UPSC Current Affairs 21 December 2025

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

U.S. wants India’s nuclear norms globally aligned, Pg1

U.S. law pushes India to align nuclear liability norms with global standards post SHANTI Bill passage, raising opposition concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

U.S. wants India’s nuclear norms globally aligned, Pg1

U.S. law pushes India to align nuclear liability norms with global standards post SHANTI Bill passage, raising opposition concerns.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

‘Quota for ex-Agniveers in CAPF will not affect existing matrix’, Pg8

CAPF to reserve 50% constable posts for ex-Agniveers without disturbing existing caste-based quotas, implementation modalities are under consideration.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

‘Quota for ex-Agniveers in CAPF will not affect existing matrix’, Pg8

CAPF to reserve 50% constable posts for ex-Agniveers without disturbing existing caste-based quotas, implementation modalities are under consideration.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Eggs safe for use; cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI, Pg9

FSSAI dismisses cancer risk claims on eggs, confirming safety and adherence to regulations, ensuring public health and consumer confidence.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

Eggs safe for use; cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI, Pg9

FSSAI dismisses cancer risk claims on eggs, confirming safety and adherence to regulations, ensuring public health and consumer confidence.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 1: Art & CultureGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 1: Literature

Republic Day festivities to highlight Vande Mataram, Pg9

Republic Day 2025 to spotlight 'Vande Mataram' with EU leaders as chief guests, marking 150 years of the National Song.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 1: Art & CultureGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 1: Literature

Republic Day festivities to highlight Vande Mataram, Pg9

Republic Day 2025 to spotlight 'Vande Mataram' with EU leaders as chief guests, marking 150 years of the National Song.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan mission successful, Pg9

ISRO's Gaganyaan mission achieves milestone as drogue parachute qualification tests succeed at Chandigarh facility, ensuring safe crew module re-entry.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

Drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan mission successful, Pg9

ISRO's Gaganyaan mission achieves milestone as drogue parachute qualification tests succeed at Chandigarh facility, ensuring safe crew module re-entry.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

House panel seeks reports from DGCA, others on flight crisis, Pg9

Parliament's PAC demands reports from DGCA and aviation stakeholders regarding recent flight disruptions and User Development Fee calculation controversies.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

House panel seeks reports from DGCA, others on flight crisis, Pg9

Parliament's PAC demands reports from DGCA and aviation stakeholders regarding recent flight disruptions and User Development Fee calculation controversies.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

New chip showcases virtues of light-based computing, Pg11

Researchers unveil LightGen chip, leveraging photonics for 100x faster, energy-efficient image generation compared to electronic chips, marking advancement in light-based computing.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: IT and ComputersGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

New chip showcases virtues of light-based computing, Pg11

Researchers unveil LightGen chip, leveraging photonics for 100x faster, energy-efficient image generation compared to electronic chips, marking advancement in light-based computing.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Biotechnology

Rewiring macrophage metabolism may shorten TB treatment: study, Pg11

Indian scientists discover macrophage metabolism rewiring shortens TB treatment, paving way for effective therapies against drug-resistant tuberculosis, using existing drug Meclizine.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Biotechnology

Rewiring macrophage metabolism may shorten TB treatment: study, Pg11

Indian scientists discover macrophage metabolism rewiring shortens TB treatment, paving way for effective therapies against drug-resistant tuberculosis, using existing drug Meclizine.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Heat, humidity combo poses higher stunting risk in S. Asia, Pg11

South Asia faces alarming rise in child stunting due to combined heat and humidity, potentially affecting 30-37 lakh children by 2050.

GS 1: Indian GeographyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena like Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity and Cyclones

Heat, humidity combo poses higher stunting risk in S. Asia, Pg11

South Asia faces alarming rise in child stunting due to combined heat and humidity, potentially affecting 30-37 lakh children by 2050.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Counting electrons reveals thorium’s nuclear tick in solid clock, Pg11

Thorium-229 nuclear clock breakthrough: Counting emitted electrons achieves unprecedented accuracy, losing only one second every 15.8 billion years.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Counting electrons reveals thorium’s nuclear tick in solid clock, Pg11

Thorium-229 nuclear clock breakthrough: Counting emitted electrons achieves unprecedented accuracy, losing only one second every 15.8 billion years.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Where does India stand on child marriage?, Pg12

India's child marriage rates decline unevenly; Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan marks anniversary amid calls for social reform.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS 2: Vulnerable Sections

Where does India stand on child marriage?, Pg12

India's child marriage rates decline unevenly; Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan marks anniversary amid calls for social reform.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why does the govt. want to replace MGNREGA?, Pg12

Government introduces VB-G RAM G Bill replacing MGNREGA, shifting to supply-driven model with increased state burden and central control.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Why does the govt. want to replace MGNREGA?, Pg12

Government introduces VB-G RAM G Bill replacing MGNREGA, shifting to supply-driven model with increased state burden and central control.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Will new Act aid India’s nuclear development?, Pg12

SHANTI Act enacted to boost private investment in nuclear energy by easing supplier liability and revising compensation for nuclear accidents.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Will new Act aid India’s nuclear development?, Pg12

SHANTI Act enacted to boost private investment in nuclear energy by easing supplier liability and revising compensation for nuclear accidents.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

After SC junks poll bonds, trusts' funding to political parties triples, Pg1

Post-Electoral Bond Scrapping, BJP Dominates Political Funding via Trusts, Receiving 82% of Rs 3,811 Crore in 2024-25.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

After SC junks poll bonds, trusts' funding to political parties triples, Pg1

Post-Electoral Bond Scrapping, BJP Dominates Political Funding via Trusts, Receiving 82% of Rs 3,811 Crore in 2024-25.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Powering India's growth: Role of MSMEs & PSBs, Pg4

MSMEs poised to drive India's $5 trillion economy by 2027, with PSU banks playing crucial role through innovative lending.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 2: E GovernanceGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Powering India's growth: Role of MSMEs & PSBs, Pg4

MSMEs poised to drive India's $5 trillion economy by 2027, with PSU banks playing crucial role through innovative lending.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

IIT-Kanpur's mobile lab and AI to map solutions for air pollution in Delhi, Pg8

IIT-Kanpur deploys mobile lab with AI to map and curb air pollution sources in Delhi-NCR, revealing localized pollution patterns.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

IIT-Kanpur's mobile lab and AI to map solutions for air pollution in Delhi, Pg8

IIT-Kanpur deploys mobile lab with AI to map and curb air pollution sources in Delhi-NCR, revealing localized pollution patterns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50%, Pg9

MHA raises ex-Agniveer quota to 50% for BSF constable posts, offering age relaxation and PST/PET exemptions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50%, Pg9

MHA raises ex-Agniveer quota to 50% for BSF constable posts, offering age relaxation and PST/PET exemptions.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

ISRO conducts fresh tests to check parachute systems to bring back Gaganyaan astronauts, Pg10

ISRO tests Gaganyaan's parachute system for safe astronaut return; LVM-3 to launch heaviest satellite on December 24.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

ISRO conducts fresh tests to check parachute systems to bring back Gaganyaan astronauts, Pg10

ISRO tests Gaganyaan's parachute system for safe astronaut return; LVM-3 to launch heaviest satellite on December 24.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Under PM Nehru, India's first Atomic Energy Act, Pg14

Nehru's 1948 Atomic Energy Act: Centralized control, spurred debate on state monopoly versus private participation, and prioritized mineral preservation.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 1: Modern HistoryPrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Under PM Nehru, India's first Atomic Energy Act, Pg14

Nehru's 1948 Atomic Energy Act: Centralized control, spurred debate on state monopoly versus private participation, and prioritized mineral preservation.

News Analysis

U.S. wants India’s nuclear norms globally aligned, Pg1

U.S. wants India’s nuclear norms globally aligned, Pg1

‘Quota for ex-Agniveers in CAPF will not affect existing matrix’, Pg8

‘Quota for ex-Agniveers in CAPF will not affect existing matrix’, Pg8

Eggs safe for use; cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI, Pg9

Eggs safe for use; cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI, Pg9

Republic Day festivities to highlight Vande Mataram, Pg9

Republic Day festivities to highlight Vande Mataram, Pg9

Drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan mission successful, Pg9

Drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan mission successful, Pg9

House panel seeks reports from DGCA, others on flight crisis, Pg9

House panel seeks reports from DGCA, others on flight crisis, Pg9

New chip showcases virtues of light-based computing, Pg11

New chip showcases virtues of light-based computing, Pg11

Rewiring macrophage metabolism may shorten TB treatment: study, Pg11

Rewiring macrophage metabolism may shorten TB treatment: study, Pg11

Heat, humidity combo poses higher stunting risk in S. Asia, Pg11

Heat, humidity combo poses higher stunting risk in S. Asia, Pg11

Counting electrons reveals thorium’s nuclear tick in solid clock, Pg11

Counting electrons reveals thorium’s nuclear tick in solid clock, Pg11

Where does India stand on child marriage?, Pg12

Where does India stand on child marriage?, Pg12

Why does the govt. want to replace MGNREGA?, Pg12

Why does the govt. want to replace MGNREGA?, Pg12

Will new Act aid India’s nuclear development?, Pg12

Will new Act aid India’s nuclear development?, Pg12

After SC junks poll bonds, trusts' funding to political parties triples, Pg1

After SC junks poll bonds, trusts' funding to political parties triples, Pg1

Powering India's growth: Role of MSMEs & PSBs, Pg4

Powering India's growth: Role of MSMEs & PSBs, Pg4

IIT-Kanpur's mobile lab and AI to map solutions for air pollution in Delhi, Pg8

IIT-Kanpur's mobile lab and AI to map solutions for air pollution in Delhi, Pg8

Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50%, Pg9

Ex-Agniveer quota for BSF constable post now 50%, Pg9

ISRO conducts fresh tests to check parachute systems to bring back Gaganyaan astronauts, Pg10

ISRO conducts fresh tests to check parachute systems to bring back Gaganyaan astronauts, Pg10

Under PM Nehru, India's first Atomic Energy Act, Pg14

Under PM Nehru, India's first Atomic Energy Act, Pg14

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