Daily GK Update- 27th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus Acquire 49% Stake in Haier India to Boost Growth and Innovation: Bharti Enterprises and Warburg Pincus announced a strategic investment in Haier India, acquiring a collective 49% stake in the Indian subsidiary of China’s Haier Group; the deal size was not disclosed.Post-transaction, Haier Group will retain 49% ownership, while the remaining stake will be held by Haier India’s management, ensuring continued operational continuity and local leadership.The partnership aims to strengthen Haier India’s “Made in India, Made for India” strategy by expanding local sourcing, manufacturing capacity, product innovation and market penetration.

 

2. NHAI’s Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust Gets SEBI Approval to Monetise Road Assets via InvIT: The Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT), sponsored by NHAI, received SEBI approval as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) to enable monetisation of road assets through retail and domestic investors.Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt. Ltd. (RIIMPL) has been incorporated as the Investment Manager for RIIT, with equity participation from leading banks and financial institutions including SBI, PNB, Axis Bank, HDFC, ICICI, IDBI, IndusInd, Yes Bank, and Bajaj Finserv Ventures.The InvIT framework allows NHAI to transfer multiple revenue-generating road assets to a trust, issue units to investors, and raise funds for infrastructure development, complementing other monetisation models like ToT (Toll Operate Transfer) and securitisation.

As of FY 2024-25, NHAI has raised approximately ₹49,000 crore via ToT, ₹43,000 crore through InvIT, and ₹40,000 crore through securitisation, highlighting diversified financing for national highway development.

 

3. President Droupadi Murmu Releases Constitution of India in Santhali Language at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script, at a function held at Rashtrapati BhavanSanthali, one of India’s most ancient living languages included in the Eighth Schedule through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, is spoken widely in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar.The President said the move will help Santhali-speaking people read and understand the Constitution in their own language and praised Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal for this initiative in the Constitution’s centenary year.

 

4. Cabinet Approves Three New Corridors Under Delhi Metro Phase-V (A): The Union Cabinet approved three new corridors under Delhi Metro Phase-V (A) worth about ₹12,015 crore—R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha, Aerocity–Airport Terminal-1, and Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj, taking the metro network beyond 400 km.The project includes 13 new metro stations, with the R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha stretch extending the Botanical Garden–R.K. Ashram Marg corridor and providing crucial connectivity to the redeveloping Central Vista area.The Central Vista corridor will connect all Kartavya Bhawans, benefiting nearly 60,000 office-goers and 2 lakh visitors daily, while improving last-mile access and easing traffic congestion.Extensions on the Aerocity–Tughlakabad corridor will strengthen airport connectivity with South Delhi areas like Saket and Kalindi Kunj, boosting the economy, reducing road congestion, and improving air quality.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Chair Kimberley Process from January 2026, Strengthening Global Fight Against Conflict Diamonds: The Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has selected India to assume the Chairpersonship from 1 January 2026, with India taking over as Vice Chair; this marks the third time India will chair the KP.The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society, aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds, as defined by UN Security Council resolutions.Established in 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) has 60 participants (with the EU counted as one) and regulates over 99% of global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive mechanism in the sector.During its tenure, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance, promoting digital certification and traceability, enhancing transparency, and building global trust in conflict-free diamonds.

 

2. 24 December – International Day against Cybercrime: International Day against Cybercrime was observed on 24 December, aiming to raise awareness about cyber threats and promote safe online practices.Theme 2025 – Countering Cybercrime – Sharing Responsibility – Securing our FutureThe day highlights the increasing need for cybersecurity measures to protect individuals, businesses, and governments from cyber-attacks.It emphasizes the importance of education, reporting, and legal frameworks to prevent and combat various forms of cybercrime globally.

 

3. 27 December – International Day of Epidemic Preparedness: International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed annually on 27th December to raise awareness about the importance of preventing, detecting, and responding to epidemics and infectious disease outbreaks.Theme 2025 –Strengthening Global Health Systems for Future Crises.The day emphasizes the need for global cooperation, strong health systems, and rapid response mechanisms to contain epidemics and protect public health.It highlights the role of research, innovation, and preparedness plans in mitigating the impact of emerging infectious diseases.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 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. According to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command, the drills focus on sea-and-air combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive control, and simulating blockades of key ports and critical areas. Such scenarios closely align with potential contingency plans aimed at isolating Taiwan.

 

2. Iran launches three satellites with Russian Soyuz rockets: Iran has successfully placed three domestically developed satellites into low-Earth orbit using Russian Soyuz launch vehicles, further underscoring deepening strategic and technological cooperation between the two U.S.-sanctioned countries. The launch took place on December 28 and was confirmed by Iranian state media, marking another milestone in Tehran’s expanding space programme amid continued Western pressure over its nuclear activities. According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, the satellites—Paya, Zafar-2, and a second unit of Kowsar—were carried aboard Russian Soyuz rockets. All three satellites are designed for low-Earth orbit operations. They are intended to support civilian applications such as monitoring agricultural productivity, managing natural resources, and assessing environmental conditions across Iran and neighbouring regions. Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, stated that the satellites were designed and built by Iranian scientists despite sanctions and external threats. He emphasised that cooperation between Tehran and Moscow spans multiple domains, some of which are not publicly disclosed. His remarks were widely broadcast on Iranian state television, highlighting national resilience and technological self-reliance.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Centurion in Men’s List A Cricket with 36-Ball Hundred: Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a blistering 190 off 84 balls, including 15 sixes, and reached his century in just 36 balls for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group match.At 14 years and 272 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest player in men’s List A cricket history to score a century.His 36-ball century is the second-fastest by an Indian in List A cricket, behind Anmolpreet Singh’s 35-ball hundred, while globally the record is held by Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls).

 

2. Virat Kohli Becomes Fastest to 16,000 List A Runs, Surpassing Sachin Tendulkar: Virat Kohli became the fastest player to reach 16,000 List A runs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, achieving the milestone in his 330th innings during Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Andhra.Kohli now holds the record for the fastest to each block of 1000 List A runs from 10,000 runs onwards, breaking multiple long-standing records.In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, after a 15-year gap, Kohli has scored 819 runs from 13 matches at an average of 68.25 and a strike rate of 106, including four centuries and three fifties.

 

3. R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri Lead Alpine SG Pipers to Maiden Global Chess League 2025 Title: R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri’s team, Alpine SG Pipers, won the Global Chess League 2025 Season 3 title, defeating defending champions Triveni Continental Kings in Mumbai.The finals were dominated by Pipers with scores of 4-2 in the first match and 4.5-1.5 in the second match, marking their maiden GCL title.Anish Giri was named the Finals MVP, winning both his games with Black, while Praggnanandhaa secured a crucial victory against Vidit Gujrathi in the second match.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Launches ₹7,000 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Magnets: India has taken a major strategic step to secure its critical mineral supply chain by approving a ₹7,000 crore scheme to promote domestic manufacturing of sintered rare earth permanent magnets. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen industrial self-reliance and support high-growth sectors vital to the country’s long-term economic and strategic goals. The government-approved “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)” seeks to establish India’s first end-to-end domestic manufacturing ecosystem for high-value magnets. The scheme targets the creation of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum capacity covering the entire value chain—from rare earth oxides to finished permanent magnets. Rare earth oxides form the foundational input for downstream industries, including magnet manufacturing.

 

2. VoxelGrids Unveils India’s First Indigenous MRI Scanner: In a major boost to India’s medical technology ecosystem, Bengaluru-based start-up VoxelGrids has developed the country’s first fully indigenous MRI scanner. The milestone marks a significant step towards reducing India’s heavy dependence on imported diagnostic equipment and strengthening the “Made in India” push in high-end healthcare technology. The 1.5-tesla MRI scanner developed by “VoxelGrids” has been deployed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near “Nagpur”. The system is the outcome of a 12-year effort led by founder “Arjun Arunachalam”, aimed at designing and manufacturing MRI technology entirely within India—an area traditionally dominated by global players. Unlike conventional MRI machines produced by multinational firms such as “Siemens” and “GE HealthCare”, VoxelGrids’ scanner does not use liquid helium. This innovation reduces manufacturing costs by nearly 40 per cent. The company has also developed compact, energy-efficient electronics around the magnet while retaining standard bore size, significantly lowering power consumption and operating expenses.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI Announces ₹2 Lakh Crore OMO Purchases, $10 Billion Dollar-Rupee Swap to Boost Liquidity: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced OMO purchase auctions of ₹2 lakh crore and a USD/INR buy-sell swap of $10 billion (3-year tenor) to inject liquidity into the banking system.The OMO purchases will be conducted in four tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on Dec 29, 2025; Jan 5, Jan 12, and Jan 22, 2026, while the Dollar-Rupee swap auction is scheduled for Jan 13, 2026.These measures aim to increase rupee liquidity, absorb excess dollar liquidity, and reduce elevated dollar-rupee forward premiums, according to market analysts.RBI data shows that in October 2025, the central bank sold a net $11.88 billion in the forex market to support the rupee; overall in 2025, it bought $17.69 billion and sold $29.56 billion of U.S. dollars.To manage liquidity and forex volatility, the RBI has purchased government bonds worth ₹6.5 lakh crore in 2025 and reiterated that it will closely monitor market conditions and take necessary steps to ensure orderly liquidity.

 

2. SBI Launches YONO 2.0, Unifying Mobile and Internet Banking to Boost Digital Scale and Security: State Bank of India (SBI) launched YONO 2.0, a major upgrade of its digital banking platform, integrating mobile and internet banking on a single backend architecture to enhance scale, security and seamless customer experience.YONO 2.0 features include simplified KYC/re-KYC, improved personalisation and security, bilingual support (English & Hindi) with plans to expand to 15 regional languages, and sustainability tools like carbon footprint tracking and green score.SBI Chairman C S Setty highlighted that technology-led distribution lowers customer acquisition costs, while enabling personalised services; SBI currently has 50+ crore customers and around 9.6 crore YONO users.

 

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.