Daily Current Affairs- 20th December 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 20th December 2025

Haryana Assembly Passes Resolution to Commemorate 350th Martyrdom Year of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

In the News: The Haryana Assembly, on the opening day of its Winter session, unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru revered as 'Hind Ki Chaadar' (Protector of India's Honour). The resolution, moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda, expressed gratitude to organizations and individuals who contributed to the statewide observance of this historic occasion. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, wearing a saffron turban for the occasion, led the Assembly in adopting the resolution.

Key Points:

• Initial Resolution in August 2025: On August 25, 2025, during the monsoon session, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha had unanimously passed the initial resolution moved by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to observe the 350th martyrdom year of Guru Tegh Bahadur across the state "in a dignified and glorious manner."
• Historical Significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur: Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, made the supreme sacrifice in November 1675 at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, defending the right to religious freedom and freedom of faith. When Kashmiri Pandits approached him at Anandpur Sahib seeking protection from forced religious conversions, Guru Sahib chose to sacrifice his life so that they might live with honour and preserve their faith. His life and martyrdom symbolized the soul of Indian civilisation willing to uphold truth, righteousness, and human dignity while never bowing to injustice.
• Martyrdom of Devotees: Guru Tegh Bahadur's three devoted disciples also embraced martyrdom with unshakable faith—Bhai Mati Das, who was sawn alive; Bhai Sati Das, who was wrapped in cotton and burnt alive; and Bhai Dayala Ji, who was boiled alive in a cauldron of hot water.
• Connection with Haryana: Guru Tegh Bahadur shared a profound connection with Haryana. During his travels, he visited Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Kaithal, Jind, Ambala, Cheeka, and Rohtak, sanctifying these places with his presence and spreading the timeless message of truth, tolerance, and fearlessness.
• Forest Development Project: A forest was developed in the name of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur in Kalesar in Yamunanagar district. The project included sapling plantations, a wildlife conservation block, and the construction of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur gate.
• Agricultural College Announcement: In Yamunanagar, the Guru Tegh Bahadur Agricultural College was announced in Kishanpura, linking Guru Sahib's name with education and agriculture. This initiative aims to provide quality agricultural education while honoring the Guru's memory, connecting his legacy with rural development and farmers' welfare.
• Biographical Details: Guru Tegh Bahadur was born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar to Guru Hargobind (sixth Sikh Guru) and Mata Nanki. Originally named Tyag Mal for his ascetic nature, he was trained by Bhai Gurdas in scriptures and by Baba Budha in martial arts. He distinguished himself in battle at age 13, contributed 116 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, traveled widely to spread Sikh teachings, and founded Chak-Nanki (now part of Anandpur Sahib).

Operation Hawkeye: US and Jordan Strike ISIS Sites in Syria

In the News: The United States and Jordan launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, conducting extensive airstrikes on over 70 ISIS targets across Syria. The joint military operation was a direct response to an ISIS attack on December 13, 2025, in Palmyra, Syria, that killed two US soldiers from the Iowa National Guard and wounded three others.

Key Points:

• Operation Hawkeye Strike Details: The joint US-Jordanian military mission involved coordinated overnight airstrikes targeting ISIS positions throughout Syria. Over 100 precision-guided weapons were deployed against more than 70 ISIS targets, focusing on dismantling ISIS fighters, weapons stockpiles, command centers, and critical infrastructure. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation demonstrated America's policy of maintaining regional security through strength and decisive action.
• Triggering Incident - Palmyra Attack: On December 13, 2025, ISIS militants attacked a US military convoy in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, resulting in casualties among American forces. Two soldiers from the Iowa National Guard were killed in the assault, while three additional soldiers sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment. The attack prompted immediate calls from US leadership for a strong military response to avenge the fallen soldiers and deter future terrorist operations.
• US-Jordan Military Cooperation: Operation Hawkeye Strike highlighted the strong strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan in combating terrorism in the Middle East. The joint operation demonstrated coordinated military planning, intelligence sharing, and execution capabilities between the two allied nations. Jordan's participation underscored its commitment to regional stability and its role as a key US partner in the fight against ISIS and other extremist groups threatening Middle Eastern security.
• Strategic Impact Assessment: US Central Command reported that Operation Hawkeye Strike successfully damaged multiple ISIS strategic assets, diminishing the terrorist organization's ability to plan and execute future attacks against coalition forces and civilian targets. The operation sent a clear deterrent message to ISIS and other terrorist organizations operating in Syria that attacks on American personnel will result in swift and devastating military consequences. The strikes also aimed to disrupt ISIS's command structure and logistical networks across Syrian territory.
• Ongoing Counter-ISIS Mission: The operation occurred within the context of the broader US military presence in Syria, where approximately 900 American troops remain deployed to prevent ISIS resurgence and maintain pressure on remaining terrorist cells. Despite ISIS losing its territorial caliphate in 2019, the group continues to operate as an insurgent force conducting attacks against military and civilian targets. US military officials confirmed they will continue monitoring ISIS activities and maintain readiness to conduct additional operations as threats emerge.

India and the Netherlands Set Up Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC)

In the News: On December 19, 2025, India and the Netherlands announced the establishment of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The announcement was made during the visit of Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel to India and his bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. This institutional framework aims to strengthen bilateral trade, promote two-way investments, eliminate trade barriers, and deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.

Key Points:

• What is the Joint Trade and Investment Committee: The JTIC is a formal institutional framework established to facilitate regular dialogue and cooperation on trade and investment matters between India and the Netherlands. It functions as a dedicated bilateral mechanism to review and guide economic relations between the two countries, focusing on strengthening trade flows, encouraging two-way investments, and facilitating cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The committee is designed to move beyond ad-hoc engagements and provide continuity through regular, institutionalized interactions, serving as a platform to address both opportunities and challenges in bilateral economic relations.
• Context of Establishment: The MoU was formally announced on December 19, 2025, during the official visit of Dutch Foreign Minister H.E. David van Weel to India. The signing ceremony took place on the occasion of his bilateral meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The establishment of JTIC marks an important milestone in India-Netherlands relations, demonstrating both countries' commitment to institutionalizing their economic partnership through a structured mechanism.
• Primary Objectives of JTIC: The committee has been mandated with several key objectives: (1) Contribute to the identification and elimination of trade and investment barriers, including regulatory and procedural challenges faced by businesses from both countries; (2) Identify trade and investment facilitation measures, particularly in focus areas of cooperation such as technology, sustainability, and innovation-led growth; (3) Promote bilateral trade and investment by identifying new opportunities and addressing existing constraints that hinder economic cooperation; (4) Explore collaboration in emerging and strategic sectors to ensure both countries benefit from technological advancements and sustainable development initiatives.
• MSME and Chamber of Commerce Engagement: A significant focus of the JTIC is to promote interaction between various Chambers of Commerce and Industry between India and the Netherlands, with special emphasis on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The committee aims to enhance cooperation in sectors of mutual interest by organizing consultations between the private sector and governments. This includes facilitating the exchange of technical know-how and transfer of technological innovation, especially in the small and micro sectors, to strengthen the grassroots economic ties between the two nations.
• Institutional Structure and Meetings: Under the MoU, the JTIC will meet annually, with meetings held alternately in India and the Netherlands. This rotational format ensures balanced participation and sustained engagement at the institutional level, preventing the dominance of either side and ensuring equal ownership of the process. The regular annual meetings provide a predictable platform for reviewing progress, addressing emerging issues, and setting future priorities for bilateral economic cooperation.
• Leadership and Composition: The JTIC will be co-chaired by the Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India, and the Director General (Foreign Economic Relations), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Both co-chairs hold senior positions in their respective governments, ensuring high-level attention to bilateral economic matters. The committee comprises delegations from both sides consisting of relevant government officials and other designated members, depending on the agenda and issues under discussion.
• Bilateral Trade Context: The establishment of JTIC comes at a time when both countries are looking to strengthen their economic ties amidst global economic uncertainties. The Netherlands is an important trade and investment partner for India within the European Union, with significant Dutch investments in Indian sectors including technology, agriculture, and infrastructure. The JTIC provides a structured platform to build on this existing foundation and identify new areas of cooperation that align with both countries' economic priorities.

ISRO Launches RESPOND Basket 2025, Calls for Academic Research Proposals

In the News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the RESPOND Basket 2025 during the ISRO–Academia Day event held at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space, Dr. V. Narayanan, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between ISRO and academic institutions across India. The RESPOND Basket 2025 comprises mission-oriented research problem statements identified by ISRO and various Department of Space (DoS) centres, inviting universities and academic institutions to submit research proposals aligned with India's current and future space missions. The submission deadline for proposals is January 31, 2026.

Key Points:

• ISRO–Academia Day Event: The RESPOND Basket 2025 was officially released on December 16, 2025, during the ISRO–Academia Day held at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru. The event was inaugurated by ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan in the presence of the Scientific Secretary ISRO, Director SHAR, Director CBPO, and other senior scientists. Approximately 150 professors from universities and academic institutions across the country participated in the event alongside senior ISRO scientists and engineers, facilitating direct interaction and knowledge exchange.
• RESPOND Programme History: ISRO started the RESPOND (Sponsored Research) programme in the 1970s with the objective of encouraging academia to participate and contribute in various space-related research activities. This is ISRO's flagship programme to promote extra-mural research in emerging areas of space at academic institutions. ISRO has evolved the programme to provide necessary financial and technical support to academia in India for conducting research and development activities related to Space Science, Space Technology, and Space Applications.
• Annual RESPOND Basket Since 2018: Since the introduction of the annual RESPOND Basket in 2018, over 871 research problems have been shared with academic institutions, many of which have contributed directly to ISRO's operational missions. The RESPOND Basket is published annually and comprises the most urgent and important research problems identified by ISRO/DoS centres and units based on ISRO's upcoming programmatic R&D requirements. This year marks the seventh edition of the annual basket since its systematic launch.
• Mission-Oriented Research Problem Statements: The RESPOND Basket 2025 is a curated set of mission-oriented research problem statements clearly linked to ISRO's present and future mission requirements.
• Co-Principal Investigator System: Each research problem statement in the RESPOND Basket includes a designated Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) from ISRO/DoS centres to facilitate collaboration and provide technical guidance.
• I-GRASP Online Portal: All research proposals must be submitted digitally through the I-GRASP portal (ISRO Grants-in-Aid for Space Research Programmes), which was launched in March 2022.
• Strategic Importance for Viksit Bharat 2047: RESPOND Basket 2025 aligns with India's vision of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, with space technology playing a crucial role in national development. Academic research supported through RESPOND contributes to self-reliance in critical space technologies, reduces dependence on foreign technology, builds indigenous capabilities in strategic areas, creates high-skilled employment opportunities, and positions India as a global space power capable of undertaking complex missions independently.

LVM3-M6 Rocket Set to Launch on December 24, Announces ISRO

In the News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the LVM3-M6 rocket is scheduled to launch on December 24, 2025, at 08:54 hours IST from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. This will be a dedicated commercial mission carrying the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite for AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company, marking the sixth operational flight of the LVM3 launch vehicle. ISRO has also invited the public to witness the historic launch in person by registering online for access to the Launch View Gallery at the spaceport, making it a landmark event for space enthusiasts across the country.

Key Points:

• Launch Schedule and Location: The LVM3-M6 mission is scheduled for launch on December 24, 2025, at precisely 08:54 hours IST (03:24 UTC) from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The specific timing has been carefully calculated to ensure optimal orbital insertion for the BlueBird Block-2 satellite. The Second Launch Pad, constructed between 1999 and 2005, is equipped with mobile service towers and specialized infrastructure for handling large solid and liquid propellant stages of heavy-lift vehicles like the LVM3.
• Commercial Mission Agreement: LVM3-M6 is a dedicated commercial mission facilitated through a commercial agreement between AST SpaceMobile Inc., USA, and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm established to undertake commercial launches and technology transfer activities. This marks the third dedicated commercial venture for the LVM3 rocket, following two successful OneWeb missions in October 2022 and March 2023, demonstrating India's growing presence in the global commercial launch services market.
• LVM3 Rocket Specifications: The Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), previously known as GSLV Mark III or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, is ISRO's most powerful and advanced launch vehicle built entirely with indigenous technology. The rocket stands 43.5 meters (43 meters) tall with a gross lift-off weight of approximately 640 tonnes. It is nicknamed "Bahubali" (after the Indian mythological character) due to its massive size and heavy-lift capability, and serves as the cornerstone of India's ambitions in human spaceflight and complex deep-space missions.
• Three-Stage Configuration: LVM3 is configured as a three-stage vehicle comprising: (1) Two solid strap-on motors (S200), each containing 204 tonnes of solid propellant and providing the massive thrust required for lift-off—these are among the largest solid boosters in the world; (2) A liquid core stage (L110) powered by twin Vikas engines with 115 tonnes of liquid propellant (mixture of nitrogen tetroxide and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine), generating 1,580 kN of thrust; (3) A cryogenic upper stage (C25) featuring the fully indigenous high-thrust CE-20 cryogenic engine with 28 tonnes of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) propellant, producing 200 kN of thrust.
• BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Details: The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, also known as BlueBird-6 or BlueBird Block 2 FM1, weighs approximately 6,100 kg (6.1 tonnes), making it the heaviest single payload ever launched by an LVM3 rocket in ISRO's history. The satellite is significantly more advanced than its predecessors, featuring massive phased array antennas spanning nearly 2,400 square feet (approximately 222 square meters)—the largest commercial communication arrays ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit, dwarfing the 693-square-foot arrays of first-generation BlueBird satellites launched in September 2024.
• AST SpaceMobile's Mission: AST SpaceMobile (AST & Science, LLC), founded in 2017, is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones without any modifications or special equipment.
• Launch History and Reliability: The first sub-orbital test flight (LVM3-X) was conducted on December 18, 2014, validating the S200 solid boosters and carrying the CARE (Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment) payload. The first successful orbital flight occurred on June 5, 2017, launching the GSAT-19 communication satellite. As of December 2025, LVM3 has accumulated 8 launches with a 100% success rate, including missions for Chandrayaan-2 (July 2019), Chandrayaan-3 (July 2023), two OneWeb commercial missions (October 2022 and March 2023), and the recent CMS-03 communication satellite (November 2, 2025).

Nnena Kalu has become the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize

In the News: Scottish-Nigerian artist Nnena Kalu was awarded the prestigious Turner Prize at a ceremony held at Bradford Grammar School in Bradford, England. The 59-year-old artist, who has autism and limited verbal communication, became the first artist with a learning disability to win Britain's most famous visual art award in its 41-year history. Kalu received the £25,000 (approximately $33,000) prize for her bold and compelling work featuring vivid abstract drawings and hanging sculptures. The award ceremony was broadcast live by the BBC as part of Bradford's designation as the UK's 2025 City of Culture, marking what organizers described as a "watershed moment" and "seismic" achievement that "broke a very stubborn glass ceiling" in the contemporary art world.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: Nnena Kalu is officially the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize since its inception in 1984. Charlotte Hollinshead, Kalu's artistic facilitator and head of artist development at ActionSpace, spoke on her behalf at the award ceremony, stating: "Nnena has faced an incredible amount of discrimination which continues to this day, so hopefully this award smashes that prejudice away. Nnena Kalu, you have made history!"
• Personal Background: Born in Glasgow in 1966 to Nigerian parents, Kalu is one of the few Black artists ever to have received the Turner Prize. She is autistic with limited verbal communication abilities and began making art in the 1980s. Kalu currently lives and works in London, where she has been a resident artist at ActionSpace's studio since 1999. ActionSpace is a London-based nonprofit organization located in Studio Voltaire, south London, that supports artists with learning disabilities in creating their work and developing their artistic careers.
• Award Details and Prize Money: Kalu received the coveted £25,000 prize (approximately $33,000 or $33,250) at the ceremony held on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, at Bradford Grammar School. The three other shortlisted artists—Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa—each received £10,000 (approximately $13,000 or $13,300) as runners-up. The announcement was made during a live BBC broadcast as part of Bradford's celebration as the UK's 2025 City of Culture.
• Winning Works: Kalu was awarded the prize based on two key presentations: her participation in "Conversations" at the Walker Art Gallery (National Museums Liverpool), a group exhibition featuring 40 Black female and nonbinary British contemporary artists; and her "Hanging Sculpture 1 to 10" installation at Manifesta 15 (2024) in Barcelona, Spain. The Barcelona installation featured a series of brightly colored cocoon-like shapes made of wrapped materials that hung amid the concrete pillars of a disused power station, creating a powerful visual impact.
• Jury Composition: The 2025 Turner Prize jury comprised five respected curators and museum officials: Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain (chair); Andrew Bonacina, independent curator; Sam Lackey, director of the Liverpool Biennial; Priyesh Mistry, associate curator of modern and contemporary projects at the National Gallery in London; and Habda Rashid, senior curator of modern and contemporary art at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Their diverse expertise ensured comprehensive evaluation of contemporary artistic practices.
• ActionSpace's Role: Since 1999, Kalu has created her works at ActionSpace, a crucial organization that has supported her artistic development for over 25 years. Charlotte Hollinshead serves as both Kalu's studio manager and artistic facilitator, while Sheryll Catto is the artistic director and CEO of ActionSpace.
• Turner Prize History and Significance: The Turner Prize was founded in 1984 and named after 19th-century British landscape painter J.M.W. Turner. Initially established to promote young British artists, the prize is now open to UK artists of any age. The award has helped launch the careers of prominent artists including Damien Hirst (known for works like "Mother and Child Divided"—two cows bisected and preserved in formaldehyde), potter Grayson Perry, sculptor Anish Kapoor, and filmmaker Steve McQueen, who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture for "12 Years a Slave."