INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1️⃣ Government Releases Year-End Economic Review 2025

The Ministry of Finance released the Year-End Economic Review, summarising India’s macro-economic performance.

🔹 Key Highlights:

Stable GDP growth despite global slowdown
Strong domestic consumption
Infrastructure-led capital expenditure
Controlled inflation trends

🔹 Significance:

Reinforces India’s economic resilience
Helps in budget preparation for FY 2026-27

📌 UPSC GS-III: Indian economy, growth indicators

2️⃣ Cabinet Approves National Digital Capacity Building Programme for Civil Servants

The Union Cabinet approved a programme to train government officials in:

Data analytics
Artificial intelligence basics
Cyber security awareness
Digital service delivery

📌 GS-II: Governance reforms, capacity building

3️⃣ India Achieves Record Coverage Under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

The government announced:

Over ₹40 lakh crore transferred via DBT since inception
Significant reduction in leakages
Faster welfare delivery

🌍 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

4️⃣ India Participates in Global Climate Finance Dialogue

India highlighted:

Need for affordable climate finance
Equity and climate justice
Support for developing countries

This aligns with India’s leadership role among the Global South.

📌 UPSC GS-II: Climate diplomacy

5️⃣ UN Releases World Employment Outlook 2025

Key findings:

Automation accelerating job transformation
High demand for digital and green skills
India recognised for demographic advantage

💹 ECONOMY & FINANCE

6️⃣ India’s GST Collections Remain Strong in December

GST data showed:

Consistent revenue growth
Improved compliance
Expansion of the formal economy

7️⃣ RBI Expands Digital Payments Interoperability

RBI announced:

Enhanced interoperability across UPI, cards and wallets
Improved security standards
Faster settlement mechanisms

📌 GS-III: Fintech, financial inclusion

🛡️ DEFENCE & SECURITY

8️⃣ Indian Army Inducts Indigenous Surveillance Drone System

The drone system features:

Long-endurance surveillance
Real-time data transmission
Indigenous navigation technology

This boosts border security and situational awareness.

9️⃣ Government Strengthens Counter-Terror Financing Measures

New measures include:

Enhanced financial intelligence sharing
Tighter monitoring of suspicious transactions
Better coordination among agencies

🔬 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

🔟 ISRO Releases Annual Space Activities Report 2025

Key highlights:

Progress in human spaceflight programme
Growth of private space startups
Advances in satellite technology

📌 UPSC GS-III: Space technology & innovation

1️⃣1️⃣ Indian Scientists Develop Indigenous AI Tool for Crop Yield Prediction

The tool:

Uses satellite imagery and weather data
Helps farmers plan inputs
Supports food security planning

🌱 ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE

1️⃣2️⃣ Government Reviews National Climate Action Progress

The review focused on:

Renewable energy capacity growth
Emissions intensity reduction
Climate adaptation initiatives

1️⃣3️⃣ IMD Issues Advisory on Changing Rainfall Patterns

IMD warned:

Increased variability in monsoon behaviour
Need for adaptive agriculture strategies

🏛️ STATE NEWS

1️⃣4️⃣ Gujarat Launches Digital Port Management System

Features:

Real-time cargo tracking
Reduced turnaround time
Improved logistics efficiency

1️⃣5️⃣ Jharkhand Approves Skill Development Mission for Tribal Youth

The mission focuses on:

Local employment
Industry-linked training
Sustainable livelihoods

📊 REPORTS, RANKINGS & INDEXES

1️⃣6️⃣ India Ranks Among Top 5 Digital Economies Globally

The ranking highlights:

Rapid digital adoption
Strong digital public infrastructure
Expanding fintech ecosystem

1️⃣7️⃣ World Bank Releases Global Development Review

Key points:

Uneven global recovery
India remains a bright spot
Importance of structural reforms

🧾 QUICK REVISION – 30 DECEMBER 2025

Year-End Economic Review released
Digital capacity building programme for civil servants approved
DBT coverage reaches new milestone
India participates in climate finance dialogue
GST collections remain strong
Indigenous surveillance drones inducted
ISRO releases space activities report
India ranks among top digital economies

📝 MCQs for Practice (30 December 2025)

1. Year-End Economic Review is released by:
a) RBI
b) Ministry of Finance
c) NITI Aayog
d) SEBI

Answer: b)

2. Digital capacity building programme targets:
a) Students
b) Private sector employees
c) Civil servants
d) Defence personnel

Answer: c)

3. India’s DBT system mainly aims to:
a) Increase taxation
b) Reduce welfare delivery time
c) Eliminate leakages in subsidies
d) Promote exports