including Fog-Safe devices, speed restrictions, and real-time SMS alerts deployed.
  • Significance: Infrastructure management, disaster mitigation, and GPS/AIS technology in Indian Railways.

2. Economy & Finance

• IIP Growth Surge: Index of Industrial Production reached 25-month high of 6.7% in November 2025.
  • Significance: Key macroeconomic indicator testing knowledge of manufacturing sector, capital goods production, and NSO data.
• RIL KG-D6 Controversy: Reliance Industries denied $30 billion government claim; actual arbitration involves $247 million.
  • Significance: Corporate governance, Production Sharing Contracts (PSC), energy policy, and arbitration mechanisms.
• IOB IFSC Banking Unit: Indian Overseas Bank received RBI approval to set up IFSC Banking Unit at GIFT City, Gujarat.
  • Significance: Banking sector reforms, offshore banking regulations, GIFT City as India’s first IFSC, and RBI’s regulatory framework.

3. International Relations

• Trump-Putin Ukraine Call: White House confirmed “positive” discussion on December 29 regarding Ukraine conflict resolution.
  • Significance: Current geopolitics, U.S.-Russia relations, Ukraine crisis, and changing diplomatic approaches under new U.S. administration.
• MEA Rejects Pakistan Claims: India dismissed Pakistan’s allegations on minority treatment, citing Pakistan’s “abysmal record.”
  • Significance: India-Pakistan bilateral relations, human rights diplomacy, and India’s constitutional safeguards for minorities.
• Morocco AFCON Victory: Morocco defeated Zambia 3-0 with Ayoub El Kaabi scoring a brace in AFCON 2025.
  • Significance: Understanding regional sports diplomacy and Africa Cup of Nations in African Union context.

4. Science, Environment & Defence

• DRDO Pinaka LRGR 120 Test: Maiden successful flight test of 120 km range guided rocket at Chandipur on December 29.
  • Significance: Indigenous defence technology, DRDO’s role, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, and precision-guided munitions.
• Peak Glacier Extinction Warning: Nature Climate Change study projects maximum glacier loss between 2041-2055.
  • Significance: Climate change impacts, Third Pole significance, freshwater security, and 1.5°C vs 2.7°C warming scenarios.
• BRIC Secretariat Inauguration: New Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council complex opened in New Delhi.
  • Significance: Bioeconomy development, DBT initiatives, $300 billion bioeconomy target by 2030, and BioE3 Policy.
• Delhi Air Quality Crisis: AQI reached 407 (Severe category) at ITO area on December 29, 2025.
  • Significance: Environmental pollution, CPCB standards, AQI categories, and GRAP Stage IV measures.

5. Sports

• Koneru Humpy Bronze Medal: Won Bronze at 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha, Qatar (remained undefeated).
  • Significance: International sports achievements, Indian chess excellence, and recognition of prominent sports personalities.
• Women’s Hockey India League: 2025-26 season began in Ranchi; Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated Soorma Hockey Club 1-0.