1. NITI AAYOG RELEASES REPORT ON INTERNATIONALISATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
SUBJECT: POLITY
- NITI Aayog issued a policy report to advance NEP-2020 by promoting internationalisation at home and positioning India as a global education hub by 2047.
- Proposals include establishing an Inter-Ministerial Task Force under the Ministry of Education for coordinated global engagement.
- A National Equivalence Portal is recommended for streamlined foreign degree recognition to facilitate student and faculty mobility.
- The “Campus-within-a-Campus” model allows foreign universities to establish operations within Indian institutions.
- Country Centres of Excellence will designate central universities for focused bilateral research collaborations.
- Vishwa Bandhu Fellowship aims to attract international researchers and Indian diaspora academics.
- Concepts: National Education Policy 2020 – Drives global integration in education; Regulatory Reforms – Enhance institutional autonomy and quality assurance.
2. NATION OBSERVES KISAN DIWAS AMID FOCUS ON FARMER EMPOWERMENT
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- India celebrated Kisan Diwas on December 23, marking the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh and honoring farmers’ contributions.
- Tamil Nadu launched the TNCSR portal and TiNAI land-use information system to align corporate social responsibility with state priorities and enable data-driven planning.
- President Droupadi Murmu assented to the SHANTI Bill 2025, permitting private sector participation in civil nuclear energy.
- Election Commission prepared to release draft electoral rolls for several states following Special Intensive Revision.
- Bureau of Port Security established as a statutory body for enhanced maritime risk management and cybersecurity.
- Supreme Court addressed key constitutional and fundamental rights cases.
- Concepts: Agricultural Reforms – Support farmer welfare through schemes; Governance Digitalisation – Promotes transparency in land use and CSR.
3. INDIA-NEW ZEALAND FINALISE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India and New Zealand concluded FTA negotiations, providing zero-duty access for all Indian exports and tariff reductions on 95% of New Zealand goods.
- The pact aims to double bilateral trade in five years, with New Zealand committing $20 billion investment in India over 15 years.
- Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi suspended visa services citing security concerns amid protests.
- India summoned Bangladeshi envoy over safety issues for its missions.
- Brazil transferred BRICS Presidency to India for 2026, focusing on resilience and sustainability.
- India strengthened ties through cultural and economic partnerships, including with the Netherlands.
- Concepts: Trade Liberalisation – Reduces barriers for mutual growth; Diplomatic Engagements – Address bilateral security and cooperation.
4. RBI ENDORSES RISK-BASED DEPOSIT INSURANCE AND REVISES GROWTH OUTLOOK
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- RBI approved a risk-based premium framework for deposit insurance, shifting from flat rates to differentiated charges based on bank risk profiles.
- Eight core sectors grew 1.8% in November 2025, driven by cement and steel.
- New CPI base year 2024 series scheduled for release in February 2026 to reflect current consumption patterns.
- RBI bulletin highlighted robust domestic demand supporting economic resilience.
- Revised IIP series with 2022-23 base year set for May 2026 release.
- Markets remained stable amid focus on macroeconomic indicators.
- Concepts: Financial Stability – Enhances depositor protection; Economic Indicators – Guide policy for growth and inflation management.
5. INDIAN NAVY COMMISSIONED INDIGENOUS ASW CRAFT ANJADIP
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders delivered the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft ‘Anjadip’ with over 80% indigenous content to the Indian Navy.
- Bureau of Port Security notified to strengthen maritime intelligence and cybersecurity.
- DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University signed MoU for joint research and training in defence technologies.
- Focus on indigenisation advanced with new vessel commissions and technology transfers.
- Government established statutory framework for port security amid rising threats.
- Continued emphasis on self-reliance through domestic production milestones.
- Concepts: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence – Promotes local manufacturing; Maritime Domain Awareness – Bolsters coastal and port security.
