1. INDIA LAUNCHES NATIONAL ORGANISED CRIME NETWORK DATABASE TO COMBAT SYNDICATES AND TERROR LINKS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s first-ever Organised Crime Network Database (OCND) on December 26, 2025, aimed at real-time tracking of organised criminals, their networks, and connections to terrorism and money laundering.
- The database integrates data from central and state agencies, enabling seamless information sharing to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terror financing.
- Alongside OCND, a nationwide weapons database was launched to monitor illegal arms circulation and prevent their use in extremist activities.
- This initiative strengthens internal security architecture by leveraging technology for predictive policing and inter-agency coordination.
- The move aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize law enforcement, including analysis of past terror incidents to build counter-terrorism capabilities.
- Enhanced data analytics will help identify patterns in organised crime, supporting proactive interventions under existing laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
- Concepts: Cooperative Federalism – Promotes centre-state collaboration in security matters; Digital Governance – Utilizes centralized databases for efficient crime prevention and investigation.
2. TAMIL NADU ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND STATE DEVELOPMENT
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Tamil Nadu has set a new record in solar power generation and efficient grid absorption, solidifying its leadership in India’s renewable energy sector.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin emphasized the state’s advancements in employment generation, education, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes, presenting it as a benchmark for inclusive growth.
- The Madras High Court granted conditional bail to YouTuber Savukku Shankar in an assault case, balancing personal liberty with ongoing legal proceedings.
- PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss intensified pre-election criticism of the DMK government, forecasting electoral setbacks due to alleged unfulfilled promises and public discontent.
- Tamil Nadu’s focus on social justice includes pioneering reservations for persons with disabilities in local bodies, promoting equitable representation.
- The state’s balanced regional development prioritizes rural and semi-urban areas alongside urban progress, ensuring comprehensive socioeconomic advancement.
- Concepts: Renewable Energy Policy – Supports national targets under the Renewable Purchase Obligation; Inclusive Governance – Aligns with constitutional directives on social justice and federal equity.
3. INDIA AND OMAN SIGN COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT DURING PM MODI’S VISIT
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman in December 2025 resulted in the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and energy cooperation.
- Modi was conferred the ‘Order of Oman (First Class)’, recognizing his contributions to strengthening India-Oman relations and visionary leadership.
- The agreement focuses on maritime security, defence collaboration, cultural exchanges, and economic diversification in the Gulf region.
- Bilateral ties have evolved with emphasis on realizing untapped potential in trade and strategic partnerships since Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s 2023 visit to India.
- The CEPA is expected to boost exports, facilitate technology transfer, and deepen energy security through diversified sources.
- India’s Gulf engagements underscore its Neighbourhood First policy and strategic interests in regional stability.
- Concepts: Strategic Partnerships – Advances multipolar diplomacy in West Asia; Free Trade Agreements – Promotes economic integration and supply chain resilience.
4. BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS NOTIFIES FIRST NATIONAL STANDARD FOR INCENSE STICKS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced India’s first national standard for agarbattis (IS 19412:2025) to ensure consumer safety, product quality, and environmental standards.
- Announced on National Consumer Day 2025, the standard addresses health concerns from harmful emissions and promotes uniform manufacturing practices.
- Compliant products will carry the BIS Standard Mark, enabling consumers to identify safe and quality-assured incense sticks.
- This initiative supports the domestic incense industry, a significant employer in rural and cottage sectors, by boosting exports and market confidence.
- It replaces fragmented regulations with a unified framework, aligning with ease of doing business reforms.
- The move enhances formalization in the unorganized sector while protecting traditional craftsmanship.
- Concepts: Standardization and Quality Control – Under BIS Act 2016 for consumer protection; Make in India – Strengthens indigenous manufacturing and export competitiveness.
5. PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO EMBARK ON HISTORIC NAVAL ENGAGEMENT SHOWCASING MARITIME PROWESS
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to embark on a naval vessel from Karwar Harbour, Karnataka, on December 28, 2025, marking a significant showcase of India’s maritime capabilities.
- The engagement highlights indigenous defence manufacturing, including advancements in naval platforms and strategic deterrence.
- It aligns with ongoing expansions in submarine fleets and high-indigenous-content vessels, reinforcing self-reliance in defence.
- The itinerary includes demonstrations of operational readiness and cultural integration, emphasizing the Navy’s role in national security.
- Recent developments feature progress in Arihant-class submarines and pollution control vessels with over 70-80% indigenous components.
- This event underscores India’s growing blue-water navy ambitions and coastal defence infrastructure.
- Concepts: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence – Promotes indigenous technology under DAP 2020; Maritime Domain Awareness – Enhances strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific region.
