Daily Current Affairs- 25th December 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 25th December 2025

India’s Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth Discovered in Maharashtra

In the News: Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,000-year-old circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur district, Maharashtra, marking the largest circular structure of its kind ever recorded in India. The discovery, first reported by The Times of India in December 2025, was made by archaeologist Sachin Patil from Deccan College, Pune.

Key Points:

• Location and Discovery Circumstances: The circular stone labyrinth was discovered in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur district in western Maharashtra. The structure was not uncovered through formal archaeological excavation but was first spotted by members of the Nature Conservation Circle, a non-governmental organization (NGO) conducting wildlife conservation research and monitoring populations of the Great Indian Bustard and Indian wolf in the Boramani grassland safari sanctuary. Team members including Pappu Jamadar, Nitin Anvekar, Dhananjay Kakade, Bharat Chheda, Aditya Zhingade, and Sachin Sawant noticed the unusual stone formation during their wildlife surveys. Recognizing its potential archaeological significance, they documented the site and alerted archaeologist Sachin Patil from Deccan College, Pune, who confirmed its extraordinary nature.
• Physical Specifications and Design Features: The labyrinth measures approximately 50 feet by 50 feet (15 meters × 15 meters), making it the largest circular labyrinth ever discovered in India. The structure comprises 15 concentric stone circuits (circular rings) carefully laid using small stone blocks, representing the highest number of concentric circuits recorded in any Indian circular labyrinth.
• Comparative Context - Largest Circular vs. Overall Largest: While the Boramani labyrinth is India's largest circular stone labyrinth, it is the second-largest labyrinth overall by area in the country. The distinction of largest overall labyrinth belongs to a square labyrinth discovered at Gedimedu in Tamil Nadu, which measures 56 feet and exceeds the Boramani structure in total area. However, the Boramani discovery surpasses all others in circular construction, adding a new dimension to the study of ancient Indian spatial symbolism, geometric planning, and architectural traditions.
• Indo-Roman Trade Links and Mediterranean Connections: The labyrinth's design offers compelling evidence of Indo-Roman contact and cultural exchange during antiquity. Archaeologists have noted striking similarities between the labyrinth's patterns and motifs depicted on ancient Roman coins from Crete dating to the 1st-3rd centuries CE, many of which have been found in Indian port cities and trading centers from the same era. The circular motif resembles classical labyrinth designs from the Mediterranean world, pointing to possible artistic and cultural transmission along trade routes.
• Chakravyuha Concept and Indian Symbolic Tradition: Jeff Saward, editor of Caerdroia (the leading international journal dedicated to labyrinth studies) and a recognized global authority on labyrinths, describes the Boramani structure as belonging to the classical labyrinth tradition while noting a distinctive regional adaptation unique to India. "This labyrinth belongs to the classical family, but the addition of a spiral at the centre is a feature very specific to India, often referred to as Chakravyuh," Saward explained. The Chakravyūha (Sanskrit: चक्रव्यूह) is a complex multi-layered military formation described in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, designed to encircle and overwhelm enemies through multiple concentric defensive layers.
• Current Status and Public Access: As of the discovery announcement in December 2025, the site remains in the Boramani grasslands under the monitoring of the Nature Conservation Circle NGO. The structure's location within a wildlife sanctuary area (habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard) creates both protection challenges and opportunities—the conservation status may protect the labyrinth from development pressures while potentially limiting archaeological access and public visitation.

Union Cabinet Approves Three New Corridors in Delhi Metro Phase V (A)

In the News: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved three new corridors under Delhi Metro's Phase V (A) project, covering a total length of 16.076 km with 13 new stations. The approved corridors are: R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.913 km), Aerocity to IGD Airport Terminal-1 (2.263 km), and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km). The total project cost is Rs. 12,014.91 crore, and the expansion is expected to significantly enhance connectivity across the national capital.

Key Points:

• Three Approved Corridors: The Cabinet approved three metro corridors—Corridor 1: R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.913 km), Corridor 2: Aerocity to IGD Airport Terminal-1 (2.263 km), and Corridor 3: Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km). Together, these corridors cover a total length of 16.076 km.
• Total Project Cost: The total estimated cost of Delhi Metro's Phase V (A) project is Rs. 12,014.91 crore. The project will be funded through contributions from the Government of India, the Government of Delhi, and international funding agencies.
• Project Completion Timeline: The project, comprising 13 new stations (10 underground and 3 elevated), is scheduled to be completed within three years from the commencement of construction.
• Central Vista Corridor Connectivity: The R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha corridor, often referred to as the Central Vista corridor, will provide direct Metro connectivity to all the Kartavya Bhawans, offering doorstep access to office-goers and visitors in the Central Vista area. This corridor is expected to benefit approximately 60,000 office-goers and 2 lakh visitors on a daily basis.
• Stations on R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha Corridor: The corridor will feature nine stations: R.K. Ashram Marg, Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, Kartavya Bhawan, India Gate, War Memorial–High Court, Baroda House, Bharat Mandapam, and Indraprastha. This corridor will improve connectivity of West, North, and Old Delhi with Central Delhi.
• Airport and South Delhi Connectivity: The Aerocity to IGD Airport Terminal-1 corridor (2.263 km) and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj corridor (3.9 km) will connect South Delhi with the domestic Airport Terminal-1 via Saket, Chhatarpur, and other key areas, tremendously boosting connectivity within the National Capital.
• Tughlakabad–Kalindi Kunj Corridor Stations: This corridor will have three stations: Sarita Vihar Depot, Madanpur Khadar, and Kalindi Kunj. The Aerocity station will be further extended and connected directly to IGD Terminal-1.
• Network Expansion Beyond 400 km: Once operational, the Phase V (A) expansion will take the total operational length of Delhi Metro network beyond 400 km, making it rank among the top five Metro systems globally.
• Phase IV Construction Progress: Construction of Phase IV, consisting of 111 km and 83 stations, is currently underway. As of now, approximately 80.43% of civil construction of Phase IV (3 Priority) corridors has been completed. The Phase IV priority corridors are likely to be completed in stages by December 2026.
• Current Delhi Metro Network: At present, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) operates 12 Metro lines spanning about 395 km with 289 stations across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). Delhi Metro has the largest Metro network in India and is one of the largest Metros in the world.

Centre Finalises India’s First National Anti-Terror Policy

In the News: The Union Government is in the final stages of framing India's first comprehensive National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, which will act as a uniform template for all States to prevent, combat, and respond to terror-related incidents. The initiative, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2024, is being finalized by the Ministry of Home Affairs with substantive inputs from the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Key Points:

• Policy Development and Ministerial Announcement: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in November 2024 the introduction of a National Counter-Terrorism Policy & Strategy to fight terrorism, terrorists, and the entire ecosystem supporting them. The Ministry of Home Affairs is finalizing the policy with the National Investigation Agency providing key operational and intelligence perspectives to the document. A senior government official confirmed to The Hindu that the Union government is in the final stages of drafting this first comprehensive anti-terror policy.
• NIA Anti-Terror Conference (December 26-27, 2025): The National Investigation Agency's two-day Anti-Terror Conference begins on December 26, 2025, in New Delhi, to be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The conference, organized by the NIA under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is shaped under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of zero tolerance for terror and has evolved into a platform for brainstorming India's next-generation strategies to counter emerging threats.
• Standard Operating Procedures and Focus Areas: According to officials, the policy will focus on comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering: terror attacks (response protocols, first responder coordination, crisis management), radicalisation (detection, prevention, counter-narratives), terror financing (tracking, disruption, prosecution), use of technology by extremist groups (surveillance, encryption, cyber capabilities), and coordination between police, intelligence agencies, and specialised forces (information sharing, joint operations, unified command structures).
• National Security Guard (NSG) MoU with States and Union Territories: The National Security Guard, India's elite counter-terrorism force, signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with police forces from all States and Union Territories in December 2025 (exact date mentioned as "Tuesday" before the December 26-27 conference). The agreement establishes a first-of-its-kind framework for counter-terror coordination, enabling seamless first-responder interoperability and institutionalised joint training programs. NSG Director General Bhrigu Srinivasan stated that "Memoranda of Understanding with States and UTs have been signed today for operation, synergy and coordination between NSG and States' security agencies at the national level." The MoU lays the foundation for a unified counterterror coordination SOP, creating a "one nation, one response" doctrine.
• NSG Infrastructure Expansion: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced establishment of NSG's seventh hub in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, joining existing hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Jammu. Under PM Modi's leadership, the NSG has expanded from a centralized force to a distributed rapid-response network. A Special Operation Training Centre (SOTC) at Manesar, constructed at cost of ₹140 crore, will train state police with virtual reality to counter all kinds of terror threats.
• National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) for Intelligence Sharing: Following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, the NIA convened multiple meetings with state anti-terror units to assess existing mechanisms and explore additional safeguards, including wider use of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) for intelligence sharing. NATGRID is an integrated intelligence master database structure for counter-terrorism purposes connecting databases of 21 different organizations (expanded to over 20 categories of data sources) that can be readily accessed by security agencies round the clock. Created after the 2008 Mumbai attacks when Pakistani-origin American Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley's multiple trips to India failed to raise suspicion due to lack of pattern-recognition systems.

Good Governance Day Highlights

In the News: India observed Good Governance Day (Sushasan Diwas) to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the landmark 'Rashtra Prerna Sthal' national memorial complex in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, at 2:30 PM, honoring the legacy of Vajpayee, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The observance coincided with the culmination of the 5th Good Governance Week (Sushasan Saptah), observed from December 19-25, 2025, featuring the nationwide 'Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore' campaign aimed at promoting transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance at the grassroots level. PM Modi emphasized that December 25 also marks the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, stating both leaders "protected India's identity, unity and pride and left an indelible mark on nation-building."

Key Points:

• Historical Background and Establishment: Good Governance Day was officially established by the Government of India in 2014 following the announcement on December 23, 2014, when President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) upon former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumously).
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Legacy and Governance Principles: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and passed away on August 16, 2018. He served as India's 10th Prime Minister for three terms: briefly for 13 days in 1996, for 13 months from 1998-1999, and a full term from 1999-2004, becoming the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to hold the office. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 for public affairs, the Best Parliamentarian award in 1994, and the Bharat Ratna in 2015.
• Rashtra Prerna Sthal - National Memorial Complex: PM Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal on December 25, 2025, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, constructed at an approximate cost of ₹230 crore and spread across 65 acres. The complex was developed by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) under the Basant Kunj scheme. It features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee (Founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh), and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (Philosopher and ideologue of the BJP).
• 5th Good Governance Week (Sushasan Saptah) 2025: The 5th Good Governance Week was observed from December 19-25, 2025, across India. The first Good Governance Week was observed from December 19-25, 2021. The 2025 edition was organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Minister of State Jitendra Singh (Constituency: Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir). Secretary Rachna Shah, DARPG/DoPT, launched the official guidelines and inaugurated the week-long campaign through a virtual program on December 19, 2025.
• Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore Campaign 2025: The nationwide "Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore" (Administration Towards the Village) campaign formed the core of Good Governance Week 2025, placing district administrations at the forefront of grievance redressal and public service delivery. The campaign was formally launched on December 19, 2025, in virtual mode with district collectors, district magistrates, and district officers from across the country participating. District administrations organized special grievance redressal camps at tehsil, block, and panchayat levels throughout the week, enabling direct interaction between officials and citizens for on-the-spot resolution of grievances and improved delivery of public services.
• Good Governance Index (GGI): Introduced on December 25, 2019, by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) to institutionalize the measurement of good governance performance. The GGI acts as a diagnostic tool assessing governance performance across States and Union Territories using 58 citizen-centric indicators covering 10 sectors: Agriculture & Allied Sectors, Commerce & Industry, Human Resource Development, Public Health, Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Economic Governance, Social Welfare & Development, Judiciary & Public Safety, Environment, and Citizen-Centric Governance. States and Union Territories are categorized into Group A, Group B, North-East & Hill States, and Union Territories for fair comparison.
• Working Day Status and Government Focus: Good Governance Day is designated as a working day for government offices across India—a deliberate decision to emphasize that the day is not merely ceremonial but action-oriented, with government machinery actively engaged in public service delivery, grievance redressal, and citizen outreach.

Anu Garg Appointed Odisha’s First Woman Chief Secretary

In the News: The Odisha government appointed senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anu Garg as the new Chief Secretary of the state, making her the first woman to hold the top bureaucratic post in Odisha's administrative history. The appointment was formalized through a notification issued by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department. Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, will succeed incumbent Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who is set to retire on December 31, 2025, and will assume charge on January 1, 2026.

Key Points:

• Historic Appointment: Anu Garg becomes the first woman to hold the position of Chief Secretary in Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the state's administrative history. She will be the 47th officer overall to serve as Chief Secretary of Odisha.
• Current Position: Garg is currently serving as Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Government in the Planning and Convergence Department, with additional charge as Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department.
• Previous Historic Achievement: In February 2023, Anu Garg made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as Odisha's Development Commissioner, the second-highest-ranked bureaucratic position in the state.
• Central Government Experience: Garg has extensive experience at the Union level, having served as Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister (2012–2015), Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Textiles (2015–2017), and Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Founder of Mission Shakti: Garg is the Founder Director of Mission Shakti, Odisha's flagship initiative aimed at empowering women's self-help groups, demonstrating her commitment to women's empowerment and social development.
• Expert Group Membership: She was a member of the High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) for Universal Health Coverage instituted by the Planning Commission of India, reflecting her expertise in public health policy.
• Apex Scale Promotion: The Odisha government promoted Garg to the Apex Scale (Level-17) of IAS on January 15, 2022, recognizing her exceptional administrative capabilities and contributions.
• Service Tenure: With a service tenure extending till March 2029, Garg is expected to have a long and consequential innings as Chief Secretary, providing continuity and administrative stability to Odisha's governance.
• Gender Representation Milestone: Garg's elevation to Chief Secretary is viewed as a major step for gender equality in administrative leadership and reflects Odisha's commitment to empowering women in senior governance roles, breaking the glass ceiling in state bureaucracy.

Kuwait Signs $4.1 Billion Deal with China for Mubarak Port

In the News: Kuwait signed a landmark engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract valued at approximately $4.1 billion (1.219 billion Kuwaiti dinars or KD 1.28 billion) with China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) to complete the first phase of the strategically significant Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project on Boubyan Island in northern Kuwait. The agreement was signed by Kuwait's Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan and Chen Zhong, Deputy Chairman of CCCC, in a ceremony attended by Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, senior cabinet ministers including First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister Shareedah Abdullah Al-Dosari, and representatives from the Chinese Embassy and Chinese enterprises.

Key Points:

• Contract Details and Parties: The 1.219 billion Kuwaiti dinars (approximately $4.1 billion) contract represents an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreement for the first phase of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project. The contract was signed between the Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works (represented by Minister Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan) and China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC, represented by Deputy Chairman Chen Zhong). The agreement was approved by Kuwait's Central Agency for Public Tenders earlier in December 2025, following a comprehensive review process
• Strategic Location - Boubyan Island: The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is located on Boubyan Island (also spelled Bubiyan Island) in the Jahra Governorate of northern Kuwait, positioned on Khor Abdullah waterway. Boubyan Island is Kuwait's largest island and strategically positioned at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, providing natural deep-water access ideal for a major commercial port. The location offers proximity to key regional markets and trade routes, making it a natural logistics hub.
• Belt and Road Initiative Participation: Chinese acting charge d'affaires Liu Xiang explicitly stated that the deal "constitutes participation in the Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), China's massive global infrastructure strategy launched over a decade ago under President Xi Jinping. China considers the Middle East a key partner in the BRI, and the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port represents a critical node in the maritime Silk Road connecting East Asia to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe..
• CCCC's First Middle East Port with Chinese Standards: China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) confirmed that the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port will be the company's first port project in the Middle East to be partially built to Chinese standards from the outset. A senior CCCC executive stated that the project would incorporate CCCC's advanced technology and engineering expertise, representing a model of China-Kuwait cooperation that could set precedents for future infrastructure collaborations in the region.
• Historical Context and 2023 MOUs: The December 2025 contract builds upon earlier cooperation agreements between Kuwait and China. In September 2023, during the Kuwaiti Amir's historic visit to China, Kuwait signed seven memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with China covering multiple sectors including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, as well as housing, water treatment, and renewable energy projects.

US report on China: Arunachal as ‘core interest’, PLA improving capabilities

In the News: The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) submitted its annual 'Report to Congress on Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2025' to the US Congress. The report flagged China's claim over India's Arunachal Pradesh as part of its stated "core interests," highlighted PLA's rapid military modernization, and noted China's deepening military ties with Pakistan while maintaining border tensions with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Key Points:

• Arunachal Pradesh as Core Interest: The Pentagon report notes that China's leadership has expanded the scope of its "core interests" to include Taiwan, sovereignty claims and maritime disputes in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese officials describe unification of China with these contested territories as a "natural requirement" for national rejuvenation, making these matters non-negotiable and uncompromising.
• China's National Strategy - 2049 Vision: Under its National Strategy, Beijing seeks to realize "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" by 2049, aiming to elevate China's "influence, appeal, and power to shape events to a new level." China intends to field a "world-class" military capable of "fight and win" operations while "resolutely safeguarding" its sovereignty, security, and development interests.
• PLA's 2027 Goals: The PLA continues to make steady progress toward its 2027 goals, whereby it must achieve "strategic decisive victory" over Taiwan, "strategic counterbalance" against the United States in nuclear and other strategic domains, and "strategic deterrence and control" against other regional countries. The report states China expects to be able to fight and win a war on Taiwan by the end of 2027.
• LAC Developments and India Relations: In October 2024, India and China announced disengagement from remaining standoff points along the LAC, followed by regular high-level talks on border management. However, the report emphasizes that "continued mutual distrust and other irritants almost certainly limit the bilateral relationship." The Pentagon assesses that Beijing may be seeking calmer borders to prevent closer US-India strategic ties.
• PLA Military Capabilities Enhancement: China's historic military buildup has made the US homeland "increasingly vulnerable." The PLA is the world's largest military force with 2.035 million active, 510,000 reserve, and 500,000 paramilitary personnel, funded by the world's second largest defense budget estimated at $330-450 billion. China's announced defense budget nearly doubled since Xi Jinping's first term as General Secretary.
• Nuclear Arsenal Expansion: China's stockpile of nuclear weapons remained in the "low 600s" through 2024, reflecting a slower rate of production compared to previous years. However, the PLA remains on track to have over 1,000 warheads by 2030. The report notes China has likely loaded more than 100 solid-propellant ICBM missile silos with DF-31 class ICBMs.
• Aircraft Carrier Fleet Expansion: The PLA Navy seeks to produce six additional aircraft carriers by 2035, bringing the total count from three to nine, approaching the US fleet of 11 carriers. This represents a significant expansion of China's naval power projection capabilities.

For Inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games Logo and Mascot Unveiled in Bilaspur

In the News: The logo, theme song, and mascot of the first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) were formally unveiled at the Late B.R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The landmark national sporting event, dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes, is scheduled to commence on February 14, 2026, marking a significant milestone in India's sporting journey toward tribal empowerment and grassroots inclusion.

Key Points:

• Unveiling Ceremony: The launch ceremony was held on December 23, 2025, with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao as chief guests. Senior officials from the Union Sports Ministry, State Government, and Sports Authority of India (SAI) were also present.
• Official Mascot 'Morveer': The official mascot 'Morveer' was unveiled, a name deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh's cultural ethos. It is derived from 'Mor' (meaning 'mine' or 'our own' in Chhattisgarhi) and 'Veer' (symbolizing courage and valor). Morveer represents the spirit, pride, and identity of India's tribal communities.
• Sports Disciplines: The inaugural edition will feature seven competitive sports disciplines—Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Wrestling, Swimming, and Weightlifting. Additionally, two demonstration sports will be showcased to highlight India's indigenous sporting traditions.
• Talent Identification and Scholarships: One of the key objectives is talent identification. Promising athletes identified during the Games will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes, making them eligible for scholarships of ₹5 lakh per year for eight years, including financial support and 360-degree assistance for long-term athlete development.
• Host State and Significance: Chhattisgarh is the first state to host this landmark national event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes. The Games aim to integrate tribal talent into India's mainstream sports framework and promote grassroots inclusion.
• Part of Khelo India Scheme: The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, aimed at promoting mass participation and sporting excellence.
• Event of National Importance: Khelo India Games were declared an 'Event of National Importance' in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.
• Organizational Framework: The KITG 2026 will be jointly managed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations, and the Chhattisgarh state organizing committee, with technical standards benchmarked against international competitions.
• Previous Khelo India Editions: Seven editions of Khelo India Youth Games, five editions of Khelo India University Games, six editions of Khelo India Winter Games, two editions of Khelo India Para Games, one edition of Khelo India Water Sports Festival, and one edition of Khelo India Beach Games have been successfully conducted with participation of 36 States/UTs.

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF PANDIT MADAN MOHAN MALAVIYA

In the News:  The nation observed the 164th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the revered freedom fighter, educationist, social reformer, and founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage, stating: "He remained dedicated throughout his life to the service of the motherland. He played an important role in awakening national consciousness along with social reform to break the chains of slavery.

Key Points:

• Birth and Family Background: Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was born on December 25, 1861, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, in a modest Gaur Brahmin family to Pandit Brijnath Malaviya and Moona Devi. He was born in a locality known as Lal Diggi (now Malviya Nagar) in a small house of Sawal Das of Saryakund. His ancestors, known for their Sanskrit scholarship, originally hailed from Malwa (Ujjain) in present-day Madhya Pradesh, and since they came from Malwa, they came to be known as 'Malaviya' (their original surname was Chaturvedi).
• Founding of Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Malaviya's most monumental achievement was co-founding the Banaras Hindu University in 1916—one of the most prestigious and largest residential universities in Asia.
• Founding of Hindu Mahasabha: Malaviya helped establish the Hindu Mahasabha ("Great Society of Hindus") in 1915, which brought diverse local Hindu nationalist movements together in response to British colonial rule and to protect and promote Hindu interests.
• Popularization of "Satyameva Jayate": Malaviya popularized the Sanskrit phrase "Satyameva Jayate" (meaning "Truth Alone Triumphs"), which is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. He introduced this phrase at an Indian National Congress session, and it encapsulates his enduring legacy of truth, righteousness, and moral conviction.
• Poona Pact and Political Negotiations: On September 24, 1932, an agreement known as the Poona Pact was signed between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (representing the depressed classes among Hindus) and Mahatma Gandhi (representing other Hindus), with Malaviya playing a supportive role.
• Salt March Participation and Arrests: During the historic Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi, Malaviya was arrested on April 25, 1932, along with 450 other Congress volunteers in Delhi, demonstrating active participation in civil disobedience movements despite his moderate constitutional approach.
• Title "Mahamana" by Mahatma Gandhi: Malaviya was respectfully addressed with the title "Pandit" and was given the honorific title "Mahamana" (meaning "Great Soul") by Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of his selfless service to education, the freedom movement, and social reform.
• 2025 Birth Anniversary Observances: This year marked the 164th birth anniversary of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Malaviya "dedicated his life to the service of the motherland" and "played a key role in awakening national consciousness along with social reform to break the chains of slavery."
• Shared Birth Anniversary with Atal Bihari Vajpayee: December 25 holds special significance in Indian politics and nation-building as it marks the birth anniversaries of both Bharat Ratna Madan Mohan Malaviya (born 1861) and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee (born 1924), former Prime Minister of India. Prime Minister Modi noted: "December 25th also brings with it the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversaries of two great personalities of the country: Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bharat Ratna Madan Mohan Malaviya.