Daily current affairs: 20 December 2025

Long Description : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with DRDO, successfully conducted the Drogue Parachute Deployment Qualification Tests at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility in Chandigarh on December 18 and 19, 2025. These tests are a significant milestone for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program. The deceleration system of the crew module utilizes ten parachutes of four different types. The drogue parachutes specifically function to stabilize the module and reduce its velocity from supersonic speeds to a safe level before the main parachutes deploy. This successful validation ensures the robustness of the system under extreme flight conditions and moves India closer to its manned space flight goals.

Long Description : Speaking at the YEF Bharat Summit 2025 in Indore, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed high confidence in India's economic trajectory. He noted that India has already climbed from the 10th to the 4th position globally within twelve years. With a current GDP of approximately $4.5 trillion, the nation is expected to overtake Germany by 2027. Scindia highlighted the government’s focus on "Viksit Bharat @ 2047" and the removal of colonial-era laws to improve the ease of doing business. He emphasized that India's share in global GDP is rising significantly, supported by deep institutional changes and the emergence of the country as a global manufacturing hub for electronics and heavy industry.

Long Description : President Droupadi Murmu attended the "Timeless Wisdom of Bharat: Pathways of Peace and Progress" conference at Shanti Sarovar, Hyderabad, marking its 21st anniversary. In her address, she stated that material development alone cannot guarantee peace and that inner stability is vital in an era of social conflict and ecological imbalance. She praised India's ancient sage traditions for offering moral and environmental solutions to the world. The President underscored that spirituality serves as the foundation for national progress and social unity. She urged the global community to adopt the Indian philosophy of "the world is one family" to foster a disciplined, tolerant, and cooperative global society.

Long Description : The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs held its third regional consultation in Bhopal to chart the course for urban development in North-Central states. Union Minister Manohar Lal emphasized that national development depends on making every village and city "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliant). During the meeting, the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 toolkit was released, providing new guidelines for cleanliness rankings. The Minister also launched seven IT platforms for Madhya Pradesh to digitize citizen services. Key discussions included the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) and the "Swachh Shehar Jodi" initiative, which pairs mentor and mentee cities to fast-track waste management and urban water sanitation goals under the AMRUT mission.

Long Description : A major political debate has erupted following the conclusion of the Winter Session of Parliament regarding the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill. The Congress party alleges that the Bill removes key liability provisions to align with international standards, potentially compromising safety. Simultaneously, Sonia Gandhi issued a video message accusing the government of destroying the MGNREGA framework. She claimed the new "black law" effectively repeals the revolutionary 20-year-old act by removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and decentralizing its funding. The opposition has vowed to launch a nationwide protest, asserting that these changes will hit the interests of landless laborers and small farmers.

Long Description : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The selection committee made several bold calls, most notably dropping Shubman Gill due to a recent dip in T20 form. Axar Patel has been named the vice-captain, while Rinku Singh has been included as a specialized lower-order finisher. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at Gill's exclusion, stating that while form is temporary, Gill's class is permanent. The squad reflects a strategic shift toward power-hitting and multi-functional players as India seeks to win the trophy on home soil after their previous success in 2024.

Long Description : The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) tabled a report highlighting irregularities in the Centre's flagship skill-training initiative, PMKVY. The audit found that the same photographs were used for multiple beneficiaries and that several training centers existed only on paper. Specifically, the report noted that data for thousands of accounts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were suspicious. In response, the Ministry of Skill Development stated that corrective measures, including stricter Aadhaar-based biometric verification and real-time monitoring through the "Skill India Digital" platform, have already been implemented. The report underscores the need for better oversight to ensure that the 15% youth unemployment rate is addressed effectively.

Long Description : Responding to a surge in public alarm, the FSSAI released a formal statement on December 20, 2025, debunking claims that eggs increase cancer risk. The regulatory body emphasized that eggs are a vital source of protein and nutrition, and the recent misinformation was intended to create unnecessary panic. FSSAI confirmed that all poultry products in the Indian market undergo rigorous safety checks and meet national health standards. They urged citizens not to fall for unverified reports and maintained that there is no scientific evidence linking standard egg consumption to carcinogenic effects. This move is aimed at protecting the poultry industry and ensuring public nutritional security.

Long Description : As the countdown to the Union Budget 2026-27 begins, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wrapped up high-level meetings with stakeholders from various sectors, including industry leaders, economists, and agricultural experts. The consultations focused on boosting private investment, managing fiscal deficits, and expanding the social safety net. The government has now opened a portal on the 'MyGov' platform to solicit suggestions directly from the public. Key priorities for the upcoming budget are expected to include infrastructure spending, tax rationalization for the middle class, and incentives for green energy. This participatory approach aims to make the budget more inclusive and aligned with the "Viksit Bharat" roadmap.

Long Description : Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Diya Kumari, unveiled the heritage-inspired trophy for the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 in Jaipur. The trophy was crafted by the 'Tambat Aali' coppersmith community of Pune and features designs representing eight heritage forts and the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The race is the first-ever in India to receive a UCI 2.2 classification, attracting elite international cyclists. Organized by the Pune District Administration with support from the Maharashtra government, the tour aims to promote cycling as a mainstream sport in India. The nationwide trophy tour will move to other major cities to build excitement for the upcoming global event.

Long Description : India's young cricketers showcased an exceptional performance at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai during the semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup. After bowling out Sri Lanka for a modest total, the Indian batsmen chased down the target with ease, losing only two wickets. This victory ensures India's presence in the final for another year, maintaining their dominance in the regional tournament. The final against Pakistan is highly anticipated and is expected to draw significant viewership. The team's performance has been praised for its disciplined bowling and clinical finish, signaling a strong pipeline of talent for the future of Indian cricket.

Long Description : Continuing their stellar run in 2025, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated the Indonesian pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in a thrilling three-game match to secure a semifinal berth. The Indian duo showed remarkable resilience, bouncing back from a second-game loss to dominate the decider. This win is significant as it places them among the top four pairs in the season-ending tournament. They are now scheduled to face the Chinese duo Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. A win in the semifinals would make them the first Indian men's doubles pair to reach the final of the prestigious World Tour Finals.

Long Description : During his two-day visit to the Northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several transformative projects in Assam. The cornerstone of the visit is the inauguration of the new integrated terminal building at Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is India’s first nature-themed airport terminal. Other projects include the foundation stones for several healthcare facilities, road expansion works, and railway electrification projects aimed at boosting regional connectivity. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the "Act East" policy and the government's commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in the Northeast, focusing on sustainable development and the promotion of the state's unique cultural and natural heritage.

Long Description : Following the death of prominent youth activist Sharif Osman Hadi, violent protests have erupted across Bangladesh, leading to the torching of major newspapers and clashes with security forces. The funeral in Dhaka saw the attendance of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the Army chief, highlighting the gravity of the internal situation. For India, the instability in its neighbor poses concerns regarding border security and potential spillover of unrest. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation as Bangladesh prepares for national elections in February 2026. The tension has also disrupted cross-border trade and raised diplomatic concerns regarding the safety of Indian interests and minority communities in the region.

Long Description : In a move to protect parents from misleading branding, state education authorities have tightened the rules for school nomenclature. Schools can now only use the titles "International" or "Global" if they have operational campuses in foreign countries or are formally affiliated with recognized international boards like IB or IGCSE. The directive requires local education officers to scrutinize existing school names and new proposals. Schools currently using these terms without meeting the criteria have been given a deadline to either secure the necessary affiliations or change their names. This regulation aims to ensure transparency and prevent "elite-branding" that is not backed by a globally recognized curriculum.

Long Description : Throughout 2025, India has strategically shifted its oil procurement strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks. Following new trade policies and tariffs, India saw a record surge in US crude oil imports. The diversification strategy also included an expansion in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and LPG trade agreements. This shift is part of a broader effort to secure energy supply chains and capitalize on competitive pricing in the global market. Experts suggest that while the transition to green energy continues, oil remains central to India's immediate growth needs. By reducing reliance on any single region, India has managed to stabilize its domestic fuel prices despite global volatility in the energy market.