Daily Current Affairs - 24th December 2025
- TPP
- Dec 24, 2025
- 14 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | India Re-elected to ICAO Council, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port & BRI, RBI Liquidity Infusion Measures, Industrial Parks Push, IPR Annual Report, Akash-NG Missile, MAHASAGAR Doctrine, ISRO LVM3-M6 Mission, Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, Thanjavur Painting, Hampi Monuments and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
Table of Content
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
India has been re-elected to the ICAO Council for the term 2025-2028.
The ICAO Council is the governing body of ICAO responsible for oversight of the Secretariat and for continuous diplomatic and technical decision-making when the ICAO Assembly is not in session.
The Council consists of 36 members, who are elected by the 193 Member States during the ICAO Assembly.
Each Council serves for a three-year term, ensuring continuity in international aviation regulation.
About International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1944 under the Chicago Convention.
The Chicago Convention is an international treaty that laid the foundation for the regulation of international civil aviation.
ICAO has a total membership of 193 countries, making it one of the most widely represented UN agencies.
India is a founding member of ICAO, highlighting its long-standing engagement in global aviation governance.
ICAO coordinates global standards and recommended practices for aviation safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
It ensures the smooth operation of the global air mobility network, enabling safe and orderly international air transport.
Through aviation connectivity, ICAO also promotes trade, cultural exchange, tourism, and socio-economic development across countries.
Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port
Kuwait has signed an agreement with China to build the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is located on Boubyan Island in Kuwait, a strategically important island near major shipping lanes.
The primary aim of the port is to enhance regional trade and transportation, strengthening Kuwait’s role in regional logistics.
The project is also intended to support Kuwait’s economic diversification, thereby reducing its long-term reliance on oil revenues.
The entire port project is expected to be operational by 2026, indicating a fast-track development timeline.
Link with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the New Silk Road.
The BRI is a China-led global infrastructure and connectivity initiative launched in 2013.
The Silk Road Economic Belt is the land-based component of BRI, connecting Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Asia through transport and trade corridors.
The Maritime Silk Road is the sea-based component of BRI, linking East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa via maritime routes.
RBI Announces Liquidity Infusion Measures
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced liquidity infusion measures to ease tight liquidity conditions in the banking system.
RBI will conduct an open market purchase of Government Securities (G-Secs) worth ₹2 lakh crore to inject rupee liquidity.
RBI will also conduct a USD/INR three-year Buy/Sell Swap auction of USD 10 billion to augment durable liquidity.
Open Market Operations (OMOs)
Open Market Operations (OMOs) are market operations conducted by RBI through the sale or purchase of Government Securities in the open market.
The objective of OMOs is to adjust rupee liquidity conditions in the financial system.
In situations of excess liquidity, RBI sells G-Secs to absorb surplus rupees from the market.
USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap Mechanism
In a USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap, the RBI purchases US dollars (USD) from banks in exchange for Indian Rupees (INR).
RBI simultaneously enters into a forward agreement to sell the same amount of dollars back to banks at a future date.
This mechanism injects rupee liquidity in the short to medium term without permanently altering forex reserves.
Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks are the eligible entities permitted to participate in the swap auction.
Need for Liquidity Infusion
One reason for liquidity stress is RBI’s foreign exchange market intervention during sharp rupee depreciation.
When RBI sells dollars from its foreign exchange reserves, banks pay rupees to RBI, which tightens systemic liquidity.
Strong credit growth also reduces liquidity, as banks’ excess reserves decline when loans are extended.
Additional pressures arise from advance tax outflows, which withdraw liquidity from the banking system.
Liquidity conditions are further affected by foreign portfolio investors selling Indian equities, leading to capital outflows.
Other Liquidity Infusion Instruments
Quantitative monetary policy tools include the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (Repo and Reverse Repo) used for day-to-day liquidity management.
Other quantitative tools include the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), which mandates banks to hold reserves with RBI.
The Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requires banks to hold a portion of deposits in liquid assets like G-Secs.
The Bank Rate influences long-term interest rates by signaling RBI’s monetary stance.
Qualitative tools include Credit Rationing, which limits the amount of credit extended by banks.
Moral Suasion involves RBI persuading banks to follow desired policy directions without legal compulsion.
Selective Credit Control (SCC) regulates credit to specific sectors to curb speculative activities.
Margin Requirements are adjusted to control leverage and speculative borrowing in the economy.
India’s Creator Economy and Consumer Spending
India’s Creator Economy is projected to drive over USD 1 trillion in consumer spending by 2030, according to a recent report.
As per the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, 2–2.5 million creators in India currently influence more than 30% of consumers.
This creator influence already accounts for USD 350–400 billion in consumer spending, highlighting its growing economic impact.
Rising Creator-Influenced Spending in India: Key Report Highlights
One major enabler is supporting digital infrastructure, which has strengthened content consumption in India.
Digital content watch time increased from 6.6 hours per week in FY 2020 to 10.9 hours per week in FY 2024.
During the same period, internet users in India rose from approximately 740 million in FY 2020 to around 950 million in FY 2024.
The creator ecosystem has seen demographic expansion, moving beyond Gen Z and metropolitan centres to diverse age groups and smaller city tiers.
Short-form video continues to dominate as the leading content format due to its high engagement and accessibility.
The most consumed content genres include comedy, films, daily soaps, and fashion, reflecting mass-appeal preferences.
On the demand side, 70% of brands expect to increase their creator-related budgets by 1.5 to 3 times over the next 2–3 years.
This trend signals a decisive shift in marketing strategies toward the digital creator ecosystem.
About the Creator (or Orange) Economy
The Creator Economy, also known as the Orange Economy, refers to an ecosystem involving creators, digital platforms, brands, and third-party intermediaries.
These stakeholders collaborate to generate revenue through content-driven models such as advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions, and commerce.
Creators produce digital content like videos and posts to engage audiences while offering authenticity, relatability, and niche expertise.
Significance of the Creator Economy
In terms of economic growth, YouTube reported that its creative ecosystem contributed over ₹16,000 crore to India’s GDP in 2024.
The ecosystem also promotes jobs and innovation by providing livelihoods to influencers, editors, IT professionals, and support staff.
Monetization opportunities are primarily enabled through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and similar digital networks.
Key Challenges Facing the Creator Economy
One major challenge is inconsistent monetization opportunities, which create income uncertainty for creators.
Stringent platform algorithms affect content visibility and revenue stability.
Intellectual property protection remains a concern due to unauthorized content reuse.
Issues of trust and authenticity, including fake followers and engagement manipulation, undermine ecosystem credibility.
Industrial Parks (IP) and India’s Industrial Growth
Industrial Parks (IPs) are emerging as a key pillar of India’s innovation and industrial growth.
They are developed through partnerships between the Union Government, State Governments, and the private sector.
IPs provide shared infrastructure, streamlined approvals, and a predictable regulatory environment to industries.
Key Essentials of an Industrial Park
A strong Regulatory Regime ensures incentive-based rules for labour laws, land use, and foreign investment.
Integrated Infrastructure refers to shared facilities such as telecom networks, laboratories, statutory clearances, training centres, and security systems.
Defined Geography means a master-planned land area with uniform standards for buildings and industrial facilities.
Dedicated Management involves a single authority responsible for firm entry, operations, and regulatory compliance.
Multi-tenant Clusters enable multiple firms to collaborate and share resources within the industrial park.
Status of Industrial Parks in India
Currently, India has more than 4,500 industrial parks, as recorded in the India Industrial Land Bank (IILB).
306 plug-and-play industrial parks are under development to enable faster industrial setup.
Additionally, 20 industrial parks and smart cities are being developed under the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC).
Key Benefits Offered by Industrial Parks
Industrial parks drive economic growth by integrating scarce factors of production and improving productivity.
They enhance operational efficiency and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
India ranks among the top five global destinations for greenfield projects, as per UNCTAD, partly due to industrial park ecosystems.
IPs contribute to job creation, higher wages, and broader industrial development.
They promote environmental responsibility by encouraging eco-friendly practices and resource efficiency.
IPs also support social responsibility by providing gender-sensitive facilities, health services, and workplace security systems.
Initiatives Taken to Promote Industrial Parks
The Plug-and-Play Industrial Parks Scheme received an allocation of ₹2,500 crore in the Union Budget 2025–26.
The India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) is a centralized GIS-enabled platform providing spatial and non-spatial data on industrial land.
IILB has been developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) is a comprehensive framework for assessing the performance and quality of industrial parks.
IPRS 3.0, launched in September 2025, introduced enhanced parameters on sustainability, skill linkages, and digitalization.
Ease of Doing Business reforms support IP development through measures like the National Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), 2014.
The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has reduced compliance burden and improved the investment climate.
Annual Report 2024–25 of the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks
The Annual Report 2024–25 of the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has been released.
The report highlights key trends shaping the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) landscape of India.
Key Highlights of India’s IPR Performance
India’s total IP filings reached a record high, with IPR applications rising by about 20% year-on-year to nearly 7.5 lakh.
Trademarks formed the largest share of filings, with more than 5,50,000 applications submitted.
Patent applications crossed 1,10,000, reflecting strong growth in innovation activity.
Indian residents accounted for over 61.9% of all patent filings, indicating a shift toward self-reliance in innovation and research and development (R&D).
Filings related to designs, copyrights, and Geographical Indications (GIs) also recorded an increase.
About Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights granted to individuals over creations of the mind, providing exclusive rights for a specified period.
The IPR Policy Management (IPRPM) framework in India covers eight types of IPR.
These include patents, which protect inventions. The framework also includes trademarks, which protect brand identifiers.
Industrial designs are protected to secure the aesthetic aspects of products.
Copyrights safeguard original literary, artistic, and musical works.
Geographical Indications (GIs) protect products linked to a specific geographical origin.
Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Layout Designs protect chip design layouts.
Trade secrets safeguard confidential business information.
Plant varieties are protected to encourage innovation in agriculture.
Institutional Framework for IPR Administration
Most IPRs are administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM).
The CGPDTM functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
DPIIT operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Certain IPRs, such as plant variety protection, are administered by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Steps Taken to Foster IP Activities in India
The National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) aims to educate one million students about intellectual property.
India has strengthened international collaboration by joining treaties such as the Locarno Agreement for industrial designs.
India has also joined the Vienna Agreement for the classification of trademarks.
Capacity-building initiatives include the SPRIHA Scheme, which integrates IPR education into higher learning institutions.
The National IPR Policy, 2016, formulated under DPIIT, provides a comprehensive framework for IP creation, protection, and commercialization.
The policy is aligned with global best practices to enhance India’s innovation ecosystem.
Digitization initiatives, such as the IP Saarthi chatbot, use artificial intelligence to assist applicants and stakeholders.
Akash-NG Missile
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the Evaluation Trials of the Akash-New Generation (Akash-NG) missile system.
About Akash-New Generation (NG) Missile
Akash-NG is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system, which is designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats.
The missile system is capable of engaging diverse aerial targets, including high-speed targets.
It is also effective against low-altitude threats, such as cruise missiles and drones.
Akash-NG can additionally counter long-range high-altitude targets, enhancing layered air defence capability.
The system has been developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Akash-NG is equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, which enables precise target tracking and guidance.
The missile is propelled by a solid rocket motor, ensuring high reliability, rapid launch readiness, and operational flexibility.
Mahasagar Doctrine
Recently, India announced a USD 450 million reconstruction assistance package for cyclone Ditwah-affected Sri Lanka, aligning the support with its MAHASAGAR policy.
About the MAHASAGAR Doctrine
MAHASAGAR is a maritime strategic doctrine of India that represents an extension of the SAGAR doctrine.
Unlike SAGAR, MAHASAGAR expands the focus from only maritime security to include economic and geopolitical concerns.
The term “MAHASAGAR”, meaning “Great Ocean”, signifies the broader and more ambitious scope of India’s maritime objectives.
The overall objective of the MAHASAGAR doctrine is to strengthen India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The doctrine also aims to enhance India’s role in the Global South, which refers to developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
This leadership is pursued through inclusive growth, ensuring shared economic benefits for partner countries.
It further emphasizes maritime and regional security, focusing on stability and cooperation.
The doctrine integrates sustainable development, highlighting long-term environmental and economic resilience.
About the SAGAR Doctrine
The SAGAR doctrine, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, was launched by India in 2015.
SAGAR aimed to enhance India’s maritime engagement with neighbouring and littoral countries.
The doctrine was structured around five core pillars guiding India’s maritime outreach.
The first pillar focused on Security Cooperation to address maritime threats collectively.
The second pillar emphasized Trade and Economic Integration to boost regional prosperity.
The third pillar promoted Capacity Building and Disaster Management, strengthening partner countries’ resilience.
The fourth pillar highlighted Sustainable Development, balancing growth with environmental protection.
The fifth pillar concentrated on Connectivity and Infrastructure, improving maritime links and logistics across the region.
ISRO’s LVM3-M6 Mission and BlueBird Block-2 Satellite
ISRO’s LVM3-M6 mission successfully placed the BlueBird Block-2 satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
LVM3-M6 represents the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
The mission is also the third dedicated commercial launch undertaken by LVM3.
The satellite launched under this mission belongs to AST SpaceMobile, USA, a private American space company.
Launch and Commercial Arrangement
The mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, India’s primary spaceport.
The launch was conducted under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and AST SpaceMobile.
NSIL, incorporated in 2019, is a wholly owned Government of India company under the Department of Space.
NSIL functions as the commercial arm of ISRO, handling commercial launches and technology transfer.
About BlueBird Block-2 Satellite
BlueBird Block-2 is part of a global LEO satellite constellation, meaning a network of satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) refers to an orbit located at an altitude of approximately 160 to 1,000 kilometres above Earth.
LEO is widely used for satellite imaging, communication, and hosts the International Space Station (ISS).
The satellite enables direct-to-mobile connectivity, allowing standard mobile phones to connect directly with satellites.
It supports 4G and 5G services, including voice calls, video calls, text messaging, streaming, and data services.
Technical Features of BlueBird Block-2
The satellite carries a 223 square metre phased-array antenna, which enables advanced signal transmission and reception.
This phased-array makes BlueBird Block-2 the largest commercial communications satellite ever deployed in LEO.
With a mass of 6,100 kilograms, it is the heaviest payload ever launched by the LVM3 launch vehicle.
About ISRO’s LVM3 Launch Vehicle
LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle designed for high-mass payload missions.
The vehicle uses a three-stage configuration for propulsion and control.
The first stage consists of two solid strap-on motors (S200) providing initial thrust.
The second stage is a liquid core stage (L110) that powers mid-flight ascent.
The third stage is a cryogenic upper stage (C25) using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for high efficiency.
Performance and Capabilities of LVM3
LVM3 has a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes, making it ISRO’s most powerful rocket.
It has a payload capability of 4,200 kilograms to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
GTO is an elliptical orbit at an altitude of about 37,000 kilometres, used to place satellites into geosynchronous orbits.
GTO allows spacecraft to later maneuver into geosynchronous or geostationary Earth orbits.
Previous Major Missions of LVM3
LVM3 has successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, India’s second lunar exploration mission.
It also carried Chandrayaan-3, which achieved India’s first successful soft landing on the Moon.
The vehicle has additionally completed two OneWeb missions, collectively launching 72 satellites for global broadband connectivity.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar was presented by the President of India in 2025.
The main objective of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is to recognize notable and inspiring contributions made by individuals or teams in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
The term innovation refers to the development of new ideas, methods, or products that bring significant improvement or solve problems.
The eligibility for the award includes all scientists, technologists, and innovators working in government or private organizations.
The award also considers Indian origin individuals working abroad who have made exceptional contributions benefitting Indian communities or society.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is given in four distinct categories based on the nature of contributions.
The first category, Vigyan Ratna, is awarded for lifetime achievements in science, technology, or innovation.
The second category, Vigyan Shri, is given for distinguished contributions in relevant fields.
The third category, Vigyan Yuva, recognizes young scientists for their notable work.
The fourth category, Vigyan Team, is meant for groups comprising three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators.
The award is presented in 13 domains, covering areas such as Physics, Engineering Sciences, and other important scientific disciplines.
Each domain represents a specific branch of science or technology where contributions are evaluated separately.
Thanjavur Painting
The Department of Posts transported a Thanjavur Painting of Lord Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya.
Thanjavur Painting is a classical art form named after the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
The town of Thanjavur was historically the capital of the Chola dynasty.
This art form flourished under the Chola dynasty, the Nayaks of Vijaynagara, and the Maratha rulers, reflecting royal patronage over centuries.
Thanjavur Paintings are also called ‘Palagai Padam’, which means picture on a wooden plank, as they are traditionally crafted on wooden planks.
These paintings are embellished with glass beads, semi-precious gems or stones, vibrant natural colors, and gold foil, giving them a three-dimensional effect.
The three-dimensional effect refers to the visual depth created by layering materials like gold foil and gems on the flat wooden surface.
Thanjavur Paintings are known for their extravagant depictions of deities, often showing gods and goddesses in intricate detail.
This art form has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, which recognizes products as originating from a specific location and having qualities or reputation unique to that place.
Group of Monuments at Hampi
The Union Finance Minister expressed concerns over the poor maintenance of Hampi, highlighting the need to preserve this historic site.
The Group of Monuments at Hampi mainly comprises the remnants of the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, which existed from the 14th to 16th century AD.
Hampi is located in the Tungabhadra basin of Vijayanagar District, Karnataka, surrounded by rocky hills and the Tungabhadra River.
The site contains several important remains, including the Krishna temple, Narasimha temple, Ganesa temple, Hemakuta group of temples, Achyutaraya temple complex, and Vitthala temple complex.
The Vitthala temple is considered the most exquisitely ornate structure at Hampi and represents the culmination of Vijayanagara temple architecture.
The term Vijayanagara temple architecture refers to the distinctive architectural style developed during the Vijayanagara Empire, characterized by intricate carvings, tall pillars, and elaborate sculptures.
The Group of Monuments at Hampi was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986, recognizing its exceptional cultural and historical significance.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes sites of outstanding value to humanity, ensuring their protection and conservation.
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