Daily GK Update- 31st Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) completing 25 years in 2025: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched on 25 December 2000, completed 25 years in 2025, emerging as one of India’s most impactful schemes for all-weather rural road connectivity and inclusive development.Since its inception, 8.25 lakh km of rural roads have been sanctioned, of which about 7.88 lakh km (≈95%) have been completed as of December 2025, significantly integrating rural areas with markets and services.The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development in coordination with State Governments and Union Territories.

 

2. PMGSY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with funding 60:40 for general states, 90:10 for North-Eastern states, Himalayan states, J and K and UTs with legislatures and 100% central funding for UTs without legislatures The scheme evolved through multiple phases—PMGSY-I (universal access), PMGSY-II (road upgradation), RCPLWEA (LWE areas), PMGSY-III (strategic rural links), and PMGSY-IV (2024-29) targeting last-mile connectivity. PMGSY-IV aims to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations with 62,500 km of roads, with a total outlay of ₹70,125 crore, focusing on tribal areas, aspirational districts, and remote regions.

 

3. Ministry of Civil Aviation Grants NOCs to Three New Airlines: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to three new airlines—Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress to enter the Indian aviation market.These approvals mark a significant move to boost competition and diversify India’s domestic airline sector, which has long been dominated by a few major carriers.Shankh Air has already received its NOC and is preparing to commence commercial operations in early 2026, with plans to connect regional and underserved routes.Al Hind Air and FlyExpress recently secured their NOCs and are also targeting operational launches in 2026, aiming to enhance connectivity and offer more choices to flyers.

 

4. PDUNASS and IC Centre for Governance Partner to Embed Ethical Leadership in EPFO Administration: The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS), the apex training institute of EPFO, signed an MoU with the IC Centre for Governance (ICCfG) in New Delhi to embed ethical leadership in social security administration.The partnership aims to integrate moral integrity, ethical leadership, and technical expertise among EPFO officers amid ongoing digital and Ease of Living reforms.The collaboration supports Mission Karmayogi, shifting from rule-based compliance to role-based ethical competence, with emphasis on transparency, accountability, and empathy.A tiered annual training framework has been introduced, including residential leadership programs for Group ‘A’ officers at ICCfG and citizen-centric conduct training for Group ‘B’ officers at PDUNASS.

 

5. Government Appoints Three Senior Advocates as Additional Solicitors General for Supreme Court: The Central Government has appointed three Senior Advocates as Additional Solicitors General (ASGs) to represent the Union of India before the Supreme Court of India.The appointees are Devinder Pal Singh, Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar, and Anil Kaushik, all seasoned legal professionals with extensive litigation experience.The appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, and are typically for a three-year tenure or until further notice. Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar notably brings both parliamentary experience as a former Rajya Sabha member (2018–2024) and legal expertise to his role as ASG

 

6. Indian Railways Completes 180 kmph Trial of Vande Bharat Sleeper: Indian Railways has achieved a major milestone in indigenous rail innovation with the successful completion of the final high-speed trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Conducted under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety, the trial marks a significant step towards introducing next-generation sleeper services on India’s rail network. The final trial was carried out on the Kota–Nagda section, where the indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train attained a top speed of 180 kmph. Comprehensive technical evaluations were undertaken, including ride stability, oscillation and vibration behaviour, braking and emergency braking performance, and validation of onboard safety systems. The Commissioner of Railway Safety declared the trial fully satisfactory. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology “Ashwini Vaishnaw” shared visuals of the successful trial. A notable highlight was the water-glass stability demonstration, in which glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed, underscoring the superior suspension, ride comfort, and technological robustness of the train.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hurun India Rich List 2025: Jayshree Ullal Emerges as Wealthiest Indian-Origin Tech Executive: Indian-origin billionaire Jayshree Ullal, CEO and President of Arista Networks, topped the list of wealthiest tech executives of Indian origin, surpassing Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella.A British-born Indian-origin leader, Ullal has been heading Arista Networks since 2008; earlier, she worked with Cisco Systems, AMD, and Fairchild Semiconductor, and is based in Santa Clara, California.She studied at Convent of Jesus & Mary, New Delhi, earned engineering degrees from San Francisco State University and Santa Clara University, and received an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering in 2025.With a net worth of $5.7 billion, Ullal ranks 713th globally; Arista Networks reported $7 billion revenue in 2024, with her wealth rising steadily amid the AI and software boom.

 

2. Bangladesh’s First Female Prime Minister Khaleda Zia Dies at 80: Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister and a key figure in the country’s politics, passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).She served as Prime Minister twice—first after winning the 1991 election and again during 2001–2006, with long-standing political rivalry against Sheikh Hasina shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.Her death comes ahead of the February parliamentary elections, where the BNP is seen as the frontrunner; her son and party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman recently returned from 17 years in self-exile and is considered a strong prime ministerial contender.

 

3. H-1B Under Fire: How Trump’s Second Term Recast High-Skilled Immigration as a Political Threat: When “Donald Trump” won the 2024 U.S. presidential election promising a crackdown on illegal immigration, few expected that one of the most intense battles of his second term would be waged not at the southern border, but against America’s flagship high-skilled visa programme. Nearly a year into his presidency, the H-1B visa — long projected as a technocratic tool to attract global talent — has been recast as a symbol of economic betrayal, corporate excess and cultural threat, with Indian immigrants increasingly caught in the crossfire. For decades, the H-1B programme occupied a narrow policy space. It was debated in terms of labour shortages, wage protections and America’s need to remain globally competitive in science, technology and innovation. While controversial, it was rarely central to mass politics.That framing has now collapsed. Over the past year, the programme has been reimagined in public discourse as a mechanism that displaces native-born workers and advantages foreign professionals at the expense of American livelihoods. This shift did not emerge overnight; it has been driven by sustained political messaging, populist rhetoric and a deliberate effort to tie economic insecurity to high-skilled immigration.

 

4. America First, World Disrupted: How Trump’s 2025 Trade Turn Reshaped Global Economics — and Pushed India and China Closer: The year 2025 is likely to be remembered as a structural break in the post-war global order. From the day he returned to the White House, U.S. President “Donald Trump” embarked on a series of decisions that dismantled pillars of multilateral cooperation built over eight decades. By withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization, Washington effectively undercut prospects for coordinated global responses to climate change and health emergencies. But it was Trump’s third move — the adoption of the America First Trade Policy — that sent shockwaves through global economics and geopolitics, altering alliances and accelerating the fragmentation of the world trading system. Unveiled as a “foundation” to restore American economic and national security dominance, the America First Trade Policy framed trade as an extension of state power. Unlike previous administrations that balanced protection with multilateral engagement, Trump’s approach rested almost entirely on tariffs — famously described by him as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”. In April, the U.S. announced steep “reciprocal tariffs” on 57 countries, with implementation deferred by three months. The expectation was clear: targeted countries, heavily dependent on access to the American market, would rush to negotiate concessions. While short-term uncertainty raised the cost of doing business globally, the deeper impact was structural, striking at the heart of global value chains that had underpinned international production and trade for three decades.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Conducts Successful Salvo Launch of Pralay Missiles : India strengthened its tactical missile capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully carried out a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles off the coast of Odisha. The test, conducted on December 31, 2025, marked a key milestone in user evaluation trials and demonstrated the system’s reliability under operational conditions. The salvo launch was executed around 10:30 am from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in Odisha. According to “Defence Research and Development Organisation”, both missiles were fired in quick succession from the same launcher. They followed their intended trajectories precisely and met all predefined flight objectives, validating the missile’s performance parameters. Pralay is an indigenously developed solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile designed for high-precision strikes. It features advanced guidance and navigation systems, enabling accurate targeting of a wide range of objectives. Capable of carrying different types of warheads, the missile forms an important component of India’s evolving conventional deterrence architecture and enhances flexibility for the armed forces.

 

2. Why DRDO’s Successful 120-km Pinaka Rocket Test Is a Big Leap for India’s Artillery Power: India has taken a significant step in strengthening its long-range precision strike capability with the successful maiden flight test of the 120-km Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR). Conducted at Chandipur in Odisha, the test showcased not just extended range, but also high accuracy and manoeuvrability—features that modern battlefields increasingly demand. On December 30, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Defence Research and Development Organisation) successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the Pinaka LRGR-120 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Fired from an in-service Pinaka launcher, the rocket struck its intended target at a maximum range of 120 km with what officials described as “textbook precision”.Crucially, the trial validated all planned in-flight manoeuvres. Multiple tracking instruments followed the rocket throughout its trajectory, confirming guidance, navigation and control systems under realistic operational conditions .The Pinaka system began as an unguided multi-barrel rocket launcher designed for area saturation. Over time, it has evolved into a precision-guided artillery platform. The LRGR-120 represents the longest-range guided version tested so far, building upon earlier 60-km and 90-km guided variants.Unlike traditional rockets that rely on ballistic trajectories, the LRGR incorporates guidance kits that allow mid-course correction. This dramatically improves accuracy, reduces ammunition expenditure, and enables engagement of high-value targets deep inside enemy territory.

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTS

 

1. Ayush Mhatre Named India U19 Captain for ICC Men’s World Cup 2026: Ayush Mhatre has been named captain of India’s squad for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, scheduled in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6.Mhatre and vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra will miss the pre-tournament South Africa tour (Jan 3–7) due to wrist injuries, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leading the side in their absence.The India U19 World Cup squad features five-time champions India in Group A alongside New Zealand, USA, and Bangladesh, with the team opening against the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

 

2. Surya Charishma Tamiri Clinches Women’s Singles Title at 87th Senior National Badminton Championships: Surya Charishma Tamiri won the Women’s Singles title at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships in Vijayawada, staging a comeback to defeat Tanvi Patri 17-21, 21-12, 21-14.Rithvik Sanjeevi S clinched the Men’s Singles title defeating Bharat Raghav 21-16, 22-20, while A. Hariharan and Ruban Kumar won the Men’s Doubles 24-22, 21-17.Former champions Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K reclaimed the Women’s Doubles title, and Sathwik Reddy K and Radhika Sharma won the Mixed Doubles championship with a 21-9, 21-15 victory.

 

3. Magnus Carlsen and Aleksandra Goryachkina Clinch World Rapid Chess Championship: Magnus Carlsen and Aleksandra Goryachkina won the World Rapid Chess Championship, with Carlsen taking the open section and Goryachkina triumphing in the women’s section after tie-breaks.India’s Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy won bronze in the open and women’s sections, respectively, while other Indian players like B. Savitha Shri (4th), R. Vaishali (5th), and Divya Deshmukh (8th) also performed strongly.In the open event, Carlsen scored 10.5 points, Vladislav Artemiev was second, and Arjun Erigaisi scored 9.5 points for third place, while other Indian players like Aravindh Chithambaram (16th), Nihal Sarin (19th), and R. Praggnanandhaa (28th) also participated.

 

4. Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey Creates History with Record 8-Wicket Haul in Men’s T20 International: Bhutan spinner Sonam Yeshey created history by becoming the first bowler to take an eight-wicket haul in a men’s T20 International, setting a new world record.The 22-year-old left-arm spinner achieved the feat during the third T20I against Myanmar at Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, on December 26.Sonam Yeshey returned sensational figures of 8 wickets for just 7 runs, bowling Myanmar out for 45 while defending Bhutan’s total of 127/9.Earlier, the best bowling figures in T20Is were 7/8 by Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus (2023), while only a few bowlers, including Ali Dawood, Colin Ackermann and Taskin Ahmed, have taken seven wickets in T20 matches.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Param Rudra Supercomputer Launched at IIT-Patna: IIT-Patna inaugurated the PARAM Rudra supercomputer, marking Bihar’s first high-performance computing facility installed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).The launch ceremony was presided over by Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), highlighting the government’s push for advanced research infrastructure.PARAM Rudra is an indigenously developed supercomputer, operating at high computational capacity and designed to support cutting-edge research across disciplines including AI, data science, quantum computing, material design, and fluid mechanics.Under the National Supercomputing Mission, 37 supercomputers have already been deployed across India with a combined capacity of 39 petaFLOPS, supporting over 12,000 researchers.

 

2. Scientists Turn Drug-Resistant Cancer Mutations into Treatment Target: An international team of researchers has unveiled a promising new strategy to combat cancers that stop responding to conventional therapies. Led by Israel’s “Weizmann Institute of Science”, the study shows how mutations that make tumours drug-resistant can be repurposed as a therapeutic advantage, potentially opening a new front in cancer immunotherapy. One of the most persistent problems in cancer care arises when initially effective drugs lose their impact. In many metastatic cancers, tumour cells mutate over time, enabling them to evade targeted therapies and continue growing. This phenomenon of acquired drug resistance is a major reason why long-term cancer control remains elusive, even with advanced treatments. The study, published in “Cancer Discovery”, introduces a computational tool named SpotNeoMet. This tool identifies therapy-resistant mutations that recur across many patients. These mutations produce small protein fragments, known as neo-antigens, which appear only on cancer cells. Because these neo-antigens are shared among multiple patients, they present an opportunity for developing broadly applicable immunotherapies rather than highly individualised treatments.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IRDAI Imposes ₹1 Crore Penalty on Reliance General Insurance for Regulatory Violations: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Reliance General Insurance Company for violations related to outsourcing norms, commission payments, and corporate governance guidelines.One major violation involved engaging an individual agent of another insurer for advertising and publishing services, which breached regulatory norms governing insurer–agent relationships.

 

2. Aryaman Finance (India) Ltd Gets RBI Nod to Operate as Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC): Aryaman Finance (India) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services Ltd (AFSL), has received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to commence operations as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).AFSL is a Mumbai-based SEBI-registered Category-I merchant banker, engaged in activities such as lead management, syndication of IPOs/FPOs/Rights Issues/QIPs, PIPE deals, VC funding, and other fund-raising activities.The CoR allows the WOS to operate as a Type II NBFC (Non-Deposit taking – Investment and Credit Company), enabling it to provide credit and investment services without accepting public deposits.

 

Daily GK Update- 30th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. VoxelGrids Develops India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner: Zoho-backed start-up VoxelGrids has developed India’s first indigenous MRI scanner, marking a major milestone in the country’s medical technology ecosystem.The 5-tesla MRI scanner has been deployed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near Nagpur, showcasing successful real-world clinical adoption.The scanner is the result of a 12-year mission led by founder Arjun Arunachalam to design and build a critical diagnostic system domestically, reducing dependence on foreign imports.Unlike conventional global MRI systems, the VoxelGrids scanner does not use liquid helium, making it around 40% cheaper to build while incorporating original technological advancements.

 

2. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Releases New BIS Standard IS 19412:2025 for Safe and Quality Incense Sticks: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi released IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) Standard developed by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on National Consumer Day 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.The new BIS standard prohibits the use of harmful insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance substances in agarbattis to protect human health, indoor air quality, and the environment.Products complying with IS 19412:2025 will be eligible to carry the BIS Standard Mark, helping consumers make safe and informed choices while promoting ethical and sustainable manufacturing.The standard is expected to boost consumer confidence, safeguard traditional livelihoods, and enhance global market access for India’s agarbatti industry, which is valued at ₹8,000 crore with exports of ₹1,200 crore to over 150 countries.

 

3. NIFTEM-K Signs MoU with Ministry of Minority Affairs to Implement PM VIKAS Scheme: NIFTEM–Kundli signed an MoU with the Ministry of Minority Affairs in New Delhi to implement the PM VIKAS Scheme as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA).The PM VIKAS Scheme aims to skill minority youth through need-based training programmes and ensure employment and livelihood opportunities.Under the project, NIFTEM-K will train 2,110 beneficiaries in courses such as Multi Skill Technician (Food Processing), Millet Products Processor, and Assistant Baking Technician across Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab, and Haryana.The initiative seeks to enhance employability, provide market and credit linkages, and integrate minority communities into the economic mainstream, with rollout expected in January 2026.

 

4. Union Government Releases XV Finance Commission Grants to Strengthen PRIs and Rural Local Bodies in Rajasthan and Jharkhand: The Union Government released Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC) United Grants in FY 2025–26 to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Rajasthan and Jharkhand.Rajasthan received ₹303.04 crore as the first instalment for FY 2025–26 and an additional ₹145.24 crore of withheld grants for FY 2024–25, benefiting District, Block, and Gram Panchayats across the state.Jharkhand was released ₹275.13 crore as the first instalment of Untied Grants for FY 2024–25, while the grants will be used for location-specific needs under the Eleventh Schedule, excluding salaries and establishment expenses.

 

5. Gujarat Returns to India’s Tiger Map After 30 Years: After over 30 years, Gujarat has been formally recognised again as a tiger-bearing state following confirmed photographic evidence from Ratanmahal Sanctuary in Dahod district.A nearly four-year-old tiger has been residing in Ratanmahal Sanctuary for about ten months, with continuous camera-trap and CCTV footage ruling out a transient visit.The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has directed conservation measures, and Gujarat will be included in the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 with a dedicated camera-trap census along the Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border.Gujarat last appeared in the national tiger census in 1989; unlike earlier brief or unverified sightings, the current case marks a sustained and officially documented return of tigers to the state.

 

6. Govt Notifies SBFAS & SbDS Guidelines to Strengthen India’s Shipbuilding Sector: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) notified operational guidelines for the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) to strengthen India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity and global competitiveness.With a total corpus of ₹24,736 crore, SBFAS provides 15%–25% financial assistance per vessel, based on vessel category, with graded and milestone-linked disbursement, independent valuation, and security-backed governance mechanisms.The scheme envisages a National Shipbuilding Mission and introduces a Shipbreaking Credit Note offering 40% of scrap value to ship owners scrapping vessels at Indian yards, linking ship recycling with new ship construction.The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (₹19,989 crore) focuses on long-term capability building, offering 100% capital support for greenfield shipbuilding clusters and 25% assistance for brownfield expansion of existing shipyards.

 

7. Anu Garg Appointed Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary: Anu Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as Odisha’s Chief Secretary, becoming the first woman to hold the top bureaucratic post in the state.Her elevation follows the retirement of incumbent Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who is set to superannuate on December 31, 2025.Currently serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Planning & Convergence) with additional charge of the Water Resources Department, Anu Garg is known for effectively implementing key development initiatives during the Naveen Patnaik-led government.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Over 24,600 Indians Deported From 81 Countries in 2025; Saudi Arabia Tops the List: Over 24,600 Indian nationals were deported from 81 countries in 2025, as per MEA data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on December 18, with Saudi Arabia accounting for the highest number (over 11,000).

About 3,800 Indians—mostly private employees—were deported from the United States, the highest figure in five years, largely due to stricter checks on visa validity, work authorisation, documentation, and overstays.Significant deportations were also reported from Myanmar, Malaysia, UAE, Bahrain, Thailand, and Cambodia, reflecting diverse regional patterns affecting Indian migrants.MEA data highlights visa overstays, illegal employment, labour law violations, absconding from employers, and civil or criminal cases as key causes, especially in Gulf nations.

Indian Missions assist deportees through nationality verification, Emergency Certificates, helplines, and grievance portals, while cases from Myanmar and Cambodia often involve cybercrime-linked job frauds targeting Indian workers.

 

2. India Becomes the World’s 4th-Largest Economy: Why the Milestone Matters — and Why It Isn’t the Finish Line: India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms, with output estimated at around $4.18 trillion. The achievement places India behind only the United States, China and Germany, marking one of the most dramatic climbs in global economic rankings in recent history. Yet this milestone, while significant, also underscores a deeper paradox: India’s economic scale has surged, but average prosperity remains modest for much of its population. In 2014, India was the world’s 10th-largest economy, with GDP hovering around $2 trillion — nearly seven decades after Independence. The subsequent decade saw a sharp acceleration. By 2021, the economy crossed $3 trillion, and in just four more years, it added another trillion dollars, pushing past Japan.International institutions broadly corroborate this trajectory. The “International Monetary Fund” projects India’s nominal GDP to reach about $4.51 trillion in 2026, marginally ahead of Japan’s $4.46 trillion, suggesting that India’s fourth-place ranking is likely to be formally confirmed when revised data is released.

 

3. Why Are Tensions Rising Between Saudi Arabia and the UAE Amid the Yemen Conflict?: For years, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were seen as the twin pillars of Gulf security, fighting shoulder to shoulder in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis. That perception fractured dramatically at the end of December 2025, when Saudi airstrikes hit Yemen’s southern port city of Mukalla — not against the Houthis, but against forces linked to the UAE. The episode has exposed deep and long-simmering divergences between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen’s future and the balance of power in the Arabian Peninsula. The crisis erupted on December 30, when Saudi forces carried out airstrikes on Mukalla port, claiming they had targeted weapons shipments bound for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful southern Yemeni separatist group backed by the UAE. Saudi military spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki said the vessels — allegedly arriving from Fujairah in the UAE — had disabled tracking systems and unloaded arms and military vehicles.The UAE swiftly rejected these claims, insisting the shipment contained no weapons and that Saudi Arabia had prior knowledge of its arrival. Within hours, Abu Dhabi announced it would withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen, citing concerns for the safety and effectiveness of its counterterrorism mission. What had been a proxy-level rivalry suddenly spilled into open confrontation.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Eases Social Media Rules, Allows ‘Passive Participation’ With Strict Safeguards: The Indian Army has revised its long-standing restrictions to allow “passive participation” on select social media platforms, while continuing to enforce strict safeguards to protect operational and national security.The new guidelines, issued by Army Headquarters through the DGMI, are effective immediately, with Instagram formally included in the list of restricted-use platforms.Platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype and Signal may be used only for sharing unclassified, general information with known individuals, with responsibility for verification placed on the user.Personnel are allowed only to access information on platforms such as YouTube, X, Quora and Instagram; uploading content, active participation, use of risky websites, VPNs, torrents and unsafe cloud storage remains prohibited.

 

2. President Droupadi Murmu Makes Historic Dived Sortie Aboard Submarine INS Vaghsheer: President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu undertook a dived sortie onboard indigenous Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer from Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka, becoming the second Indian President after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to do so.During the over 2-hour sortie, the President interacted with the submarine crew and witnessed live operational demonstrations, accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.The embarkation reflects the Supreme Commander’s continued engagement with the Armed Forces, following her operational demonstration visit onboard INS Vikrant in November 2024.

 

SPORTS

 

1. PV Sindhu Elected Chair of BWF Athletes’ Commission for 2026–2029 Term: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been elected Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission for the 2026–2029 term, giving players a direct voice in global badminton governance.As Chair, Sindhu will also serve as a member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council, strengthening athlete representation at the highest decision-making level.Debora Jille (Netherlands) will serve as Deputy Chair, while other members include Olympic champions An Se-young (South Korea), Jia Yifan (China), African medallist Doha Hany (Egypt), and Indian para-badminton player Abu Hubaida.India’s most successful badminton player, Sindhu won Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020, and is set to lead India at the 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships in Qingdao, China.

 

2. Amieyra Khoslla Wins Gold at National Climbing Championship: Fourteen-year-old climbing sensation Amieyra Khoslla clinched the gold medal in the Youth Girls (Under-17) category at the 29th National Sport Climbing Championship 2025, underlining India’s growing strength in competitive climbing. The championship was held in Bengaluru from December 26 to 29 and featured the country’s top emerging talent across age groups and disciplines. Competing in the bouldering discipline, Amieyra delivered a commanding performance in the finals, securing first place with an overall score of 83.8 points. She displayed exceptional strength, balance, and route-reading ability across all four problem routes. Her calm composure under pressure set her apart from other competitors and reflected her technical maturity at a young age.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Kaamya Karthikeyan Skis to South Pole: Eighteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan has scripted history by becoming the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman in the world to ski to the South Pole. Her feat marks another milestone in a remarkable mountaineering and polar exploration journey that has already placed her among India’s most accomplished young adventurers. Kaamya reached the South Pole on December 27, 2025, after skiing and trekking nearly 115 kilometres across Antarctica. She endured extreme conditions, including temperatures dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius, gale-force winds, and whiteout conditions. Pulling a sled carrying her full expedition load, she completed the journey entirely on foot, demonstrating exceptional physical endurance and mental resilience. Kaamya is the daughter of Commander S Karthikeyan, an officer in the Indian Navy, and Lavanya Karthikeyan, an early childhood educator. An alumna of Navy Children School, she has been exposed to discipline and outdoor pursuits from an early age. The Indian Navy publicly congratulated her, highlighting the scale and toughness of her South Pole achievement.

 

2. Chhattisgarh’s Khanij Online 2.0: How Digital Governance Is Rewriting Mineral Administration: As India pushes toward the ambitious goal of “Viksit Bharat”, the focus is shifting from policy intent to the quality of implementation. In a resource-rich state like Chhattisgarh — central to the country’s coal, bauxite, iron ore and limestone supply — governance failures in mining can have cascading economic, environmental and social consequences. Against this backdrop, the state’s transition to “Khanij Online 2.0” marks a significant leap in using technology to institutionalise transparency, accountability and real-time oversight in mineral administration. Historically, mineral administration across States has been vulnerable to information asymmetry, opaque approvals and leakages between extraction, transport and royalty collection. Manual processes not only increased compliance costs for leaseholders but also constrained the government’s ability to monitor production and despatch in real time.Chhattisgarh’s first response came in 2017 with the launch of Khanij Online, which replaced fragmented, file-based systems with a unified digital platform. This was not merely a technological upgrade, but a governance intervention aimed at ensuring that mining policies translated into predictable, rule-based outcomes on the ground.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt to Divest 3% Stake in Indian Overseas Bank Using Green-Shoe Option: The government has decided to use the green-shoe option to divest an additional 3% stake in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) through an Offer for Sale (OFS), following strong investor response on the first day.The base OFS comprises 2% equity (38.51 crore shares) with an option to sell an extra 1% (19.25 crore shares) at a floor price of ₹34 per share; the government currently holds 94.61% stake in IOB.A small portion of shares is reserved for eligible employees, and the divestment aligns with SEBI norms requiring listed companies to maintain a minimum public shareholding of 25%.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Droupadi Murmu Honours 20 Children with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Veer Bal Diwas: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas in New Delhi.20 children from 18 States and Union Territories were honoured for outstanding achievements in fields like bravery, art & culture, environment, innovation, and science & technology.The President said the awards would encourage the recipients and inspire children across the country to strive for excellence.Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzada Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji, sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.Highlighting awardees’ achievements, Vishwanath Karthikey from Hyderabad was honoured for becoming the youngest Indian to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, holding four world records.Sunaina Kumari from Bihar received the award for the exceptional bravery of her brother, who sacrificed his life while saving a boy from drowning.

 

2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes First Indian Cricketer to Receive Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the first Indian cricketer to receive the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, the country’s highest civilian award for children.The Bihar-based teenager, just months away from turning 15, achieved a historic milestone, joining the league of young achievers like R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali.The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is awarded to children aged 5 to 18 years for exceptional achievements across various fields.

 

Daily GK Update- 29th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amit Shah Inaugurates Anti-Terrorism Conference 2025: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the two-day Anti-Terrorism Conference–2025 in New Delhi, calling for a strong, impenetrable and technology-driven anti-terrorism grid to counter rapidly evolving security threats.Organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the conference focuses on actionable outcomes, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and analysing global and domestic terror incidents under the government’s zero-tolerance policy.During the event, Shah unveiled key tools including the updated NIA Crime Manual, Organised Crime Network Database, and Lost, Looted and Recovered Weapons Database, while stressing uniform ATS structure, mandatory use of NATGRID & NIDAAN, and a “duty to share” intelligence culture among agencies.

 

2. Delhi Launches ‘Atal Canteen’ Scheme to Provide Meals at ₹5: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the ‘Atal Canteen’ in New Delhi on the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The Atal Canteen scheme aims to provide meals at just ₹5 for needy and working people; 45 canteens began operations immediately, with 55 more to open within 15 days.The initiative is expected to benefit millions of people and reflects Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.

 

3. JP Nadda Lays Foundation of India’s First PPP-Based Medical Colleges in MP’s Tribal Districts: Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav laid the foundation of two medical colleges in Dhar and Betul districts, becoming India’s first medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aimed at strengthening healthcare in tribal-dominated regions.The colleges are part of four PPP-based medical colleges in MP (Dhar, Betul, Katni, Panna), linked with district hospitals upgraded as per National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, while the state provides land and private partners build academic and clinical infrastructure.The initiative reflects rapid expansion of medical education, with medical colleges increasing from 387 (2014) to 819, MBBS seats rising to over 1.28 lakh, and a target of adding 75,000 new medical seats by 2029, while MP plans more colleges across several districts.

 

4. 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan Begins in Jalandhar Celebrating Hindustani Classical Music: Punjab is hosting the 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, the oldest Hindustani classical music festival in India, from 26–28 December at Shree Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar, organised in collaboration with NZCC, Patiala and supported by the state government.The 3-day festival is dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the late Banaras Gharana vocalist Pt Chhannu Lal Mishra, who passed away in October 2025.The festival features renowned classical music artists including Vidushi Malini Awasthi, Pt Sajan Mishra, Swaransh Mishra, Pt Ronu Majumdar, Shashank Subramanyam, Ashwini Bhide, among others.

 

5. Saleem Ahmad Takes Charge as CMD of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited: Saleem Ahmad has assumed charge as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), replacing Sukhmal Chand Jain, who stepped down from the role.Ahmad, a civil engineering graduate from Jamia Millia Islamia University, brings over 35 years of experience in large infrastructure projects and previously served as Director (Projects) at NBCC (India) Ltd, with earlier stints at DMRC and Mumbai Port Trust.He will serve in this role until 30 April 2029 (superannuation) or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 29 December – International Cello Day: International Cello Day is observed every year on 29 December to celebrate the cello, a prominent string instrument of the violin family.The day highlights the rich sound, versatility and emotional depth of the cello in classical, jazz and contemporary music.It aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the cello and encourage young musicians to learn the instrument.The cello plays a crucial role in orchestras, chamber music and solo performances, bridging harmony and rhythm in music compositions.

 

2. India Set To Become Third-Largest Economy By 2030: India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy with a GDP of $4.18 trillion, overtaking Japan. Official projections now indicate that India is on track to surpass Germany within the next three years, reaching an estimated GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030. This milestone reflects sustained economic momentum despite global trade and policy uncertainties. India’s real GDP grew by 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of FY 2025–26, marking a six-quarter high. This follows growth of 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter and 7.4 per cent in Q4 of FY 2024–25. Real gross value added (GVA) also expanded by 8.1 per cent, driven largely by industrial output and services sector expansion, highlighting the economy’s resilience. Robust private consumption has remained central to India’s growth story. High-frequency indicators suggest sustained activity, with declining unemployment, improving export performance, and strong credit flows to the commercial sector. Urban consumption has strengthened further, supported by stable financial conditions and benign inflation, which has stayed below the lower tolerance threshold.

 

3. Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising and Why It Matters for India: Nepal’s recent youth-led uprising has shaken not only Kathmandu’s political establishment but also the assumptions that have long underpinned India–Nepal relations. What began as protests against a social media ban and entrenched corruption quickly escalated into a full-blown political rupture, forcing the resignation of a government, dissolving Parliament, and opening a period of deep uncertainty in India’s immediate neighbourhood. The protests, led largely by Gen Z groups, were sparked by a ban on social media platforms, but their roots ran far deeper. Anger over corruption, economic inequality, unemployment and political unresponsiveness had been simmering for years. Over two days of unrest on September 8 and 9, violence spiralled rapidly — at least 76 people were killed, many more injured, government buildings and Parliament were torched, and thousands of prisoners reportedly escaped amid the chaos.The upheaval culminated in the fall of the government led by K P Sharma Oli, marking one of the most dramatic political collapses in Nepal’s recent history.In the aftermath, the office of Nepal’s President announced fresh elections scheduled for March 5, with an interim government headed by the country’s first female Prime Minister taking charge. While this has restored a measure of constitutional order, uncertainty remains high.

 

4. Australia to remove tariffs on all Indian exports: Australia will eliminate customs duties on 100 per cent of its tariff lines for Indian exports from January 1, 2026, marking a major milestone under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA). The decision is expected to significantly deepen bilateral trade ties and improve market access for Indian exporters, especially in labour-intensive sectors. The move comes as India and Australia mark three years of the Ind-Aus ECTA. From January 2026, every product exported from India will enter the Australian market at zero customs duty. This is expected to enhance price competitiveness for Indian goods and strengthen supply-chain linkages between the two economies. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s exports to Australia grew 8 per cent in FY 2024–25, contributing to an improvement in India’s trade balance. Strong growth was recorded in manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and gems and jewellery. Agricultural exports also expanded across fruits and vegetables, marine products, spices, and coffee, while gems and jewellery exports rose 16 per cent during April–November 2025.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. TASL Delivers First WhAP 8×8 Armoured Vehicles to Royal Moroccan Army from Morocco Plant: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has handed over the first batch of WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army, marking the initial supply under a local manufacturing arrangement in Morocco.The Berrechid plant in Morocco, covering 20,000 sq. metres, began production after being inaugurated in September by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence Abdelatif Loudyi.The WhAP 8×8 platform, jointly developed by DRDO and TASL, is a versatile wheeled armoured vehicle with monocoque hull, scalable ballistic/mine protection, independent suspension, central tyre inflation system, and amphibious capability.The vehicle can be configured for multiple operational roles including armoured personnel carrier, infantry combat vehicle, reconnaissance, command post, ambulance, and mortar carrier, with weapon configurations supporting both manned and remote-controlled systems.

 

2. North Korea test-fires strategic long-range cruise missiles: North Korea has test-fired two strategic long-range cruise missiles in a display of what it described as heightened “combat readiness,” according to state media reports released on December 29. The launch underscores Pyongyang’s continued emphasis on strengthening its nuclear-capable strike forces amid persistent tensions with the United States and South Korea. The missile drill was conducted on December 28 over the Yellow Sea, also known as the West Sea, to the west of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the missiles flew for more than two hours before accurately striking their designated targets. Photographs released by KCNA showed the missiles in flight and impact phases, highlighting their range and precision. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the exercise. He called for the “unlimited and sustained” development of the country’s nuclear combat forces, framing the test as a necessary response to what Pyongyang views as hostile external threats. KCNA stated that the goal of the drill was to assess the counter-offensive posture and combat capability of long-range missile sub-units.

 

3. China launches military encirclement drill near Taiwan: China has launched a large-scale military exercise encircling Taiwan, prompting the island to deploy its armed forces in response. The drill, announced on December 29, reflects heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait and reinforces Beijing’s increasingly assertive posture toward the self-ruled island, which China claims as its own territory. China’s military said it had mobilised its army, navy, air force, and rocket units to conduct joint operations around Taiwan. The exercise, named “Just Mission 2025,” is being led by the Eastern Theatre Command and spans five maritime zones, including the Taiwan Strait and waters to the north, east, southeast, and southwest of the island. Beijing stated that the drills are intended to test combat readiness, improve joint operational capability, and issue a “serious warning” against any moves toward Taiwanese independence. Chinese authorities announced temporary sea and airspace restrictions in the designated exercise zones for a duration of 10 hours, beginning at 8:30 am local time.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Chhattisgarh Unveils Logo, Mascot ‘Morveer’ for Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games in Bilaspur: The logo, theme song and official mascot of the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) were unveiled at Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium, Bilaspur, with the Games scheduled to begin from February 14.Jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, IOA, National Sports Federations and Chhattisgarh, the Games will feature 7 competitive sports and 2 indigenous demonstration sports, conducted as per international technical standards.The official mascot Morveer reflects Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity, combining ‘Mor’ (our own) and ‘Veer’ (bravery), symbolising the pride, courage and collective spirit of India’s tribal communities.A key focus of KITG is talent scouting from tribal regions; selected athletes will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes and receive ₹5 lakh annual scholarships for 8 years, with Chhattisgarh becoming the first state to host this exclusive national tribal sports event.

 

2. Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey scripts historic 8-wicket T20I haul: Bhutan’s young left-arm spinner Sonam Yeshey created history in international cricket by becoming the first bowler to take an eight-wicket haul in men’s T20 Internationals. The landmark performance came during the third T20I against Myanmar in Gelephu, marking one of the most extraordinary bowling spells ever witnessed in the shortest format. The 22-year-old delivered sensational figures of 8 for 7 in four overs, including a maiden, at an economy rate of just 1.80. His spell completely dismantled Myanmar’s chase of 128, bowling them out for only 45 in 9.2 overs. Bhutan secured an emphatic 82-run victory, sealing an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series. Before Yeshey’s feat, the best bowling figures in men’s T20 Internationals stood at seven wickets in an innings. Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus had taken 7 for 8 against China in 2023, while Bahrain’s Ali Dawood claimed 7 for 19 against Bhutan earlier in 2025. No bowler in men’s T20 cricket had previously crossed the seven-wicket mark, making Yeshey’s achievement unprecedented.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ola Electric Gets ₹366.78 Crore Incentive under PLI-Auto Scheme for FY 2024-25: Ola Electric has received a sanction order of ₹366.78 crore from the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components for FY 2024-25.The incentive relates to the Demand Incentive for the Determined Sales Value and will be disbursed through IFCI Limited, the designated financial institution under the PLI-Auto Scheme.Ola Electric stated that this milestone highlights its role in India’s advanced automotive manufacturing ecosystem, reflecting its strengths in scale, localisation, and technology-led vertically integrated manufacturing.

 

2. India Successfully Tests K-4 SLBM from INS Arighaat, Boosting Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrence: India successfully test-fired the K-4 intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.With a strike range of around 3,500 km, the K-4 significantly enhances India’s sea-based nuclear attack capability, strengthening the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad.Derived from the Agni-III missile, the K-4 is India’s longest-range sea-launched strategic weapon, capable of carrying a 2.5-ton nuclear warhead and launching from Arihant-class submarines using underwater ejection technology.Commissioned into the Navy in August 2024, the K-4 places India among a select group of nations with land, air and undersea nuclear strike capability; the ‘K’ series is named in honour of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

 

3. India’s Rare Earth Reserves Lag in Production: India holds the world’s third-largest reserves of rare earth elements, yet its production remains marginal on the global scale. A recent report highlights a persistent mismatch between India’s resource endowment and its actual output, underlining deep structural and regulatory bottlenecks in the mining and processing ecosystem. According to the report by Amicus Growth, India possesses about 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxide reserves. This places it behind only China, with around 44 million tonnes, and Brazil, with nearly 21 million tonnes. Other significant reserve holders include Australia, Russia, Vietnam, and the United States. Despite accounting for nearly 6–7 per cent of global reserves, India’s contribution to global supply remains negligible. In 2024, India produced only about 2,900 tonnes of rare earth elements, ranking seventh globally. This is starkly lower than China’s output of 270,000 tonnes, which firmly establishes its dominance. The United States followed with 45,000 tonnes, while Myanmar produced around 31,000 tonnes. Australia, Thailand, and Nigeria reported production levels of roughly 13,000 tonnes each. India’s output accounts for less than 1 per cent of global production.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Defers 3-Hour Cheque Clearance Rollout, Revises CTS Timings: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has postponed the January 3, 2026 rollout of the 3-hour cheque clearance under the Continuous Clearing and Settlement on Realisation (CCSR) framework in the Cheque Truncation System (CTS).The directive is issued under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, reinforcing RBI’s authority to regulate payment systems and maintain financial stability.Phase 1 of CCSR was launched on October 4, 2025, while Phase 2 aimed to reduce cheque settlement time to within three hours, replacing the traditional T+1/T+2 system.The RBI deferred Phase 2 implementation “until further notice” to allow banks more time to prepare for operational and technological changes.

 

2. The RBI revised CTS operational timings: Presentation session (09:00 AM–03:00 PM) and Confirmation session (09:00 AM–07:00 PM), ensuring flexibility for banks while existing clearance timelines continue for now.IRFC Extends ₹9,821 Crore Loan to DFCCIL to Refinance World Bank Debt for Eastern Freight Corridor: Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has extended a Rs 9,821 crore rupee loan to DFCCIL to refinance its World Bank foreign currency debt for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project.The loan agreement was signed by DFCCIL’s Director (Finance) Rahul Kapoor and IRFC’s Executive Director (Finance) Deepa Kotnis at the Railway Board, New Delhi, in the presence of senior officials including Chairman & CEO Satish Kumar.The refinancing shifts DFCCIL’s debt from foreign currency to rupee-denominated financing, reducing exchange rate risk and highlighting the growing capacity of Indian financial institutions to support large-scale infrastructure projects domestically.

 

3. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partners with Equitas Bank to Expand Insurance Access Across India: Canara HSBC Life Insurance and Equitas Small Finance Bank have entered a strategic bancassurance partnership to increase life insurance accessibility across India, integrating the insurer’s portfolio with the bank’s branch network.Through this collaboration, Canara HSBC Life Insurance will distribute products such as life protection, savings, annuity, child plans, and investment-linked policies across 994 Equitas Bank outlets and 365 ATMs in 18 states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra.The partnership aims to promote financial inclusion by allowing customers in Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities to access insurance plans directly through existing banking touchpoints, aligning with IRDAI’s goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.The alliance reflects the ‘Promises Ka Partner’ philosophy of Canara HSBC Life Insurance, focusing on simplifying insurance, enhancing trust, and expanding reach through a phygital banking model for straightforward and transparent services.