1. NATIONAL CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY OBSERVED WITH FOCUS ON DIGITAL JUSTICE
SUBJECT: POLITY
- India celebrated National Consumer Rights Day on December 24, commemorating the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, with the 2025 theme emphasizing efficient and speedy disposal through digital justice.
- The National Commission for Women launched the ‘SHAKTI Scholars: NCW Young Research Fellowship’ to encourage policy-oriented research on women-related issues.
- Concerns raised over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with significant voter exclusions in several states including Kerala and Chhattisgarh.
- Supreme Court addressed ongoing constitutional matters, including air quality concerns directing consideration of GST reductions on purifiers.
- Draft electoral rolls published amid debates on voter inclusivity and federal processes.
- Concepts: Consumer Protection Framework – Strengthens grievance redressal via digital platforms; Electoral Integrity – Ensures accurate voter lists through revision exercises.
2. TAMIL NADU COMMEMORATES MGR’S DEATH ANNIVERSARY AMID WEATHER ALERTS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Tamil Nadu observed the death anniversary of former Chief Minister MGR on December 24 with tributes, gatherings, and film retrospectives highlighting his enduring legacy.
- Light rainfall forecasted in coastal Tamil Nadu from December 24 due to atmospheric circulation over South Tamil Nadu regions.
- Nationally, Kisan Diwas aligned with ongoing farmer welfare initiatives, while lightning strikes saw a significant rise linked to climate patterns.
- NCW’s new fellowship and consumer day observances underscored empowerment and rights protection.
- Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project’s first unit operationalized, boosting renewable energy capacity.
- Concepts: Cultural Heritage – Preserves political and cinematic legacies; Climate Resilience – Addresses rising disaster risks through awareness and mitigation.
3. INDIA ASSUMES BRICS PRESIDENCY AMID STRENGTHENED BILATERAL TIES
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India received the rotating BRICS Presidency from Brazil for 2026, prioritizing resilience, sustainability, and global south cooperation.
- India-New Zealand FTA negotiations concluded, offering zero-duty access for Indian exports and enhanced professional mobility.
- China initiated WTO consultations over India’s solar sector subsidies, amid ongoing trade frictions.
- Maritime heritage cooperation advanced with India-Netherlands MoU for Lothal complex development.
- Diplomatic engagements focused on multipolar advocacy and regional stability.
- Concepts: Multilateral Engagements – Enhance influence through groupings like BRICS; Trade Diplomacy – Balances subsidies with international obligations.
4. RBI UPGRADES GDP FORECAST AMID ROBUST FUNDAMENTALS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- RBI revised FY 2025-26 GDP growth projection upward to 7.3%, supported by strong domestic demand and contained inflation.
- Eight core sectors recorded modest 1.8% growth in November 2025, led by cement and steel sectors.
- New CPI series with 2024 base year scheduled for release in February 2026 to better reflect consumption patterns.
- Equity markets closed marginally lower amid holiday-thinned trading, with focus on liquidity measures.
- Inflation outlook benign, enabling growth-supportive monetary policy.
- Concepts: Macroeconomic Stability – Guides reforms for sustained expansion; Inflation Targeting – Maintains price stability within tolerance bands.
5. INDIA OPTEL PARTNERS WITH SAFRAN FOR ADVANCED DEFENCE SYSTEMS
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- India Optel Limited signed agreement with France’s Safran for local production of SIGMA 30N navigation system and CM3-MR firing sight.
- Focus on indigenization continued with technology transfers and joint ventures under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- DRDO collaborated with Rashtriya Raksha University for research and training in security technologies.
- Maritime security enhanced through new partnerships and indigenous vessel deliveries.
- Strategic autonomy emphasized via diversified alliances and domestic manufacturing.
- Concepts: Defence Indigenisation – Promotes self-reliance through transfers; Technology Collaboration – Strengthens capabilities via international partnerships.
