Daily Current Affairs News: 29th December, 2025

National News

Mann Ki Baat 129th Episode: Last Episode of 2025 By PM Modi

• In the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat aired on 28 December 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on India’s achievements in 2025 and outlined the collective resolve for building a Viksit Bharat.
• He highlighted national security successes, historic sporting victories, scientific and space milestones, environmental conservation, and cultural pride, including youth-led innovation through initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and Smart India Hackathon.
• The address showcased grassroots changemakers, renewable energy efforts, traditional arts, women empowerment, and unsung heroes of the freedom struggle.
• Emphasising health awareness, cultural roots, and unity in diversity, the Prime Minister called for responsible citizenship and shared effort to drive inclusive and sustainable national development in the years ahead.

Ayushman Bharat Expansion and Digital Healthcare Growth in 2025

• In 2025, India’s healthcare system advanced significantly with the expansion of Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY to Odisha and Delhi, bringing universal health coverage closer to citizens.
• Digital healthcare platforms like eSanjeevani and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission scaled rapidly, enabling over 43.2 crore tele-consultations and creating 84.35 crore ABHA accounts.
• Senior citizens gained coverage through Ayushman Vay Vandana, while AI-driven initiatives improved disease surveillance, early diagnosis, and public health efficiency.
• The TB-Free India campaign recorded major success with declining incidence and deaths. These developments collectively strengthened India’s technology-enabled, inclusive, and resilient healthcare ecosystem.

President Murmu Joins Elite Club of Indian Leaders on Submarine Mission

• President Droupadi Murmu became the second Indian President to undertake an operational submarine sortie, sailing aboard INS Vaghsheer from Karwar Naval Base, Karnataka.
• The Kalvari-class submarine, commissioned under Project-75 Scorpene in January 2025, is equipped with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar, showcasing India’s indigenous naval strength and Atmanirbhar Bharat defence capabilities, while reinforcing civilian-military integration and public confidence in underwater warfare preparedness.

‘Green to Gold’ Initiative Sees Himachal Pradesh Embrace Industrial Hemp Farming

• Himachal Pradesh has launched the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative to promote industrial hemp cultivation, aiming to transform the rural economy and advance sustainability.
• Once linked to illicit drug trade, hemp will now be cultivated under strict regulations, maintaining THC levels below 0.3% to ensure non-intoxicating and industrial-grade use.
• The versatile crop has applications in medicine, textiles, paper, cosmetics, and biofuel, offering farmers a climate-resilient, low-water alternative to traditional crops.
• This policy positions Himachal Pradesh to become a leader in the bio-economy and move toward self-reliance by 2027.

Govt’s Green Panel Clears Dulhasti Stage-II Hydel Power Project

• The Centre has granted environmental clearance for the 260 MW Dulhasti Stage-II hydel project on the Chenab River in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, enabling tenders and construction to proceed.
• An extension of the existing 390 MW Dulhasti Stage-I project, Stage-II is a run-of-the-river scheme designed for efficient power generation using water discharged from Stage-I, with two 130 MW units and a 3,685-metre diversion tunnel.
• Approved by the Expert Appraisal Committee under MoEF&CC, the project requires 60.3 hectares of land and will affect two villages

State News

India’s First PPP Medical Colleges to Start in MP Tribal Districts

• India will establish its first PPP-model medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal districts of Dhar and Betul, combining government land support with private infrastructure development.
• These colleges will upgrade district hospitals as teaching hospitals under NMC norms, aiming to expand medical education, strengthen healthcare access in underserved regions, and encourage private investment in public health.

Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Inaugurated in Baramati

• Industrialist Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati, Maharashtra, on December 28, 2025, under Vidya Pratishthan.
• The centre, fully funded by the Adani Group, aims to promote AI education and research, equip students with industry-relevant skills, foster innovation and startups, and bridge the gap between academia and real-world applications, highlighting industry-academia collaboration for India’s digital transformation and skilled workforce development.

International News

Israel Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent State

• Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, marking a historic shift in Horn of Africa geopolitics.
• The recognition, announced by Benjamin Netanyahu in coordination with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, includes commitments to cooperate in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development, and is linked to the Abraham Accords framework.
• Somaliland, which has functioned independently since 1991, welcomed the move, while Somalia, Egypt, and the African Union strongly opposed it.

Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Amid Border Clashes

• Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire to end weeks of intense border clashes, marking a key step toward de-escalation in Southeast Asia.
• The 20-day conflict, which involved artillery, rockets, and fighter jets, caused over 100 deaths and displaced more than half a million people.
• Under the truce, both sides will maintain current troop deployments without reinforcement, aiming to stabilise the situation and create space for diplomatic solutions.
• The agreement highlights the importance of dialogue, humanitarian considerations, and regional stability in resolving longstanding territorial disputes along the Thailand–Cambodia border.

Banking News

Aryaman Financial Arm Gets RBI Approval to Operate as NBFC

• Aryaman Finance (India) Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services Ltd (AFSL), has received RBI approval to operate as a Type II NBFC – Non-Deposit Taking (Investment & Credit Company). This allows the firm to offer investment, lending, and credit services under RBI regulation, marking AFSL’s entry into the regulated NBFC sector and diversifying its financial services portfolio beyond merchant banking.

Defense News

RPREX 2025 Regional Pollution Response Exercise Conducts By Indian Coast Guard

• The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise RPREX-2025 in Mumbai to strengthen preparedness for oil spill response and marine environmental protection.
• The exercise simulated a major oil spill from a motor tanker after a collision with a fishing boat, testing real-time coordination and decision-making. Specialised pollution control vessels and equipped Coast Guard ships were deployed to contain and recover the spill.
• Conducted under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, the drill assessed inter-agency coordination and operational readiness. RPREX-2025 highlights India’s commitment to safeguarding its marine ecosystem amid increasing maritime activity.

Ranks & Reports News

Wildfires and Natural Disasters Cost the World Over $120 Billion in 2025: Report

• In 2025, wildfires, cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and droughts caused global economic losses exceeding $120 billion, according to a Christian Aid report, underscoring the escalating cost of climate change and inaction.
• The California wildfires were the single costliest event, causing $60 billion in damages and over 400 deaths, while Southeast Asia’s cyclones and floods caused around $25 billion in losses and 1,750 deaths.
• Floods in India and Pakistan killed over 1,860 people and caused $6 billion in damages, with Asia bearing four of the top six costliest disasters.

Ahead of Nadella and Pichai: Jayshree Ullal Tops Hurun India Rich List 2025

• The Hurun India Rich List 2025 has named Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks, as the richest Indian professional manager globally, with a net worth of ₹50,170 crore, surpassing Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai.
• Her wealth is driven by equity ownership and long-term leadership in cloud computing, AI networking, and data centres, with Arista reporting $7 billion revenue in 2024.
• Ullal’s rise highlights women leadership, India’s global tech influence, and how professional managers can create extraordinary wealth through vision, execution, and innovation.

Schemes News

REPM Scheme to Build India’s First Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem for High Value Magnets

• India has approved the REPM scheme to strengthen self-reliance in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.
• The initiative aims to build India’s first integrated ecosystem for sintered rare earth permanent magnets.
• With an outlay of over ₹7,000 crore, it targets 6,000 MT annual manufacturing capacity.
• The scheme supports EVs, renewable energy, electronics, defence, and aerospace sectors. It reduces import dependence, strengthens supply security, and advances Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Summits & Conferences News

5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries Chaired By PM

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi to strengthen Centre–State cooperation and cooperative federalism.
• The three-day conference focused on the theme “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing education, skilling, health, sports, and inclusive growth.
• Discussions covered governance reforms, deregulation, technology in governance, AgriStack, tourism development, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and a post-LWE development strategy.
• The conference aimed to align national priorities with state-level implementation through structured dialogue and best practices. It reinforces people-centric, outcome-based governance to support India’s long-term development vision.

Science & Technology News

ISRO Plans Third Launch Pad at Shriharikota

• ISRO plans to commission a third launch pad at Shriharikota within four years to support heavier satellites and advanced launch vehicles.
• The new pad will enable missions carrying 12,000–14,000 kg satellites, improve launch frequency, and allow parallel preparations, strengthening India’s space capabilities for communication, human spaceflight, and deep-space programmes.
• Located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, which spans 175 sq km and has been India’s primary launch base since 1971, the third pad will enhance operational flexibility, national security, commercial competitiveness, and India’s position as a global space-launch hub.

Sports News

RRU to Host World Police & Fire Games 2029 Disciplines

• Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gujarat, will host eight disciplines of the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) 2029, marking India’s first time as host.
• Events include Wrist Wrestling, Bench Press, Bodybuilding, Cross Country, Push–Pull Lifting, Muster, Indoor Rowing, and Darts. RRU has set up a Secretariat, trained 500 volunteers, and leveraged its Human Performance Laboratory, Sports Indoor Complex, and Anti-Doping Laboratory.
• This move strengthens India’s global sports diplomacy, showcases sports infrastructure, and promotes fitness, research, and organisational capability for international events.

Surya Tamiri Wins Single’s Title at 87th Senior National Badminton Championships

• At the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships held in Vijayawada, Surya Charishma Tamiri won the Women’s Singles title, defeating Tanvi Patri in a three-game final 17–21, 21–12, 21–14.
• In Men’s Singles, Rithvik Sanjeevi S clinched the title after beating Bharat Raghav 21–16, 22–20.
• The Men’s Doubles crown went to A. Hariharan and Ruban Kumar, while Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K reclaimed the Women’s Doubles title.
• In Mixed Doubles, Sathwik Reddy K and Radhika Sharma emerged champions with a straight-games victory.

Obituaries News

Former England Cricketer Hugh Morris Passes Away at 62

• Former England cricketer Hugh Morris passed away at the age of 62 after battling bowel cancer. A dependable opening batter, he represented England in three Test matches in 1991 and was a prolific run-scorer and captain for Glamorgan.
• After retiring, he became a respected cricket administrator, serving as Chief Executive of the ECB, where he helped shape English cricket’s governance.
• Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, including from Ravi Shastri, remembering him as a valued teammate, leader, and professional.

FAQs

Q1. What is the recent agreement between Thailand and Cambodia?

Ans. They agreed to a ceasefire to stop weeks of border clashes and prevent further escalation.

Q2. What is the ‘Green to Gold’ initiative?

Ans. It is a state initiative to promote regulated industrial hemp farming.

Q3. Where is the Dulhasti Stage-II project located?

Ans. On the Chenab River in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Q4. What international event will RRU host in 2029?

Ans. World Police and Fire Games.