1. VIJAY DIWAS MARKS 54TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1971 WAR VICTORY WITH NATIONWIDE TRIBUTES
SUBJECT: POLITY & NATIONAL
- India commemorated Vijay Diwas on December 16, 2025, honoring the armed forces’ triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which resulted in Pakistan’s surrender and the creation of Bangladesh.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to soldiers, emphasizing their unmatched valour and the historic surrender of over 93,000 Pakistani troops.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with tri-service chiefs, laid wreaths at the National War Memorial, highlighting themes of jointness and national pride.
- A 20-member delegation from Bangladesh, including Muktijodhas (freedom fighters), participated in events, strengthening bilateral ties rooted in shared history.
- Events across military stations featured parades, seminars, and veteran felicitations, reinforcing principles of sacrifice and unity.
- Parliament referenced the Simla Agreement’s legacy, underscoring federalism in security and foreign policy decisions.
- Concepts: Article 51 – Promotion of international peace; Federal Structure – Centre’s role in national security coordination.
2. TAMIL NADU LAUNCHES ANTI-RABIES DRIVE AND OBSERVES MARGHAZHI MONTH AMID ROUTINE GOVERNANCE
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Tamil Nadu intensified its anti-rabies vaccination campaign, vaccinating over 3,000 dogs with targets exceeding 6,000 by mid-December to bolster public health and animal welfare.
- The state marked the onset of Margazhi month on December 16, a culturally significant period with traditional music, dance, and temple festivals promoting heritage.
- No school holidays declared for December 16, with institutions functioning normally, focusing on regular academic and extracurricular activities.
- Environmental initiatives continued, aligning with national conservation efforts and recent Ramsar site designations.
- Social justice programs advanced protection for weaker sections, including health and education access in rural areas.
- Disaster preparedness drills echoed national mock exercises, enhancing community resilience.
- Concepts: Article 47 – Improvement of public health; Article 48A – Protection of environment.
3. INDIA DEEPENS TIES WITH RUSSIA AND JORDAN WHILE NAVIGATING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Recent India-Russia summit outcomes reinforced energy supplies, nuclear cooperation, and multipolar advocacy, with uninterrupted fuel assurances amid geopolitical shifts.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagements with Jordan aimed at elevating bilateral trade to USD 5 billion, focusing on defence, digital, and connectivity corridors.
- India extended solidarity to allies on security incidents, balancing strategic autonomy in Indo-Pacific and West Asian diplomacy.
- Progress in multi-alignment included fintech linkages and IMEC discussions, enhancing economic pragmatism.
- Participation in global forums promoted cultural dialogue and countered extremism through inclusive policies.
- Bilateral mechanisms with Italy and Ethiopia advanced economic and historical linkages.
- Concepts: Article 51 – Peaceful settlement of disputes; Non-Alignment 2.0 – Multi-vector foreign policy.
4. RUPEE UNDER PRESSURE AS GDP RESILIENCE AND RATE CUTS SUPPORT GROWTH MOMENTUM
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Indian rupee faced ongoing depreciation pressures, hitting record lows amid dollar imbalances and FII outflows, prompting RBI interventions for stability.
- Recent Q2 GDP growth at 8.2% highlighted robust consumption and investment, with IMF upgrades affirming resilience despite global trade risks.
- HSBC Flash PMI indicated sustained expansion in services and manufacturing, though moderated from previous highs.
- Finance Minister emphasized strong fundamentals supporting 7%+ growth, countering external uncertainties.
- Exports showed diversification strength, cushioned by high forex reserves and contained inflation.
- Insurance sector reforms proposed 100% FDI, boosting investment inflows.
- Green hydrogen targets and power sector partnerships accelerated decarbonization efforts.
- Concepts: Fiscal Federalism – Centre-State resource sharing; Balance of Payments – Managing current account dynamics.
5. INDIAN NAVY COMMISSIONS MH-60R SQUADRON AND INDIGENOUS ASSETS ON VIJAY DIWAS EVE
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron (INAS 335) and indigenous Diving Support Craft, enhancing anti-submarine warfare and multi-role capabilities.
- Vijay Diwas events featured displays of neutralised enemy drones, showcasing advancements in counter-drone technology and operational readiness.
- Chief of Defence Staff emphasized Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation (JAI) as pillars for future military strength.
- Progress on indigenous Virupaksha radar and other projects supported IAF modernisation and self-reliance.
- Border infrastructure buildup and anti-drone reinforcements post recent operations bolstered LAC preparedness.
- BSF reported recovery of rogue drones and seizures along borders, intensifying vigilance.
- International partnerships advanced through INDUS-X for AI and secure supply chains.
- Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – Indigenisation drive; Defence Acquisition Procedure – Private sector integration.
