1. ANTI-TERROR CONFERENCE INAUGURATED AMID RISING SECURITY CONCERNS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Anti-Terror Conference in New Delhi, emphasizing zero-tolerance policies and next-generation strategies to combat emerging threats like radicalization and hybrid warfare.
- The event gathered operational forces, technical experts, legal professionals, and agencies to discuss evidence collection, digital forensics, and disrupting terror financing networks for enhanced coordination.
- Key sessions focused on building institutional capacities, effective trial management, and sharing best practices in terror investigations to strengthen national security frameworks.
- The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) integration with the National Population Register was highlighted, enabling real-time data access for 119 crore residents to aid probing agencies.
- Discussions also covered espionage and the need for future-ready counter-terrorism measures amid evolving global threats.
- Corporate political funding reforms were noted in broader polity contexts, with calls for transparency in electoral processes following Supreme Court observations.
- Concepts: Zero-Tolerance Policy – Guides inter-agency efforts for proactive threat mitigation; Federalism in Security – Balances Centre-State roles in intelligence sharing under constitutional provisions.
2. TAMIL NADU COMMEMORATES 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF DEVASTATING TSUNAMI
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Tamil Nadu marked the 21st anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, remembering over 8,000 lives lost and highlighting ongoing coastal vulnerabilities in districts like Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Kanyakumari.
- Memorial events stressed the need for improved disaster preparedness, community resilience, and support for fishing communities in high-risk areas.
- Misty and hazy weather persisted in Chennai and surrounding districts, with forecasts of light to moderate rain in isolated places until late December, prompting vigilance.
- A tragic bus accident in Cuddalore due to a tyre burst claimed multiple lives, sparking concerns over road safety, vehicle maintenance, and public transport regulations.
- The Madras High Court granted interim bail to a prominent critic for medical reasons, while criticizing repeated targeting by authorities, underscoring judicial oversight in governance.
- National observance of Good Governance Day on December 25 honored former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with events promoting efficient administration and citizen-centric policies.
- Concepts: Disaster Management Act, 2005 – Outlines roles of NDMA and SDMA in response and recovery; Coastal Regulation Zone – Ensures sustainable development and environmental safeguards in vulnerable regions.
3. INDIA STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC TIES AMID GLOBAL TENSIONS
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India engaged with the US on H-1B visa delays affecting Indian nationals, while raising concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, describing unremitting hostilities as a grave issue.
- China accused the US of undermining India-China relations by fueling rifts, responding to a Pentagon report on Beijing’s regional intentions and potential confrontations.
- Diplomatic efforts focused on multipolar advocacy, with India balancing ties with major powers and pushing for Global South reforms in international forums.
- Bilateral relations with neighbors like Myanmar were bolstered through development partnerships, emphasizing regional stability and economic cooperation.
- India’s foreign policy highlighted pragmatic diplomacy in navigating trade disruptions, geopolitical shifts, and creative exports surging to $12.5 billion, with UAE as a top market.
- Over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh were documented, prompting India to warn that such issues cannot be brushed aside.
- Concepts: Strategic Autonomy – Allows India to maintain balanced engagements without alliances; Indo-Pacific Strategy – Enhances collaborations for maritime security and regional deterrence.
4. ROBUST GDP GROWTH AND POLICY SUPPORT DRIVE ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India’s real GDP growth for H1 2025-26 stood at 8.0%, expected to broaden in 2026 with projections revised to 7.3%, driven by policy measures and easing inflation.
- The RBI cut the repo rate by 125 basis points in 2025, creating a favorable environment for high growth and low inflation, supporting consumption and investment.
- Equity fundraising dipped 3% to over 4 trillion rupees despite a record IPO year, while debt grew 10% to 15 trillion rupees amid thin trading and foreign outflows.
- The rupee depreciated faster than Asian peers, hitting lows due to global headwinds, but forex reserves provided a cushion against volatility.
- Goldman Sachs forecasted 6.7% growth in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027, beating consensus estimates, highlighting India’s outperformance in emerging markets.
- State-level capital expenditure surged, aiding economic convergence, infrastructure development, and neutralization of global uncertainties like tariffs.
- Concepts: Monetary Policy Transmission – Channels rate cuts to stimulate economic activity; Fiscal-Monetary Coordination – Aligns government spending with RBI tools for balanced growth under FRBM Act.
5. DEFENCE MINISTRY CANCELS IMPORTS OF KEY EQUIPMENT TO BOOST INDIGENIZATION
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, met to approve major indigenous procurements, including advanced missile systems and air defence enhancements.
- Successful user trials of the Akash-NG missile system advanced toward induction, enhancing self-reliance in air defence capabilities.
- A reported test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile from INS Arighat strengthened India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence triad.
- Focus shifted to modernizing aerial firepower, drone capabilities, and integrated weapon systems amid regional security challenges and post-Galwan infrastructure buildup.
- The ministry scrapped imports for key equipment like helicopters and short-range missiles, prioritizing domestic alternatives to reduce dependency.
- Reforms in 2025 positioned India as a defence exporter, emphasizing new domains like cyber, space, AI, and ML for global competitiveness.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence – Promotes indigenous production and export goals; Nuclear Triad – Ensures credible deterrence through land, air, and sea platforms under no-first-use policy.
