UPSC Current Affairs 23 December 2025

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, New Zealand wind up FTA talks, set to boost trade, Pg1

India and New Zealand conclude FTA talks, aiming to double bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, boosting economic ties.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, New Zealand wind up FTA talks, set to boost trade, Pg1

India and New Zealand conclude FTA talks, aiming to double bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, boosting economic ties.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Putin’s visit to India and the aftermath, Pg6

Putin's India visit reaffirms strong ties amidst Western pressure, focusing on trade and connectivity while defense cooperation takes backseat.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Putin’s visit to India and the aftermath, Pg6

Putin's India visit reaffirms strong ties amidst Western pressure, focusing on trade and connectivity while defense cooperation takes backseat.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Right to Disconnect: Drawing the line after work, Pg6

Right to Disconnect Bill introduced, aiming to regulate after-hours work communication but faces definitional and constitutional challenges under existing labour laws.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS 2: Parliament and State LegislaturesGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Right to Disconnect: Drawing the line after work, Pg6

Right to Disconnect Bill introduced, aiming to regulate after-hours work communication but faces definitional and constitutional challenges under existing labour laws.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Step up, Pg6

Supreme Court mandates corporate environmental responsibility under CSR, boosting conservation efforts for endangered Great Indian Bustards through corporate funding and habitat restoration.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Step up, Pg6

Supreme Court mandates corporate environmental responsibility under CSR, boosting conservation efforts for endangered Great Indian Bustards through corporate funding and habitat restoration.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels

Death knell for the rural job guarantee, Pg7

MGNREGA replacement, Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Act, weakens demand-driven work, shifts funding, and centralizes power, impacting rural livelihoods.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels

Death knell for the rural job guarantee, Pg7

MGNREGA replacement, Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar Act, weakens demand-driven work, shifts funding, and centralizes power, impacting rural livelihoods.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

India tops global doping list for the third consecutive year, Pg7

India tops WADA's doping offender list for the third year with 260 positive cases, raising concerns before hosting major events.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

India tops global doping list for the third consecutive year, Pg7

India tops WADA's doping offender list for the third year with 260 positive cases, raising concerns before hosting major events.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

On the right to a healthy environment, Pg8

Article 21 of the Constitution now includes the right to a healthy environment, as per Supreme Court's recent interpretation.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

On the right to a healthy environment, Pg8

Article 21 of the Constitution now includes the right to a healthy environment, as per Supreme Court's recent interpretation.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris?, Pg9

Space debris poses threat to spacecraft; Shenzhou-20 incident highlights need for mitigation strategies like Whipple shields and debris tracking.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS 3: Space Technology

How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris?, Pg9

Space debris poses threat to spacecraft; Shenzhou-20 incident highlights need for mitigation strategies like Whipple shields and debris tracking.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

NITI Aayog proposes $10-bn research fund, scholarships to ‘globalise’ higher education, Pg10

NITI Aayog proposes $10 billion research fund and Vishwa Bandhu scholarships to globalize Indian higher education by 2047.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

NITI Aayog proposes $10-bn research fund, scholarships to ‘globalise’ higher education, Pg10

NITI Aayog proposes $10 billion research fund and Vishwa Bandhu scholarships to globalize Indian higher education by 2047.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

PSU signs pact with Safran group to make advanced defence systems in India, Pg12

India Optel Limited partners with Safran to produce high-precision defence systems, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and enhancing battlefield accuracy.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

PSU signs pact with Safran group to make advanced defence systems in India, Pg12

India Optel Limited partners with Safran to produce high-precision defence systems, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing and enhancing battlefield accuracy.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Anjadip, indigenous anti-submarine shallow water craft, joins the Navy, Pg12

Indian Navy commissions 'Anjadip,' advanced anti-submarine warfare vessel, boosting coastal security and indigenous defense capabilities under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate

Anjadip, indigenous anti-submarine shallow water craft, joins the Navy, Pg12

Indian Navy commissions 'Anjadip,' advanced anti-submarine warfare vessel, boosting coastal security and indigenous defense capabilities under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

NASA loses touch with MAVEN craft which reached Mars just before Mangalyaan, PgII

NASA loses contact with MAVEN Mars orbiter after decade-long mission studying Martian atmosphere; recovery efforts underway.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Space Technology

NASA loses touch with MAVEN craft which reached Mars just before Mangalyaan, PgII

NASA loses contact with MAVEN Mars orbiter after decade-long mission studying Martian atmosphere; recovery efforts underway.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, NZ wrap FTA talks, aim to double trade in five years, Pg1

India and New Zealand conclude FTA negotiations, targeting doubled bilateral trade in five years, pending legal review and parliamentary approval.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, NZ wrap FTA talks, aim to double trade in five years, Pg1

India and New Zealand conclude FTA negotiations, targeting doubled bilateral trade in five years, pending legal review and parliamentary approval.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Cases piling up, ED moves to fast-track investigations, also push for speedy trial, Pg1

ED to expedite PMLA investigations, focusing on cybercrimes and terror financing, amid criticism of slow trials and case backlogs.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Cases piling up, ED moves to fast-track investigations, also push for speedy trial, Pg1

ED to expedite PMLA investigations, focusing on cybercrimes and terror financing, amid criticism of slow trials and case backlogs.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

‘Top 20 polluted stations of 2024 located in Delhi-NCR’, Pg4

Delhi-NCR remains India's pollution hotspot despite improvements; Jahangirpuri recorded highest PM10 levels, reveals Health Effects Institute analysis.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

‘Top 20 polluted stations of 2024 located in Delhi-NCR’, Pg4

Delhi-NCR remains India's pollution hotspot despite improvements; Jahangirpuri recorded highest PM10 levels, reveals Health Effects Institute analysis.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

CAQM reviews steps to curb air pollution in NCR, Pg4

CAQM's 26th meeting addresses NCR air pollution: GRAP revisions, vehicular emission controls, and stubble burning reduction by 92%.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

CAQM reviews steps to curb air pollution in NCR, Pg4

CAQM's 26th meeting addresses NCR air pollution: GRAP revisions, vehicular emission controls, and stubble burning reduction by 92%.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Jaishankar visits cyclone-hit Lanka as PM special envoy, Pg6

Jaishankar visits cyclone-hit Sri Lanka as PM's envoy, pledging India's support through 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' with 1,134 tonnes of aid.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Jaishankar visits cyclone-hit Lanka as PM special envoy, Pg6

Jaishankar visits cyclone-hit Sri Lanka as PM's envoy, pledging India's support through 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' with 1,134 tonnes of aid.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, France sign pact to produce direct firing sight, navigation system, Pg6

India, France collaborate to produce advanced SIGMA 30 navigation system and CM3-MR direct firing sight for enhanced artillery and anti-drone capabilities.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India, France sign pact to produce direct firing sight, navigation system, Pg6

India, France collaborate to produce advanced SIGMA 30 navigation system and CM3-MR direct firing sight for enhanced artillery and anti-drone capabilities.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Focus on 'general govt' to attract global investment: Ex-finance panel head, Pg8

N.K. Singh emphasizes fiscal discipline across Centre and States to attract global investment, advocating cooperative federalism for economic growth.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Government BudgetingGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Focus on 'general govt' to attract global investment: Ex-finance panel head, Pg8

N.K. Singh emphasizes fiscal discipline across Centre and States to attract global investment, advocating cooperative federalism for economic growth.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Assam invokes 1950 expulsion law again, Pg12

Assam administration invokes 1950 expulsion law to deport declared foreigners, raising concerns over human rights and due process.

GS 1: Post-Independence IndiaGS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Security Challenges and Management in Border AreasGS 1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and Secularism

Assam invokes 1950 expulsion law again, Pg12

Assam administration invokes 1950 expulsion law to deport declared foreigners, raising concerns over human rights and due process.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

US welcomes SHANTI Bill: 'A step towards stronger energy security ties', Pg12

US hails India's SHANTI Bill, paving way for enhanced energy security cooperation and nuclear R&D partnership.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

US welcomes SHANTI Bill: 'A step towards stronger energy security ties', Pg12

US hails India's SHANTI Bill, paving way for enhanced energy security cooperation and nuclear R&D partnership.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 3: Space Technology

JAXA mission onboard H3 rocket fails at second stage, Pg12

JAXA's H3 rocket mission fails during second stage, impacting future lunar exploration and ISRO's Chandrayaan-5 mission partnership.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 3: Space Technology

JAXA mission onboard H3 rocket fails at second stage, Pg12

JAXA's H3 rocket mission fails during second stage, impacting future lunar exploration and ISRO's Chandrayaan-5 mission partnership.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining, Pg13

Aravalli Hills' new definition sparks controversy; critics allege ecological threat due to relaxed mining regulations and exclusion of key areas.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS 3: Environmental Impact Assessment

Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining, Pg13

Aravalli Hills' new definition sparks controversy; critics allege ecological threat due to relaxed mining regulations and exclusion of key areas.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Higher education Bill puts focus on simplifying governance, Pg13

Government introduces bill to establish single higher education commission, consolidating UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, raising centralization concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

Higher education Bill puts focus on simplifying governance, Pg13

Government introduces bill to establish single higher education commission, consolidating UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, raising centralization concerns.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

15 yrs after Fukushima disaster, Japan to restart world's biggest nuclear plant, Pg14

Japan restarts Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, world's largest, 15 years post-Fukushima, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

15 yrs after Fukushima disaster, Japan to restart world's biggest nuclear plant, Pg14

Japan restarts Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, world's largest, 15 years post-Fukushima, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Continued focus on macros, reforms to enable economy maintain high growth, Pg15

RBI emphasizes macroeconomic focus and reforms for sustained high growth amidst global trade uncertainties and Mexico's tariff hikes on Indian exports.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Continued focus on macros, reforms to enable economy maintain high growth, Pg15

RBI emphasizes macroeconomic focus and reforms for sustained high growth amidst global trade uncertainties and Mexico's tariff hikes on Indian exports.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Oct sees net FDI outflow of $1.55 billion: RBI data, Pg15

RBI data reveals $1.55 billion net FDI outflow in October amidst rising concerns over foreign investor pullout and rupee depreciation.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

News Analysis

India, New Zealand wind up FTA talks, set to boost trade, Pg1

India, New Zealand wind up FTA talks, set to boost trade, Pg1

Putin’s visit to India and the aftermath, Pg6

Putin’s visit to India and the aftermath, Pg6

Right to Disconnect: Drawing the line after work, Pg6

Right to Disconnect: Drawing the line after work, Pg6

Step up, Pg6

Step up, Pg6

Death knell for the rural job guarantee, Pg7

Death knell for the rural job guarantee, Pg7

India tops global doping list for the third consecutive year, Pg7

India tops global doping list for the third consecutive year, Pg7

On the right to a healthy environment, Pg8

On the right to a healthy environment, Pg8

How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris?, Pg9

How are we protecting astronauts from deadly space debris?, Pg9

NITI Aayog proposes $10-bn research fund, scholarships to ‘globalise’ higher education, Pg10

NITI Aayog proposes $10-bn research fund, scholarships to ‘globalise’ higher education, Pg10

PSU signs pact with Safran group to make advanced defence systems in India, Pg12

PSU signs pact with Safran group to make advanced defence systems in India, Pg12

Anjadip, indigenous anti-submarine shallow water craft, joins the Navy, Pg12

Anjadip, indigenous anti-submarine shallow water craft, joins the Navy, Pg12

NASA loses touch with MAVEN craft which reached Mars just before Mangalyaan, PgII

NASA loses touch with MAVEN craft which reached Mars just before Mangalyaan, PgII

India, NZ wrap FTA talks, aim to double trade in five years, Pg1

India, NZ wrap FTA talks, aim to double trade in five years, Pg1

Cases piling up, ED moves to fast-track investigations, also push for speedy trial, Pg1

Cases piling up, ED moves to fast-track investigations, also push for speedy trial, Pg1

‘Top 20 polluted stations of 2024 located in Delhi-NCR’, Pg4

‘Top 20 polluted stations of 2024 located in Delhi-NCR’, Pg4

CAQM reviews steps to curb air pollution in NCR, Pg4

CAQM reviews steps to curb air pollution in NCR, Pg4

Jaishankar visits cyclone-hit Lanka as PM special envoy, Pg6

Jaishankar visits cyclone-hit Lanka as PM special envoy, Pg6

India, France sign pact to produce direct firing sight, navigation system, Pg6

India, France sign pact to produce direct firing sight, navigation system, Pg6

Focus on 'general govt' to attract global investment: Ex-finance panel head, Pg8

Focus on 'general govt' to attract global investment: Ex-finance panel head, Pg8

Assam invokes 1950 expulsion law again, Pg12

Assam invokes 1950 expulsion law again, Pg12

US welcomes SHANTI Bill: 'A step towards stronger energy security ties', Pg12

US welcomes SHANTI Bill: 'A step towards stronger energy security ties', Pg12

JAXA mission onboard H3 rocket fails at second stage, Pg12

JAXA mission onboard H3 rocket fails at second stage, Pg12

Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining, Pg13

Aravalli benchmark could have effects beyond mining, Pg13

Higher education Bill puts focus on simplifying governance, Pg13

Higher education Bill puts focus on simplifying governance, Pg13

15 yrs after Fukushima disaster, Japan to restart world's biggest nuclear plant, Pg14

15 yrs after Fukushima disaster, Japan to restart world's biggest nuclear plant, Pg14

Continued focus on macros, reforms to enable economy maintain high growth, Pg15

Continued focus on macros, reforms to enable economy maintain high growth, Pg15

Oct sees net FDI outflow of $1.55 billion: RBI data, Pg15

Oct sees net FDI outflow of $1.55 billion: RBI data, Pg15

Tata Electronics signs chip deal with Japan's ROHM, Pg15

Tata Electronics signs chip deal with Japan's ROHM, Pg15

ArcelorMittal lines up $900 mn for 1 GW renewable push in India, Pg15

ArcelorMittal lines up $900 mn for 1 GW renewable push in India, Pg15

Trade tiff: China hits EU dairy with up to 42.7% tariffs, Pg15

Trade tiff: China hits EU dairy with up to 42.7% tariffs, Pg15

More News Analysis

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