Daily Current Affairs- 24th December 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 24th December 2025

Haryana Declares Hansi as Its 23rd District

In the News: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced during a 'Vikas rally' in Hansi that the town would be declared as the 23rd district of Haryana, carved out of Hisar district. The official notification was issued on December 22, 2025, making Hansi a separate district effective from that date, bringing the state's total number of districts to 23.

Key Points:

• Official Announcement: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced Hansi's elevation to district status on December 16, 2025, during a public rally in Hansi. The formal notification was issued by the Haryana government on December 22, 2025, under Section 5 of the Haryana Land Revenue Act, 1887, and Section 5 of the Registration Act, 1908, making it effective from that date.
• Cabinet Approval Process: The Haryana Cabinet, meeting under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's chairmanship on December 17, 2025, formally approved the creation of Hansi as a new district. The State Re-organization Committee, chaired by Development & Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, had earlier approved and recommended the district's creation on December 9, 2025.
• Administrative Composition: The newly formed Hansi district comprises 110 villages falling under the Hansi and Narnaund Assembly Constituencies, previously part of Hisar district. It includes two sub-divisions (Hansi and Narnaund), three tehsils (Hansi, Narnaund, and Bass), and one sub-tehsil (Kheri Jalab), covering a total geographical area of approximately 1,34,976 hectares.
• Reorganization of Hisar District: With the creation of Hansi as a separate district, Hisar district will now have two subdivisions—Hisar and Barwala. This marks the fourth district to be carved out of the original Hisar district, following Sirsa, Bhiwani, and Fatehabad, reflecting the state's ongoing administrative restructuring efforts.

Subansiri Lower Project Unit-2 Commissioned, Strengthening North-East Power Supply

In the News: Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit-2 (250 MW) of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project through virtual mode. This milestone marks a significant step toward making the project India's largest hydroelectric power station, strengthening power supply to North-East India and advancing the country's clean energy goals.

Key Points:

• Commercial Operation Declaration: NHPC Limited declared the Commercial Operation Date (CoD) of Unit-2 with a capacity of 250 MW from 00:00 hours on December 23, 2025, after successful completion of trial runs. The announcement followed the test-synchronization of Unit-1 with India's national grid on December 3, 2025, indicating operational readiness.
• Project Location and Design: The 2,000 MW (8×250 MW) Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is located at Gerukamukh near North Lakhimpur along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border on the Subansiri River. It is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme with small pondage, harnessing the river's natural flow while keeping environmental impact lower than conventional large-reservoir projects.
• Phased Commissioning Plan: With Unit-2 now operational, NHPC is moving swiftly toward commissioning three more 250 MW units shortly, followed by phased commissioning of the remaining four units during 2026-27. This strategic rollout will progressively strengthen India's renewable energy capacity and enhance national grid resilience.
• Engineering Excellence: The project features the largest dam in North-East India—a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam—and incorporates several engineering milestones including India's heaviest hydro generator rotors, largest stators, biggest main inlet valves, and the first-ever use of Rotec's Tower Belt system for dam concreting in India.
• Flood Moderation and Water Management: As the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River, the project provides substantial flood moderation with a 442 million cubic metres flood cushion. Of the gross reservoir storage of 1,365 million cubic metres at full reservoir level, approximately one-third is kept empty during monsoons to absorb excess water and protect downstream communities.

FIRST POLLUTION CONTROL VESSEL 'SAMUDRA PRATAP' INDUCTED BY INDIAN COAST GUARD

In the News:  Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted its first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), 'Samudra Pratap' (Yard 1267), under the two-vessel PCV project executed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco-da-Gama, Goa. 'Samudra Pratap' is now the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet, with over 60 percent indigenous content, significantly enhancing the Coast Guard's operational reach and capability to handle complex marine pollution scenarios, particularly oil spill response operations within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond.

Key Points:

• Historic Indigenous Achievement: 'Samudra Pratap' is the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard, representing a landmark achievement in India's maritime shipbuilding capabilities. Unlike the earlier Samudra-class vessels which were built on foreign designs, the GSL-class is a complete in-house design developed by Goa Shipyard Limited.
• Largest Ship in ICG Fleet: With an overall length of 114.5 meters, breadth of 16.5 meters, and displacement of 4,170 tonnes, 'Samudra Pratap' holds the distinction of being the largest ship currently serving in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. The vessel's substantial size provides the platform capacity necessary to carry extensive pollution control equipment, storage facilities for recovered pollutants, operational support systems, and crew accommodations.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India Alignment: The vessel embodies the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India initiatives with over 60 percent indigenous content, though some sources cite the indigenous content as high as 72 percent. The construction involved significant participation of local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the supply chain, strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities and creating employment across India's marine engineering sector.
• Advanced Dynamic Positioning Capability (DP-1): In a major technological advancement, 'Samudra Pratap' became the first Indian Coast Guard ship to be equipped with Dynamic Positioning capability (DP-1), which uses automated systems involving GPS, sensors, and computer-controlled thrusters to maintain the vessel's position and heading precisely without anchoring.
• Firefighting Capabilities (FiFi-2/FFV-2 Notation): The vessel carries FiFi-2/FFV-2 (Fire Fighting class 2 / Fire Fighting Vessel class 2) notation certification, indicating high-capacity external firefighting capability.
• Cutting-Edge Pollution Detection and Analysis Systems: The vessel is equipped with sophisticated pollution-detection systems that are being deployed for the first time in India, including: (1) Oil Fingerprinting Machine – enables chemical analysis to identify the specific source and composition of oil spills, crucial for determining liability and selecting appropriate response techniques; (2) Gyro-Stabilized Standoff Active Chemical Detector – allows remote detection and analysis of chemical pollutants without direct contact, with gyro-stabilization ensuring accurate readings despite ship motion in rough seas; (3) Pollution Control Laboratory Equipment – provides onboard analytical capabilities for comprehensive testing and characterization of contaminants. These systems enable 'Samudra Pratap' to conduct comprehensive pollution monitoring, rapid spill assessment, forensic analysis, and real-time decision-making during response operations.
• Sister Vessel 'Samudra Prachet': 'Samudra Pratap' is the first of two identical Pollution Control Vessels under the GSL contract. The second vessel, 'Samudra Prachet' (Yard 1268), was launched on July 23, 2025, in a ceremony where it was named by Smt. Priya Paramesh, with Shri Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, as Chief Guest. 'Samudra Prachet' is currently under fitting-out and commissioning, with delivery expected in 2026.

President of India Presents Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan

In the News: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 on 24 eminent scientists and innovators at a special ceremony held at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. This second edition of India's highest civilian recognition in science and technology honored outstanding contributions across diverse fields including physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, agriculture, and space science.

Key Points:

• Award Categories: The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is conferred under four categories modeled after the Padma Awards framework: Vigyan Ratna (for lifetime achievement), Vigyan Shri (for distinguished contributions in specific fields), Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (for scientists below 45 years of age), and Vigyan Team (for collaborative team achievements of three or more members).
• Vigyan Ratna Award: The prestigious Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement was awarded posthumously to renowned astrophysicist Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his exceptional contributions to the field of physics. Professor Narlikar is known for co-developing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity, an alternative to Einstein's general relativity that supports the steady-state model of the universe, and for his seminal work in cosmology and science communication.
• Vigyan Shri Recipients: Eight scientists received the Vigyan Shri award recognizing distinguished contributions across disciplines: Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science), Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Sheikh (Atomic Energy), Dr. K. Thangaraj (Biological Sciences), Prof. Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry), Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering Sciences), Dr. S. Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science), Prof. Mahan Mj (Mathematics and Computer Science), and Shri Jayan N (Space Science and Technology).
• Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award: Fourteen young scientists below the age of 45 were honored with the Vigyan Yuva award, recognizing emerging researchers for innovative work across multiple disciplines. Recipients included Prof. Amit Kumar Agarwal and Prof. Surhud Shrikant More (Physics), Dr. Jagdis Gupta Kapuganti and Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (Agricultural Science), Dr. Deepa Agashe and Dr. Dibyendu Das (Biological Sciences), Dr. Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science), Prof. Arkaprava Basu and Prof. Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Medicine), Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal (Engineering), Dr. Suresh Kumar (Space Science), and others across technology and innovation fields.
• Vigyan Team Award - Purple Revolution: The Rashtriya Vigyan Team Puraskar 2025 was conferred on the CSIR-led Aroma Mission team for its exceptional collective contribution to agricultural science. The team has been credited with powering India's "Purple Revolution" through lavender-based agri-entrepreneurship, promoting cultivation and processing of aromatic crops, particularly lavender, in the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Aroma Mission Impact: The CSIR Aroma Mission, operating under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, has successfully translated laboratory research into field-level outcomes by opening new livelihood avenues for farmers in Jammu and Kashmir, reducing India's dependence on imports of essential oils, and demonstrating how coordinated scientific intervention can lead to measurable socio-economic impact.
• Scientific Domains Covered: The awards cover 13 scientific domains including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, Earth Science, and Technology and Innovation, reflecting the comprehensive scope of India's scientific excellence.

Denotified Tribes to be Enumerated in Census 2027

In the News: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has recommended the inclusion of Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) in the upcoming Census 2027. This marks a historic development as it would be the first official enumeration of these communities since the colonial-era census of 1911, and the first time in independent India that these marginalized communities will be systematically counted.

Key Points:

• Historic Recommendation: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has recommended including Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in Census 2027, marking the first official enumeration of these communities in independent India. Their last enumeration was in the 1911 colonial census under the category of "Criminal Tribes," and no subsequent census has recorded their population data.
• Historical Background - Criminal Tribes Act: Denotified Tribes were originally listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 during British rule, which branded them as "criminal tribes" and communities "addicted to the systematic commission of non-bailable offences." Once notified as criminal, all members were required to register with local magistrates, failing which they would be charged with crimes under the Indian Penal Code.
• Denotification Process: The Criminal Tribes Act was repealed by the Government of India in 1952, thereby "de-notifying" these tribal communities. However, the Act was replaced by a series of Habitual Offenders Acts in 1959, which asked police to investigate suspects' "criminal tendencies," perpetuating stigmatization despite the formal denotification.
• Community Classification: The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) have, for the first time, systematically categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes across India. Out of these, 179 communities have been recommended for inclusion in Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists, while 63 communities were found to be "not traceable" due to possible assimilation, name changes, or migration.
• Idate Commission Recommendations: The National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, constituted in 2014 under the chairmanship of Bhiku Ramji Idate, identified 1,526 DNT, NT, and SNT communities across India. The Commission prepared state-wise lists and recommended various welfare measures including the creation of a permanent commission with legal standing, caste-census inclusion, and constitutional protection for these communities.
• SEED Scheme Implementation: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Scheme for Economic Empowerment of Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities (SEED) in February 2022 with an allocation of Rs 200 crore to be spent over five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26). The scheme provides free competitive exam coaching, health insurance through PM Jan Arogya Yojana, livelihood support, and housing assistance.
• Census 2027 Significance: The inclusion of DNTs in Census 2027 will provide crucial demographic data for policy formulation, enable evidence-based planning for welfare schemes, facilitate targeted delivery of benefits, and help address the historical exclusion of these communities from official records. This enumeration will mark a significant step toward rectifying colonial-era injustices and ensuring social justice.

Delhi HC bans unauthorised use of Madhavan’s likeness: How personality rights evolved in India

In the News: The Delhi High Court passed an ad interim injunction protecting the personality rights of Bollywood actor R. Madhavan, restraining the unauthorized commercial use of his name, image, likeness, and other personality traits while hearing his civil suit against the circulation of deepfake, AI-generated, and misleading online content. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed the takedown of obscene material involving the actor and ordered restraint against defendants selling unauthorized merchandise exploiting his personality rights. Senior Advocate Swathi Sukumar, appearing for Madhavan, informed the Court that defendants had created fake trailers of non-existent films such as Kesari 3 and Shaitan Chapter 2, falsely associating them with the actor, along with AI-generated videos depicting him in fabricated situations.

Key Points:

• Court Order and Judicial Authority: Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora of the Delhi High Court passed the ad interim injunction on December 22, 2025, specifically protecting R. Madhavan's personality rights. The Court issued a comprehensive order stating: "Issue injunction qua sale of merchandise qua 1, 3 and 4 of the list and qua 2 on the ground of obscenity," granting interim relief while indicating that a more detailed interim order would follow.
• Types of Violations Identified: The civil suit highlighted multiple forms of unauthorized exploitation of Madhavan's personality: (1) Fake Film Trailers – Defendant No. 1 created and circulated fabricated trailers for non-existent films including Kesari 3 and Shaitan Chapter 2, falsely suggesting Madhavan's association with these productions to generate views and revenue; (2) Deepfake and AI-Generated Videos – sophisticated videos depicting Madhavan in fabricated situations and scenarios he never participated in, some of which were obscene in nature; (3) Unauthorized Commercial Merchandise – defendants selling products bearing Madhavan's name, image, and likeness without consent, including items on platforms like RedBubble; (4) Misleading Content – pages portraying Madhavan in fictional roles (such as the Hulk) without authorization, creating false associations that could mislead fans and the public.
• Court's Specific Directives: The Delhi High Court issued multiple specific directives: (1) Obscene Content Takedown – directed immediate removal of obscene material involving the actor from the internet, proceeding on the basis of counsel's statement about the nature of such content; (2) Merchandise Injunction – restrained identified defendants (numbers 1, 3, and 4 from the list) from selling unauthorized merchandise exploiting Madhavan's personality rights; (3) AI and Deepfake Restraint – prohibited defendants from using Madhavan's likeness, voice, or other personality attributes through artificial intelligence and deepfake technology; (4) Platform Compliance – signaled expectation that intermediaries would make certain infringing content "invisible" or inaccessible pending final determination.
• Definition of Personality Rights: Personality rights, also known as publicity rights or the "right of publicity," are legal rights that allow individuals to control the commercial and dignitary use of their name, image, likeness, voice, signature, mannerisms, gestures, catchphrases, and other distinctive personal attributes. These rights serve dual purposes: (1) Commercial/Economic Function – protecting an individual's ability to profit from their own identity and preventing unauthorized commercial exploitation that could cause financial loss through lost endorsement opportunities; (2) Dignitary/Non-Economic Function – safeguarding personal autonomy, dignity, privacy, and reputation by preventing misuse that could damage an individual's standing or create false associations, regardless of commercial impact. Personality rights are closely connected to but distinct from privacy rights, focusing specifically on control over identity exploitation.
• Constitutional Foundation in India: Personality rights in India are not codified in any specific statute but have evolved through judicial interpretation anchored in constitutional provisions, primarily Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the "Right to Life and Personal Liberty." Through a series of landmark judgments, Indian courts have broadly interpreted Article 21 to include various facets of human dignity, privacy, and the right to control one's own image and identity. The Supreme Court's unanimous 2017 judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India unequivocally reaffirmed the right to privacy as a fundamental right, providing strong constitutional basis for individuals to assert control over commercial use of their identity, even though the judgment did not explicitly address personality rights per se.
• Recent Surge in Celebrity Litigation (2023-2025): High-profile plaintiffs who approached courts for protection include: Amitabh Bachchan (one of the first detailed injunctions against AI-based voice cloning and unauthorized merchandise), Anil Kapoor (landmark 2023 protection against use of name, image, voice, likeness, and iconic catchphrase "jhakaas," with distinction drawn between free speech and commercial exploitation), Jackie Shroff (restraining unauthorized digital replication across e-commerce and AI platforms), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Jaya Bachchan (family seeking comprehensive protection against deepfakes and misuse), Aaradhya Bachchan (minor child protected from misinformation and privacy violations), Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan (actors seeking restraints on unauthorized commercial use), Karan Johar (filmmaker protected from misleading endorsements).
• Balancing Personality Rights with Freedom of Expression: Courts have consistently clarified that personality rights are not absolute and must be balanced against constitutional guarantees of free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). Permissible uses that generally do not infringe personality rights include: (1) News Reporting and Journalism – factual reporting about public figures in matters of public interest; (2) Commentary, Criticism, and Analysis – discussing or critiquing a celebrity's work, public statements, or conduct; (3) Parody and Satire – using celebrity identity for humorous or satirical commentary on social/political issues; (4) Artistic and Educational Uses – incorporating celebrity references in creative works, documentaries, or educational materials where the use serves genuine expressive purposes rather than mere commercial exploitation; (5) Biographical and Historical Works – documenting lives and careers of public figures. The critical distinction lies between genuine expression (protected) and commercial exploitation
• Copyright Act Protections - Sections 38 and 57: While India lacks dedicated personality rights legislation, the Copyright Act, 1957, provides indirect protections. Section 38 grants performers (defined to include actors, singers, musicians, dancers) "special rights" over their performances, including exclusive rights to reproduce, communicate to public, and authorize commercial exploitation of their performances. Section 57 confers moral rights upon authors, allowing them to object to any distortion, mutilation, modification, or other derogatory treatment of their creative works that would prejudice their honor or reputation.

Global Food City Rankings 2025–26: Italy Leads, Mumbai Shines

In the News: TasteAtlas released its prestigious 100 Best Food Cities in the World rankings for 2025-26, where Italy dominated the list with Naples securing the top position. Mumbai emerged as the highest-ranked Indian city, securing an impressive 5th position globally, making it the only Asian city in the top 10 and earning international acclaim for India's vibrant culinary heritage.

Key Points:

• Ranking Methodology: TasteAtlas evaluated 18,828 cities from its database based on 590,228 valid food ratings for 18,912 regional and national dishes. The rankings highlight the highest average ratings for traditional regional and national dishes most commonly served in each location, offering a comprehensive assessment of local food culture and culinary excellence.
• Italian Dominance: Italy asserted its culinary supremacy on the global stage, securing 20 cities in the top 100 list. Naples claimed the #1 position with a perfect score of 5.00, followed by Milan at #2 (4.96) and Bologna at #3 (4.94). Other Italian cities in the top 10 include Florence (#4), Genoa (#6), and Rome (#9), showcasing the country's unmatched gastronomic heritage.
• Mumbai's Achievement: Mumbai ranked 5th globally with a score of 4.81, making it the highest-ranked Indian city and the only Asian city in the top 10. The city's position ahead of renowned culinary capitals like Paris (#7), Vienna (#8), and Osaka (#11) reflects its vibrant and diverse food culture, particularly its legendary street food scene.
• Mumbai's Culinary Highlights: TasteAtlas highlighted Mumbai's must-try dishes including Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, and Bombay Biryani. The city's lively street food culture featuring kebabs, ragda pattice, and seafood preparations reflects Mumbai's energy, diversity, and unique blend of influences from various communities and culinary traditions.
• Indian Cuisine Global Recognition: Indian cuisine was ranked 13th among the 100 Best Cuisines in the World with a score of 4.43 out of 5. Four Indian dishes secured spots on the 100 Best Dishes list, with Amritsari Kulcha ranking 17th, followed by Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken), Hyderabadi Biryani, and other iconic preparations.
• Top 10 Global Rankings: The complete top 10 list features Naples (Italy), Milan (Italy), Bologna (Italy), Florence (Italy), Mumbai (India), Genoa (Italy), Paris (France), Vienna (Austria), Rome (Italy), and Lima (Peru). The dominance of Italian cities reflects global appreciation for authentic pizzas, pastas, and rich Mediterranean flavors.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees

In the News: The United Nations General Assembly elected former President of Iraq, Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih, as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for a five-year term. He is expected to assume office on January 1, 2026, and will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. Salih will succeed Filippo Grandi of Italy, whose 10-year tenure as High Commissioner concludes on December 31, 2025. The appointment comes at a critical time of record global displacement exceeding 122 million people, severe humanitarian funding shortfalls, and unprecedented operational challenges for the UN Refugee Agency.

Key Points:

• Historic Personal Background: Dr. Barham Salih brings a unique perspective to the role as a former refugee himself, having fled persecution in Iraq during earlier periods of conflict. This personal history distinguishes him from many previous High Commissioners and provides direct insight into the challenges, fears, and hopes of the 122+ million displaced people worldwide whom he will serve.
• Extensive Political and Diplomatic Experience: Salih previously served as President of Iraq from October 2018 to October 2022, a period marked by significant political challenges, protest movements, and efforts at governance reform. Prior to his presidency, he held multiple senior positions including Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Iraq.
• Outgoing Commissioner Filippo Grandi's Tenure: Filippo Grandi of Italy served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees for 10 years, from January 2016 to December 31, 2025. During his tenure, Grandi led UNHCR's response to major displacement crises worldwide, including the Syrian refugee crisis, the Ukraine displacement following Russia's 2022 invasion, and the Sudan conflict displacement. Despite facing deep cuts in humanitarian funding in 2025, UNHCR under Grandi's leadership maintained presence in 128 countries with nearly 90 percent of its more than 14,600 staff working in field operations directly serving displaced populations.
• UNHCR Organizational Structure: UNHCR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and as of December 2023 had 20,305 staff working in 136 countries worldwide. By 2025, despite cuts, UNHCR maintained presence in 128 countries with more than 14,600 staff, with nearly 90 percent deployed in field operations rather than headquarters.
• Historical Foundation: UNHCR was established on December 14, 1950, by UN General Assembly Resolution 319 (IV) as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly, succeeding the earlier United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. The organization was originally intended to operate for only three years from January 1951 due to disagreement among UN member states over the implications of a permanent body. However, continuing displacement crises led to repeated mandate extensions, and UNHCR has operated continuously for over 74 years, becoming one of the UN's most recognizable and essential agencies.

DRDO Completes User Trials of Next-Generation Akash Missile

In the News: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Next-Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The milestone paves the way for the advanced air defence system's induction into the Indian Armed Forces, marking a major boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities.

Key Points:

• Successful Trial Completion: DRDO completed User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG on December 23, 2025, meeting all Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQRs). The trials were witnessed by senior defence officials from DRDO and representatives from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Technical Specifications: Akash-NG is a medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile system with an operational range of 70-80 km, significantly improved from the previous Akash variant's 25-30 km range. The missile travels at supersonic speeds of Mach 2.5-3 and features an elevation range of 20-70 degrees with complete 360-degree coverage.
• Indigenous Technology: The system is equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited, enabling fire-and-forget operation in the terminal phase. It features a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and robust Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) for resistance against jamming and electronic warfare.
• Operational Capabilities: The Akash-NG system has an impressive reaction time of 10 seconds from target acquisition to launch for a single missile, with a firing rate of 20 seconds for a three-missile system. The deployment period from transportation mode to ready-to-fire state is less than 20 minutes, with reload capability of two canister missile stacks within 10 minutes.
• Manufacturing Partners: The missile system is developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The surveillance and fire control radar, tactical command and control center, and missile launchers are developed by BEL, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and Larsen & Toubro.

BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Takes Flight on ISRO’s ‘Baahubali’ Rocket

In the News: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite (also known as BlueBird 6) aboard its heavy-lift LVM3-M6 rocket, popularly called the 'Baahubali' rocket, from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. After a 24-hour countdown, the 43.5-meter-tall rocket, supported by two S200 solid strap-on boosters, lifted off majestically and after a flight journey of approximately 15 minutes, successfully separated the spacecraft and placed it into its intended Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 520 kilometers.

Key Points:

• Historic Heaviest Payload Record: The BlueBird Block-2 satellite, weighing approximately 6,100 kilograms (6.1 tonnes), represents the heaviest payload ever carried by the LVM3 rocket into Low Earth Orbit and the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil using an Indian launcher. This milestone demonstrates ISRO's growing heavy-lift capabilities and positions India as a competitive player in the global commercial launch services market.
• Launch Details and Timing Adjustment: The launch, originally scheduled for 8:54 AM IST, was revised to 8:55:30 AM IST—a 90-second delay implemented as a precautionary measure after ISRO identified a potential conjunction risk (the possibility of crossing paths with space debris or another orbital object) along the planned flight corridor.
• LVM3 'Baahubali' Rocket Specifications: The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), also historically known as GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III), is ISRO's most powerful operational heavy-lift launch vehicle, earning the nickname 'Baahubali' (meaning "the one with strong arms" in Sanskrit, inspired by the epic film character) due to its impressive lift capabilities. The three-stage rocket stands 43.5 meters tall with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes.
• Record-Breaking Communications Array: BlueBird Block-2 features a massive 223 square meter (approximately 2,400 square feet) phased-array antenna, making it the largest commercial communications satellite array ever deployed into Low Earth Orbit in history. This enormous antenna surface area is over three times the size of AST SpaceMobile's earlier BlueBird satellites (BlueBirds 1-5, launched in September 2024, which feature 64.4 square meter arrays) and provides approximately 10 times the capacity of the previous generation.
• Global LEO Constellation Context: BlueBird Block-2 is the first satellite in AST SpaceMobile's next-generation Block-2 class and forms part of a planned global Low Earth Orbit constellation that, when fully deployed, will provide comprehensive worldwide coverage.