Current Affairs – 31.12.2025

National Affairs (India)

1. Union Government Reviews Economic Performance of FY 2025

   • India’s GDP growth for FY 2024–25 projected at 7.1%, driven by manufacturing, infrastructure spending, and domestic consumption.

   • Gross Tax Revenue crossed ₹34.8 lakh crore, reflecting improved GST and direct tax compliance.

   • Fiscal deficit contained at 5.6% of GDP, aligning with medium-term fiscal consolidation targets.

2. Government Extends PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan

   • Over 1,800 infrastructure projects integrated under the digital platform.

   • Focus areas include rail-road multimodal hubs, port connectivity, and last-mile logistics.

   • Capital expenditure on infrastructure in FY 2025 reached ₹11.1 lakh crore.

3. New Criminal Laws Fully Implemented Nationwide

   • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam operational across all states.

   • Replaced IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act to ensure faster justice delivery and victim-centric procedures.

   • Mandatory forensic investigation for crimes punishable with over 7 years.

4. Digital Public Infrastructure Expansion

   • UPI transactions crossed 15 billion per month, with transaction value exceeding ₹21 lakh crore.

   • Introduction of UPI Lite X for feature phone users.

   • DigiLocker users surpassed 300 million by end-2025.

Banking, Economy & Finance

5. Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Stance

   • RBI retained repo rate at 6.50% to balance inflation and growth.

   • CPI inflation averaged 5.2% in 2025, remaining within tolerance band.

   • RBI foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 642 billion as of December 2025.

6. Public Sector Banks Performance Review

   • Gross NPA ratio of PSBs reduced to 3.2%, lowest in over a decade.

   • Net profit of PSBs crossed ₹1.6 lakh crore in FY 2025.

   • Credit growth recorded at 14.5% year-on-year, led by MSME and retail loans.

7. Launch of Sovereign Green Bond – Tranche III

   • Government issued ₹20,000 crore worth of green bonds.

   • Funds allocated to renewable energy, clean transport, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

   • India’s total sovereign green bond issuance reached ₹60,000 crore.

International Affairs

8. BRICS Expansion Consolidated

   • BRICS grouping formally included Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and Argentina.

   • Combined GDP of BRICS nations exceeded USD 30 trillion, representing over 36% of global GDP (PPP).

   • Focus on de-dollarization and local currency trade mechanisms.

9. UN Climate Conference Outcomes (COP-30 Preparations)

   • Developed nations reaffirmed USD 100 billion annual climate finance commitment.

   • India reiterated target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

   • Global methane reduction pledge expanded to cover industrial emissions.

10. Global Economic Outlook 2026

    • IMF projected global growth at 3.1%.

    • Emerging economies led recovery, while advanced economies faced tight monetary conditions.

    • India remained the fastest-growing major economy.

Defence & Security

11. Induction of Indigenous Defence Systems

    • Indian Army inducted Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) with 48-km strike range.

    • Indian Navy commissioned second Nilgiri-class stealth frigate.

    • Defence exports crossed ₹23,500 crore in calendar year 2025.

12. Joint Military Exercises

    • Exercise Malabar 2025 conducted with India, USA, Japan, and Australia.

    • Exercise Yudh Abhyas held between India and the USA in high-altitude terrain.

    • Focus on interoperability and maritime security.

Science, Technology & Space

13. ISRO Achievements in 2025

    • Successful Gaganyaan TV-D2 crew escape test completed.

    • Aditya-L1 solar observatory delivered continuous solar data from Lagrange Point-1.

    • ISRO launched XPoSat, India’s first X-ray polarimetry mission.

14. Artificial Intelligence Governance

    • India released National AI Mission framework with outlay of ₹10,300 crore.

    • Focus on compute infrastructure, datasets, skilling, and ethical AI.

    • India ranked among top 5 countries in AI talent availability.

Sports

15. ICC Cricket Events

    • ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 won by Australia, defeating England in the final.

    • Player of the Tournament: Ellyse Perry (Australia).

    • India reached semi-finals, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 412 runs.

16. Asian Games Preparations

    • India finalized probable list of 620 athletes for Asian Games 2026.

    • Target set to exceed 107 medals won in previous edition.

    • Focus sports: athletics, shooting, wrestling, boxing, badminton.

17. Chess Achievements

    • D. Gukesh finished 2025 as India’s highest-rated chess player.

    • India won Gold in Open category at World Team Chess Championship.

Awards & Honours

18. National Awards Announced

    • Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2025 awarded to journalists from The Indian Express and The Hindu.

    • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: Neeraj Chopra (Athletics).

    • Arjuna Awards presented to 26 athletes across disciplines.

19. International Recognitions

    • Indian economist Gita Gopinath featured among world’s most influential economists.

    • Indian-origin scientist awarded prestigious global climate research honour.

Important Appointments

20. Key Appointments in 2025

    • Chief of Defence Staff: General Anil Chauhan (continuing).

    • RBI Deputy Governor (reappointed): Michael Debabrata Patra.

    • Chief Election Commissioner: Gyanesh Kumar.

Important Days & Observations

21. 31 December

    • Observed as International Solidarity Day.

    • Marks the final day of the International Year of Millets follow-up initiatives.