1. BJP APPOINTS PIYUSH GOYAL AS ELECTION IN-CHARGE FOR TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY POLLS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed Union Minister Piyush Goyal as election in-charge for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with Arjun Ram Meghwal and Muralidhar Mohol as co-incharges.
- This move signals intensified preparations by the NDA to challenge the ruling DMK and build a strong anti-incumbency alliance ahead of the polls.
- AIADMK began issuing nomination forms to aspirants from December 15 to 23, marking the start of its internal candidate selection process for the upcoming elections.
- Tamil Nadu Congress Committee concluded its application process for party tickets on December 15, inviting aspirants to contest under the INDIA bloc.
- Political parties in Tamil Nadu ramped up activities, with speculation rising over potential NDA-AIADMK ties and opposition strategies against the DMK government.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 75th death anniversary, highlighting unity and integration themes relevant to federal politics.
- Supreme Court scheduled hearings on key constitutional matters, including detention powers and rights protection in sensitive areas.
- Concepts: Coalition Politics – Shapes alliance dynamics in state elections; Federalism – Influences Centre-State electoral strategies and governance harmony.
2. SEVERE AIR POLLUTION ENFORCES GRAP-IV AND HYBRID EDUCATION IN DELHI-NCR
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- GRAP Stage IV restrictions activated in Delhi-NCR amid ‘severe’ air quality, leading to hybrid learning modes in schools and advisories for vulnerable groups.
- Dense smog reduced visibility across northern India, prompting health alerts and monitoring in multiple states.
- Railways reported over 1,068 hectares of encroached land nationwide, with ongoing eviction drives and legal actions to reclaim public infrastructure.
- National Human Rights Commission highlighted India’s commitments on Human Rights Day observances, focusing on institutional mechanisms.
- Chief Justice advised hybrid court proceedings due to worsening pollution, ensuring continuity in judicial functions.
- Environmental initiatives continued, including energy conservation drives and assessments of seasonal pollution impacts.
- Disaster management preparations intensified with mock drills in various districts.
- Concepts: Right to Healthy Environment – Enshrined under Article 21 for pollution control; Inter-State Coordination – Essential for tackling trans-boundary issues like air quality.
3. PRIME MINISTER MODI’S BILATERAL VISIT TO JORDAN STRENGTHENS MIDDLE EAST TIES
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a bilateral visit to Jordan on December 15-16, invited by King Abdullah II, marking deepened economic and strategic partnerships.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepared for a visit to Israel to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security, and mutual interests.
- India reiterated support for stable relations with neighbors, asserting no foothold for inimical forces on its territory in response to regional concerns.
- Engagements at global forums emphasized India’s role in multipolar order, maritime security, and balanced diplomacy.
- Bilateral talks with Middle Eastern and European nations advanced collaborations in trade, technology, and energy sectors.
- India continued multi-alignment approach, fostering partnerships amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
- Recent diplomatic assertions reinforced Neighbourhood First and strategic autonomy policies.
- Concepts: Multi-Alignment Diplomacy – Balances relations across regions; Act East and West Linkage – Enhances connectivity with Middle East and beyond.
4. TRADE DEFICIT NARROWS SHARPLY IN NOVEMBER AMID SURGING EXPORTS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $24.53 billion in November 2025, driven by robust exports reaching $38.13 billion, the highest in over a decade.
- Overall trade, including services, showed exports at $73.99 billion and a reduced deficit of $6.64 billion compared to the previous year.
- Rupee depreciated to a record low of 90.74 against the USD, influenced by outflows and global volatility.
- Sugar production rose 28% in the 2025-26 season till December 15, with mills demanding a higher minimum selling price.
- Wholesale price inflation moderated to -0.32% in November, reflecting easing pressures in key commodities.
- Stock markets remained resilient with domestic investor support amid infrastructure and defence allocations.
- Forex reserves provided stability buffer against external shocks.
- Concepts: Balance of Trade – Impacts current account and rupee stability; Export-Led Growth – Aligns with Atmanirbhar initiatives for global competitiveness.
5. INDIAN NAVY SET FOR KEY INDUCTIONS TO BOOST MARITIME STRENGTH
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Indian Navy to commission second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on December 17, enhancing anti-submarine warfare and multi-role capabilities.
- First indigenously built Diving Support Craft, DSC A20, scheduled for induction on December 16, advancing underwater operations and salvage expertise.
- Discussions progressed on acquiring advanced short-range air defence systems like Pantsir-S1M for enhanced protection.
- Emphasis on jointness, atmanirbharta, and innovation as pillars for future armed forces readiness.
- Border infrastructure development and counter-drone measures strengthened amid security assessments.
- Indigenous procurement initiatives supported self-reliance, with private sector involvement in drone and platform development.
- Maritime domain awareness prioritized for Indo-Pacific security commitments.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence – Promotes indigenous manufacturing and procurement; Integrated Theatre Commands – Fosters joint operations across services.
