Daily GK Update- 26th Dec, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st Birth Anniversary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 101st birth anniversary, describing it as a symbol of self-respect, unity and service, aligned with the vision of Sabka Prayas for a developed India.He praised the transformation of a 30+ acre former garbage dump into a modern national memorial, congratulating the Uttar Pradesh government, planners and workers for converting the area into a landmark of national inspiration.Recalling the ideals of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister highlighted Article 370 abrogation, Antyodaya-based welfare saturation, expanded social security coverage, digital and infrastructure growth, and Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a hub of development and manufacturing.

 

2. Manohar Lal Inaugurates 250 MW Unit of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, Boosting India’s Clean Energy Push: Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project through virtual mode, marking a key milestone in India’s largest hydropower project and boosting clean energy generation in the North-East region.The commissioning reflects India’s commitment to renewable energy expansion, national grid strengthening and Net Zero goals, while supporting regional development in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and the wider North-East.With Unit–2 operational, three more 250 MW units are set for near-term commissioning, while the remaining four units will be commissioned in phases during 2026–27, taking the project closer to full capacity.The project features the largest dam in North-East India (116-metre-high concrete gravity dam) and plays a crucial flood moderation role on the Subansiri River, enhancing grid resilience and downstream safety.

 

3. Bhogapuram International Airport to Be Dedicated to Nation in May 2026: Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the Bhogapuram International Airport near Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh will be dedicated to the nation in May 2026, with trial runs scheduled next month, advancing the inauguration ahead of the original June 2026 timeline.He made the announcement during the launch of the Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (AAD) EduCity near Bhogapuram Airport, noting that 91.7% of the airport construction work has already been completed.Spread over 136 acres, the AAD EduCity is being developed as India’s first integrated Aviation, Aerospace and Defence education hub, aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled aviation professionals and positioning India as a global talent supplier.

 

4. President Murmu Gives Assent to VB—G RAM G Act 2025: President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) Act, 2025, replacing the MGNREGA and providing a modern statutory framework for rural employment aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.The Act enhances the wage employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year for rural households, strengthens livelihood security, and links employment with the creation of durable and productive rural assets.It empowers States to aggregate a pause period of up to 60 days to ensure availability of agricultural labour during peak sowing and harvesting seasons and mandates weekly or 15-day wage payments, with delay compensation for late payments.VB—G RAM G removes previous dis-entitlement provisions, restores unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated period, and focuses on empowerment, inclusive growth, convergence, and saturation-based delivery.

 

5. 24 December – National Consumer Rights Day: National Consumer Rights Day is observed every year on 24 December in India to promote awareness about consumer rights, responsibilities and protection laws.Theme 2025 – Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital JusticeThe day marks the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which provided legal safeguards to consumers against unfair trade practices.It aims to empower consumers by highlighting key rights such as Right to Safety, Right to Information, Right to Choice, Right to be Heard, Right to Redressal and Right to Consumer Education.

 

6. 25 December – Good Governance Day: Good Governance Day is observed every year on 25 December in India to promote awareness about accountability, transparency and effective public administration.The day marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recognising his contribution to strengthening democratic governance in India.It aims to ensure citizen-centric governance, focusing on efficient delivery of public services, inclusive development and responsive institutions.

 

7. 24 December – DMRC Foundation Day: DMRC Foundation Day is observed on 24 December to commemorate the establishment of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which laid the foundation of modern urban mass rapid transit in India.DMRC was set up in 1995 with the objective of developing and operating a world-class metro system in the National Capital Region (NCR).The Delhi Metro is known for its timely project execution, technological innovation and eco-friendly operations, serving as a model for metro projects across India.The first line of the Delhi Metro, the Red Line, was inaugurated by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister of India on 24 December 2002. The first segment of the Red Line from Tis Hazari to Shahdara was opened to the public on 25 December 2002.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Oman Unveils First Polymer One-Rial Banknote with Advanced Security Features, to Circulate from 2026: Oman has unveiled its first polymer one-rial banknote, issued by the Central Bank of Oman, which will enter circulation from January 11, 2026, alongside existing paper-based notes as legal tender.The shift to polymer material enhances durability, suits Oman’s hot and humid climate, reduces replacement costs, and strengthens protection against counterfeiting, aligning Oman with global best practices.The note reflects Oman’s cultural and economic identity, featuring the Oman Botanic Garden on the front and Duqm Port and Refinery on the reverse, along with advanced security elements such as a transparent window, colour-shifting foil, and iridescent ink.The banknote measures 145 x 76 mm and reflects Oman’s culture and economy, featuring the Oman Botanic Garden on the front and the Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex with Duqm Port and Refinery on the reverse.

 

2. Trump Announces “Trump-Class” Battleships: Donald Trump announced that a new class of US battleships will be named “Trump-class battleships”, with the declaration made at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, USA.The announcement was formally made by USA Navy Secretary John Phelan, who said the first vessel, USS Defiant, would be the largest and most powerful battleship ever built by the USA.

 

3. Japan Approves Restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant: Japan has approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant after nearly 20 years, signalling a major shift in post-Fukushima energy policy with a renewed focus on energy security, cost control, and decarbonisation.The Niigata prefectural assembly cleared the restart proposal, allowing TEPCO to resume operations; Reactor No. 6 is expected to restart by January 20, 2026, with an investment of nearly ¥100 billion for safety upgrades.The move aims to reduce Japan’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, which cost about ¥10.7 trillion annually, positioning nuclear power as a stable domestic energy source despite local protests.

 

4. China Opens World’s Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang: China has opened to traffic the world’s longest expressway tunnel, marking a major infrastructure milestone in its western region. The newly inaugurated Tianshan Shengli tunnel in Xinjiang significantly cuts travel time across one of the country’s most challenging mountain terrains and strengthens connectivity between northern and southern parts of the autonomous region. The tunnel, measuring 22.13 kilometres in length, passes through the central Tianshan mountain range in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. According to Song Hailiang, chairman of China Communications Construction Company, the project has set two world records. It is the longest expressway tunnel globally and also features the deepest vertical shaft ever built for a highway tunnel. The tunnel is a critical component of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway, which also became operational on Friday. The expressway acts as a major transport artery linking city clusters across Xinjiang. It traverses the vast Tianshan range, which stretches nearly 2,500 kilometres and historically posed a significant natural barrier between northern and southern Xinjiang.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sindhughosh Decommissioned After 40 Years of Service: INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of her class, was decommissioned, after completing 40 years of distinguished service, marking the end of an important chapter in India’s conventional submarine force.The decommissioning ceremony was held at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, in the presence of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, with the submarine formally paid off under the command of Lt Cdr Rajat Sharma.Commissioned on April 30, 1986, INS Sindhughosh was a Soviet-origin Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine acquired from Russia under Project 877EKM.

 

2. Centre Launches First-Ever National Weapon Database: In a major step to strengthen India’s internal security framework, the Centre has launched the country’s first-ever national weapons database aimed at curbing terrorism, organised crime, and extremism. The initiative seeks to improve tracing, monitoring, and recovery of government-owned firearms that fall into illegal circulation, enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies across the country. The ‘Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm’ database was formally launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the inaugural session of the Anti-Terror Conference 2025. The two-day annual conference is organised by the National Investigation Agency, which developed the database under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The platform was officially dedicated to the nation as part of efforts to modernise counter-terror infrastructure.

 

SPORTS

 

1. East Bengal Football Club Wins Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025: East Bengal FC has clinched the title of the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025 with a dominant 3-0 win against hosts Nepal’s APF (Armed Police Forces) in the final at Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.With this win, East Bengal has become the first Indian women’s club to win an international tournament.

 

2. Virat Kohli Breaks List A Batting Average Record: Indian batting icon Virat Kohli once again etched his name into cricket history with a record-breaking performance in domestic one-day cricket. Playing for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kohli’s fluent knock not only powered his team but also helped him surpass a long-standing world record, reaffirming his stature as one of the greatest batters of the modern era. Kohli scored a classy 77 runs off just 61 balls against Gujarat in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match held in Bengaluru. The innings was marked by crisp stroke play, controlled aggression, and exceptional timing. While the knock played a key role in stabilising Delhi’s innings, its wider significance lay in the milestone Kohli achieved during the process, adding another chapter to his illustrious career. With this innings, Kohli overtook former Australian great Michael Bevan to become the highest-averaging batter in List A cricket among players with a minimum of 5,000 runs. Kohli’s List A average now stands at 57.87, narrowly surpassing Bevan’s iconic mark of 57.86. Bevan’s record had endured for decades and was widely regarded as a benchmark of consistency in one-day cricket.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IIT Delhi Develops AILAS: AI Agent Capable of Conducting Independent Laboratory Experiments: IIT Delhi has developed an AI agent named AILAS (Artificially Intelligent Laboratory Agent) capable of conducting scientific experiments independently, mimicking human researchers.AILAS can control laboratory devices and make real-time decisions during experiments, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in research workflows.

 

2. Param Rudra Supercomputer Launched at IIT-Patna: In a major boost to advanced research and high-performance computing in eastern India, the first Param Rudra supercomputer in Bihar has been inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna. The facility marks a significant milestone under India’s National Supercomputing Mission and is expected to strengthen the region’s scientific and technological capabilities. The Param Rudra supercomputer was formally launched on Friday, making IIT-Patna the first institution or government establishment in Bihar to host such a facility. The inauguration was carried out by Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Officials described the development as a transformative step that will enable researchers to undertake complex computational work locally, reducing dependence on facilities outside the state. The supercomputer has been established under the National Supercomputing Mission, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing India’s computational infrastructure. Under the mission, 37 supercomputers have already been deployed nationwide with a combined capacity of 39 petaFLOPS, supporting more than 12,000 researchers. Ten additional systems are planned, which will raise India’s total compute capacity to over 100 petaFLOPS in the coming phase.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. New Income Tax Act 2025 To Take Effect From April 1: India’s direct tax framework is set for its most sweeping reform in over six decades with the replacement of the Income-tax Act, 1961, by the Income-tax Act, 2025. The new legislation will come into force from April 1, 2026, and will apply to income earned in the financial year 2025–26 onwards. The move marks a decisive shift towards simplification, clarity, and technology-driven tax administration. Over the years, the 1961 Act had expanded into a highly complex law with more than 800 sections, frequent amendments, and overlapping interpretations. To address this, the government undertook a comprehensive rewrite aimed at eliminating obsolete provisions, reducing litigation, and aligning tax law with a modern, digital economy. The new Act seeks to make compliance easier for taxpayers while improving administrative efficiency. Although the Income-tax Act, 2025 received presidential assent in August 2025, it will be operational from April 1, 2026. This means tax returns filed for Assessment Year 2026–27 will still largely follow the 1961 Act. However, procedural and administrative changes linked to the new law will begin influencing compliance systems from the upcoming financial year.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Jorhat Teen Bags National Award for Sustainability Innovation: A 14-year-old innovator from Assam’s Jorhat has earned national recognition for her pioneering efforts in promoting sustainable practices. Aishi Prisha Borah has been conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her exceptional contributions in science and technology, highlighting the growing role of young minds in addressing environmental challenges through innovation. Aishi Prisha Borah, a student from Jorhat district in Assam, has demonstrated remarkable scientific curiosity and social responsibility at an early age. Her work focuses on practical, low-cost solutions rooted in sustainability and waste reduction. Through her initiatives, she has addressed everyday environmental issues, making science relevant to community needs and grassroots practices.

Daily GK Update- 25th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FM Sitharaman Chairs Finance–Corporate Affairs ‘Chintan Shivir’ to Review Policy and Development Challenges: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with MoS Harsh Malhotra, chaired the ‘Chintan Shivir’ of the Ministries of Finance and Corporate Affairs to deliberate on key policy and governance issues.The brainstorming session was attended by Finance and Corporate Affairs Secretaries, Chairpersons of CBDT and CBIC, the Chief Economic Adviser, and senior officers from related departments.During her address, Sitharaman highlighted the historical significance of the Vijayanagara region, describing it as one of the closest examples of India at its imperial peak about 500 years ago.She also emphasized present-day developmental challenges in the region, pointing to the coexistence of grand monuments with drought-prone areas, low agricultural productivity, and human-animal conflict.

 

2. India Hands Over Three Quick Impact Projects to Myanmar to Boost Socio-Economic Development: India handed over three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Myanmar, aimed at enhancing the socio-economic well-being of people in Mandalay RegionA flexible rapier loom, a modern high-tech weaving machine made in India, was installed at the Saunder Weaving and Vocational Institute in Amarapura to promote vocational education in weaving.A new single-storey building for the Girls Training School in Mandalay was inaugurated, providing a safe, spacious, and comfortable learning environment for young students.The third QIP focuses on tar-free and dry type gasification of agricultural waste, supporting rural electrification, clean energy, environmental conservation, and local capacity-building.

 

3. MoHUA Launches 10th Edition of Swachh Survekshan 2025–26: MoHUA launched the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan (2025–26) in Bhopal, marking a decade of the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U); the toolkit was released by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal.The theme “Swacchata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath” highlights citizen participation and collective responsibility as key drivers of urban sanitation and waste management reforms.Citizen feedback weightage has been significantly increased, with round-the-year participation enabled through digital platforms like Vote For My City, MyGov App, Swachhata App, and QR-code interfaces.The survey’s geographical scope has expanded to include all river towns across India and a separate assessment framework for coastal areas, addressing region-specific sanitation challenges.

 

4. Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood – Mohar Basu (publish by HarperCollins India): HarperCollins India will publish Salman Khan: The Sultan of Bollywood by award-winning author Mohar Basu, a celebration of the life, stardom, and cinematic legacy of superstar Salman Khan.The book offers more than a biography, presenting a fan’s tribute through iconic roles, memorable dialogues, hit songs, rare photographs, and fan anecdotes, capturing Salman Khan’s larger-than-life journey.Authored by Mohar Basu, Chief Correspondent (Entertainment) at Midday and a 2024 Indian Achievers Club “40 Under 40” honoree.

5. Centre Bans New Mining Leases in Entire Aravalli Range: In a major conservation initiative, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has imposed a complete ban on the grant of new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range, extending from Delhi to Gujarat. The decision seeks to curb illegal and unregulated mining while safeguarding one of the world’s oldest and most ecologically fragile mountain systems. The Aravalli range plays a vital environmental role in north-western India. It acts as a natural barrier against desertification from the Thar, supports diverse flora and fauna, aids groundwater recharge, and provides essential ecosystem services to populations across the National Capital Region, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. Decades of unregulated mining have led to severe ecological degradation, triggering repeated judicial and administrative interventions. According to directions issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the prohibition on new mining leases will apply uniformly across the entire Aravalli landscape, irrespective of state jurisdictions. The Centre has emphasised a landscape-level approach, aiming to preserve the Aravallis as a continuous geological and ecological system rather than fragmented forest patches.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Announces $450 Million Relief Package to Support Sri Lanka’s Post-Cyclone Recovery: India announced a $450 million relief and reconstruction package to support Sri Lanka’s recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, as stated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.The announcement was made in Colombo, where Jaishankar affirmed that India stands firmly with Sri Lanka during the post-cyclone recovery phase.The package includes $350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and $100 million in grants, targeting sectors most affected by the cyclone.

 

2. How Cyclones Over the North Indian Ocean Have Changed — and Why the Risk Is Growing: Cyclonic disturbances over the North Indian Ocean — covering the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and adjoining land areas — have undergone profound changes over the last century. While the total number of disturbances has declined from mid-20th century highs, their geography, intensity and timing have shifted in ways that make them more destructive and harder to manage. These trends matter deeply for India’s disaster preparedness, coastal planning and climate adaptation strategy. Long-term data from 1900 to 2025 shows that cyclonic disturbances follow an inverted U-shaped trend. In the early decades of the 20th century, the North Indian Ocean averaged fewer than 10 disturbances annually. Activity rose sharply through the 1930s, stabilising at over 15 disturbances per year until the 1970s.This period marked the most cyclone-active phase in the historical record. The subsequent decades, however, saw a pronounced decline. By the 2000s, the 10-year rolling average had fallen to around eight — the lowest in over a century. Although the 2010s and 2020s show a rebound, today’s activity remains well below the mid-century peak.

 

3. Global Trade in 2025: Tariffs, Uncertainty, and the Search for New Rules: The past year has underscored how global trade is being reshaped less by multilateral consensus and more by unilateral power and strategic bargaining. From reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States to China’s weaponisation of critical minerals, trade policy in 2025 has been marked by unpredictability and fragmentation. For countries navigating this churn, the challenge is no longer just market access, but managing systemic uncertainty in the global trading order. True to his election rhetoric, “Donald Trump” moved quickly to operationalise reciprocal tariffs, announcing them on what his administration termed “Liberation Day”, barely weeks after returning to office. Despite subsequent exemptions and sector-specific carve-outs, the tariffs were rolled out in August and have since become a central feature of US trade policy.While the President’s authority to impose such tariffs has been challenged before the “Supreme Court of the United States”, the broader signal is clear: unilateralism is no longer an aberration. In fact, the presence of safeguard clauses against substitute tariffs (such as those under Section 232) in existing US trade agreements — including with South Korea — suggests that partners now factor in the permanence of this approach.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. IOL–Safran Pact Boosts Make-in-India Defence Manufacturing: India Optel Limited (IOL) signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense to manufacture two high-precision, combat-proven defence systems in India under the Make-in-India initiative.The systems include the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, used in artillery, missiles, air defence, radars, and anti-drone systems.Under the agreement, IOL will handle manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control, and full life-cycle support to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army.

 

2. Indigenous ASW Craft Anjadip Inducted into Indian Navy, Boosting Maritime Self-Reliance: The Indian Navy inducted Anjadip, the third of eight indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), designed and built by GRSE, Kolkata, with delivery taking place in Chennai.The ASW SWC project is being executed under a Public–Private Partnership between GRSE and L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, highlighting India’s progress in self-reliant defence shipbuilding.The vessel is named after Anjadip Island near Karwar, Karnataka, and revives the legacy of the erstwhile INS Anjadip, a Petya-class corvette decommissioned in 2003.With Anjadip’s induction, GRSE delivered five warships in a single year, making it the 115th warship built and the 77th delivered to the Indian Navy.

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Pro Wrestling League Unveils New Logo Ahead of 2026 Season Comeback: The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) unveiled its new official logo ahead of the 2026 season, marking the league’s return after a seven-year hiatus and its revival under new management.Scheduled to resume in January 2026, the WFI-sanctioned league will feature top Indian and international wrestlers, aiming to re-establish itself on the global stage.The modern red-and-blue logo, inspired by the traditional wrestling mat, symbolizes strength, balance, and competitive spirit, reflecting PWL’s vision of a world-class professional platform for wrestlers.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. FM Nirmala Sitharaman Launches ‘VijAIpatha’ to Introduce AI and STEM Education in Government Schools: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘VijAIpatha’, a pilot AI education initiative to equip government school students with AI, STEM, robotics, coding and digital innovation skills.The programme is being implemented by Cyient Foundation in partnership with the Karnataka government and was inaugurated at Government Girls’ PU College, Amaravati (Hosapete taluk, Vijayanagara district).Under the pilot, five world-class AI, STEM and Robotics labs will be set up in government schools, benefiting over 2,000 students (Classes 6–10); more than 100 teachers have already been trained.The CSR-led initiative will provide AI-ready computers, robotics kits, IoT devices and broadband connectivity, with an investment of ₹1 crore over three years, positively impacting around 6,000 households.

 

2. ISRO Successfully Launches US AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block-2 Communication Satellite: ISRO successfully launched the United States’ AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite from the Second Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The payload, BlueBird Block-2, is a 6.5-tonne communication satellite, making it the heaviest commercial satellite deployed to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by LVM3 from India.This launch marks the sixth operational flight of ISRO’s LVM3 heavy-lift vehicle, which has previously succeeded with missions like Chandrayaan-3 and OneWeb constellation deployments.BlueBird Block-2 is designed to provide space-based cellular broadband directly to unmodified smartphones, aiming to revolutionize connectivity in remote and underserved areas.

 

3. Indian Coast Guard inducts First Pollution Control Vessel at Goa Shipyard Limited: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted its first Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), marking a major step in indigenous shipbuilding.Samudra Pratap is equipped with advanced technology, including a 30 mm CRN-91 gun, two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns, a shaft generator, Sea boat davit, Pollution Response boat, and a high-capacity external firefighting system.The vessel features retractable stern thruster, Dynamic Positioning System, flush-type side sweeping arms, and major Pollution Control equipment, with over 60% indigenous content, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.It will serve as a critical platform for marine pollution control, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ADB Approves $650 Million Loan to Boost Rooftop Solar Adoption Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana in India: Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $650 million policy-based loan to support India’s rooftop solar expansion, aiming to provide clean and affordable energy to 10 million households by 2027.The funding will back the government’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), which promotes nationwide adoption of residential rooftop solar systems.Under PMSGMBY, households installing rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW will receive subsidies of 60% (up to 2 kW) and 40% (2–3 kW), along with access to collateral-free, low-interest loans.The program supports India’s climate goals by targeting 30 GW rooftop solar capacity, reducing 28.8 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, creating green jobs, enhancing skills of 5,000 personnel (including 1,500 women), and strengthening the power sector.

 

2. Mswipe Technologies Secures RBI’s Final Payment Aggregator Licence: Mswipe Technologies received the RBI’s final Payment Aggregator (PA) licence, enabling it to operate across both online and physical payment acceptance channels under a unified regulatory framework.The licence allows Mswipe to onboard merchants, aggregate digital and in-person payments, and facilitate inward and outward cross-border transactions, expanding its scope beyond point-of-sale solutions.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ravi Deecee Honoured with France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for Literary Contributions: Malayalam publisher Ravi Deecee, Managing Director of DC Books, was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of France’s highest cultural honours, for his contribution to literature and cross-cultural exchange.The award was conferred by the French Ambassador to India, H.E. Thierry Mathou, at a ceremony held at the Embassy of France.Under Ravi Deecee’s leadership, DC Books emerged as a leading Indian publishing house, with a strong focus on translating world literature—especially French works—into Malayalam.

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NCVET Recognises Flipkart as Awarding Body (Dual) to Strengthen Industry-Led Skilling in E-commerce: CVET, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has recognised Flipkart as an Awarding Body (Dual) to strengthen industry-led vocational education in the e-commerce and logistics sector.The collaboration aims to create nationally recognised, benchmarked skilling pathways aligned with the Skill India Mission, enhancing workforce employability in India’s rapidly growing e-commerce ecosystem.The partnership will enable Flipkart to develop standardized, high-quality training and certification programmes, with a special focus on improving employability for youth from underprivileged backgrounds.

 

2. Union Tourism Ministry to Set Up City-Level Convention Promotion Bureaus to Boost MICE Tourism from 2026: The Union Ministry of Tourism will establish independent, city-level Convention Promotion Bureaus from 2026, in partnership with stakeholders, to strengthen India’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) tourism ecosystem.Global MICE Positioning: With world-class venues like Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and Jio World Centre, and MICE tourism prioritised under the Incredible India campaign, the initiative aims to position Indian cities as globally competitive MICE destinations.Strategic Roadmap & Industry Support: The initiative was complemented by a Round Table Summit on the Indian MICE Industry Roadmap for the next five years and the launch of IEIA’s report “India MICE Opportunities Overview (2025–2030)”, highlighting institutional and technological support for sector growth.

 

3. PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Nature-Themed Airport Terminal at Guwahati’s LGBI Airport: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, built at a cost of ₹4,000 crore and recognised as India’s first nature-themed airport terminal.The new terminal has an annual capacity of over 13 million passengers, making it the largest airport terminal in Northeast India and a major aviation hub and gateway to Southeast Asia.Developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited, the terminal reflects regional identity through bamboo and orchid-inspired designs, with the overall project involving close coordination between the Centre and the Assam government.

 

4. “Shunya Se Shatak” Programme Held in Indore to Commemorate Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Birth Centenary: The “Shunya Se Shatak: Ek Shatabdi Atal Bharat Ki” programme was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on 21 December to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary year of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.Key Dignitaries and Tributes: The event was attended by Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Governor Mangubhai Patel, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, among others, with cultural tributes, felicitation of eminent personalities, performances, and screenings reflecting Vajpayee’s life and legacy.Organised by the Atal Foundation at Daly College’s auditorium, this programme served as a significant highlight in the year‑long centenary celebrations of Vajpayee across the country.

 

5. Bihar Cabinet Approves Saat Nischay-3 (2025–2030) to Transform State into Developed Economy: Bihar Cabinet approved Saat Nischay-3 to be implemented from 2025 to 2030, aiming to place the State among India’s developed states, building on the success of the previous two programmes.The programme focuses on seven pillars — Double Employment-Double Income, Prosperous Industry-Empowered Bihar, Progress in Agriculture, Advanced Education-Bright Future, Accessible Health-Secure Life, Strong Foundation-Modern Expansion, and Respect for All-Easy Life — targeting income, employment, industries, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and ease of living.Includes women’s employment schemes with financial support, development of industrial areas and sugar mills, promotion of agriculture (including Makhana production), establishment of the Higher Education Department and Education City, and expansion of health infrastructure through block and district-level hospitals.

 

6. Punjab Becomes First State to Implement Amended Bharat Net Scheme Across Entire State: Punjab has emerged as the first state in India to implement the amended Bharat Net Scheme across the entire state, enabling live monitoring of border areas from anywhere in the country.Under the scheme, internet and broadband services have been extended to 43 shadow areas, with only one village left, which is expected to be covered by the end of November.The Bharat Net Scheme aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats, households, and institutions, while promoting e-health and e-governance services in rural areas.

 

7. Rashtra Prerna Sthal Inaugurated to Honour Atal Bihari Vajpayee : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Thursday, marking the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The national memorial has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the life, ideals and legacy of Vajpayee and other key figures of Indian nationalism. Spread across 65 acres in the Vasant Kunj area of Lucknow, the Rashtra Prerna Sthal features towering bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Deendayal Upadhyaya. Each statue stands 65 feet tall and symbolises the ideals, philosophy and contribution of these leaders to India’s political and social thought. Adjacent to the memorial is a state-of-the-art museum designed in the form of a lotus, spread over nearly 98,000 square feet. The Prime Minister visited the museum, which showcases India’s national journey and the seminal contributions of the three leaders through immersive digital displays and modern exhibition technologies. The museum aims to offer visitors an educational and engaging understanding of leadership, governance and nation-building.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and New Zealand Conclude Historic Free Trade Agreement: India and New Zealand have successfully concluded a historic and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA), announced by PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon after a telephonic conversation.

The FTA negotiations, initiated during PM Luxon’s visit to India in March, were completed in a record time of nine months, reflecting strong political will and shared ambition.The agreement will deepen bilateral economic engagement, improve market access, boost investment flows, and strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.The FTA is expected to double bilateral trade within five years and facilitate over USD 20 billion investment from New Zealand into India over the next 15 years, benefiting innovators, farmers, MSMEs, students, and youth.

 

2. HCLTech Secures Multi-Year Deal to Modernise ASN Bank’s Digital Operations in the Netherlands: IT services firm HCLTech has secured a multi-year contract with ASN Bank (formerly de Volksbank) to modernise the Dutch retail bank’s digital operations.The partnership aims to consolidate IT services and simplify the vendor landscape, improving operational efficiency.HCLTech will manage enterprise applications and deliver services through a distributed delivery model to enhance efficiency and customer experience.The collaboration marks a significant step for HCLTech in expanding its presence in the Dutch banking sector, supporting future-ready banking operations.

 

3. 21 December – World Basketball Day: World Basketball Day is observed every year on 21 December to celebrate the global popularity and unifying power of basketball.The day marks the anniversary of the first official basketball game, played on 21 December 1891, after the sport was invented by Dr. James Naismith.The occasion encourages youth participation and grassroots development, recognising basketball as a tool for peace, education, and healthy lifestyles worldwide.

 

4. 21 December – World Meditation Day: World Meditation Day is observed annually on 21 December to highlight the importance of meditation in promoting mental well-being, inner peace, and emotional balance.Theme 2025 – Inner Peace, Global Harmony; One World, One Family; Healing the World From WithinThe day emphasises meditation as a powerful tool for stress reduction, mindfulness, and improved concentration in today’s fast-paced world.It encourages individuals and communities to adopt meditation as a daily practice for holistic health, combining mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.World Meditation Day also recognises meditation’s role in fostering harmony, compassion, and peace at both individual and societal levels.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University Sign MoU to Strengthen Defence and Internal Security Collaboration: DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in research, education, training, and technology support for defence and internal security.The agreement aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in defence and internal security technologies, integrating academic research, technological innovation, and operational insights.Under the MoU, the institutions will undertake joint research projects, doctoral and fellowship programmes, specialised training, and studies on emerging operational challenges, contributing to a robust ecosystem for innovation and skill development in defence and internal security.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Indian Woman to Score 4,000 T20I Runs as India Beat Sri Lanka in Series Opener: Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman batter to score 4,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals, achieving the feat during the first T20I against Sri Lanka at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.Mandhana is only the second woman globally after Suzie Bates to cross 4,000 T20I runs and did so in the fewest balls faced (3,227), underlining her consistency and strike efficiency.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Gujarat Becomes First State to Launch Large-Scale Genome Sequencing Project for Tribal Communities: Gujarat has become the first state in India to launch a large-scale genome sequencing project focused exclusively on tribal communities. The project is being led by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) to decode the genetic blueprint of tribal populations.The initiative aims to develop customised diagnostics, treatment strategies, and long-term preventive healthcare based on genetic insights.The project targets early detection of genetic diseases like thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia, enabling low-cost diagnostic panels, prenatal screening, and embryo-level testing during IVF.

 

2. India to Assume Vice Chair Role in Kimberley Process: India has taken over as a Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process from 25th December and will assume the chairpersonship of the global initiative from January 1 next year. The development marks a significant step in India’s expanding role in shaping international trade governance, particularly in the regulation of the global diamond industry. The Kimberley Process is a tripartite international initiative involving governments, the global diamond industry and civil society organisations. It was established to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, which are used by rebel movements to finance armed conflict against legitimate governments. The initiative has emerged as the most comprehensive international mechanism governing the rough diamond sector. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s selection as Vice Chair reflects global confidence in the country’s commitment to integrity, transparency and responsible trade practices. He noted that India’s leadership role underlines its credibility as a trusted partner in multilateral economic frameworks and its ability to balance commercial interests with ethical standards.

 

3. LVM3 Rocket Boosts Confidence for Gaganyaan Mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation has reaffirmed confidence in its human spaceflight ambitions following the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite using the LVM3 rocket. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted that the same launch vehicle has been earmarked for the upcoming Gaganyaan programme, underlining India’s growing technological maturity in space exploration. Speaking to the media, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan emphasised that the LVM3 rocket has maintained a 100 per cent success rate since 2017. He noted that this flawless performance significantly strengthens confidence as the rocket undergoes human-rating for the Gaganyaan mission. According to him, the consistent success of LVM3 provides a strong foundation to move forward with India’s first crewed spaceflight programme. ISRO successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile from the Satish Dhawan Space Station, Sriharikota, at 8:55 am IST. The satellite was placed accurately into its intended orbit, and the mission was declared a success. The BlueBird Block-2 spacecraft is the heaviest payload ever launched into Low Earth Orbit by the LVM3 rocket, marking a milestone in India’s heavy-lift launch capability and its role in the global commercial launch market.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Brajesh Kumar Singh Appointed as MD & CEO of Canara Bank: Brajesh Kumar Singh has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canara Bank.

Singh brings extensive experience in banking operations, management, and strategic planning, positioning him to drive growth and innovation at the bank.His appointment is expected to strengthen Canara Bank’s leadership, enhance operational efficiency, and support its long-term business and financial objectives.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. PGIMER Chandigarh Named Best Health Technology Assessment Institute for Second Consecutive Year: PGIMER, Chandigarh, has been awarded the Best Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Institute in India for the second consecutive year by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).The honour was conferred at the ARISE 2025 national conclave held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) under the MoHFW.PGIMER’s achievement is driven by its HTA Resource Hub under the Department of Health Research, led by Prof Shankar Prinja, which has played a key role in building national capacity for evidence-based health decision-making.