Current Affairs - December 21, 2025 Current Affairs

The leadership of BRICS rotates annually among its member countries, and a formal handover ceremony marks this transition. During the 4th BRICS Sherpas Meeting in December 2025, Brazil symbolically transferred the presidency to India using a ceremonial gavel crafted from repurposed Amazon wood. With this transition, India is set to lead BRICS in 2026, focusing on priorities such as resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. India’s leadership aims to strengthen Global South collaboration, advance climate action, promote responsible use of artificial intelligence, and push for reforms in global governance institutions.

India’s net direct tax collections recorded an increase of 8% during FY26 up to 17 December 2025, indicating steady revenue growth for the government. This 8% rise was driven primarily by strong corporate tax collections and a significant reduction in tax refunds, which helped raise net receipts. Improved compliance, better advance tax payments, and stable business activity also played an important role. The 8% growth reflects the positive impact of tax administration reforms and economic resilience, supporting fiscal stability and providing the government with greater capacity to fund public expenditure and development initiatives.

The Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2025 represents a significant labour reform initiative aimed at protecting workers engaged in the gig and platform economy. By approving this legislation, Jharkhand has created a formal legal framework to ensure minimum wages, social security benefits, and welfare measures for gig workers across sectors such as transport, delivery, and logistics. The law also establishes a dedicated Gig Workers Welfare Board to oversee registration, implementation of schemes, and regulatory compliance. This step highlights Jharkhand’s proactive approach in addressing employment vulnerabilities in the rapidly expanding digital economy.

A team from India achieved global recognition at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025 by winning a top honour for an innovative satellite-based internet concept. The project focused on creating a sovereign broadband infrastructure using space-based technology to address connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions. By targeting millions of people without reliable internet access, the concept demonstrated strong social impact, scalability, and technological innovation. This achievement highlights India’s growing capabilities in space technology, digital innovation, and problem-solving, as well as the strength of its innovation ecosystem on the global stage.

India entered into a major development financing partnership with the Asian Development Bank through the signing of five loan agreements exceeding $2.2 billion. These loans are aimed at supporting national and state-level initiatives across diverse sectors such as skill development, rooftop solar energy, healthcare infrastructure, metro rail expansion, and ecotourism-based livelihoods. The collaboration reflects India’s focus on inclusive and sustainable growth, climate action, and capacity building. By extending financial and technical assistance, the Asian Development Bank plays a key role in strengthening India’s development priorities while supporting long-term economic resilience and social infrastructure improvement.

The Union Home Ministry introduced a significant policy change by increasing the reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C (constable-level) posts of Central Armed Police Forces to 50%. This marks a major shift from the earlier 10% quota announced in 2022 and aims to address post-service employment concerns of Agniveers completing their four-year tenure. The enhanced 50% reservation is being implemented first in the Border Security Force and will be extended to other CAPFs through amended recruitment rules. The decision reflects adaptive policymaking in response to social, political, and employment-related feedback.

Bharti Airtel announced a key leadership transition as part of its long-term succession and strategic planning. Shashwat Sharma, who was serving as CEO-designate, has been approved by the company’s board to take over as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel India starting 1 January 2026. His appointment is for a five-year term and he will also serve as a Key Managerial Personnel. This leadership change ensures continuity in Airtel’s operations while allowing senior leaders to focus on strategy, governance, and financial oversight in a highly competitive telecom market.

The Reserve Bank of India granted approval to HDFC Bank and its group entities to acquire up to a 9.5% aggregate stake in IndusInd Bank. This approval allows HDFC Bank to make a strategic investment while staying within the regulatory framework governing bank ownership and voting rights. The permission is time-bound and valid until December 2026, ensuring regulatory oversight during the investment period. By allowing HDFC Bank to increase its exposure under a defined limit, the RBI balances growth opportunities for the bank with safeguards related to control, governance, and financial stability in the Indian banking system.

The 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final marked a historic achievement in Indian domestic cricket, as a new champion emerged for the first time in several seasons. Jharkhand delivered a dominant performance in the final, posting the highest-ever total in a T20 tournament final and securing a convincing victory. The triumph was powered by outstanding batting displays from key players, reflecting the team’s aggressive approach and consistent form throughout the tournament. This maiden title win placed Jharkhand among the select teams to have claimed the prestigious domestic T20 crown.

Maitri II is envisioned as India’s modern, all-weather Antarctic research station that will replace the existing Maitri I facility. The project timeline was revised from earlier estimates, reflecting the scale and complexity of constructing advanced infrastructure in the harsh Antarctic environment. The new completion target aligns with India’s long-term scientific and logistical planning, allowing sufficient time for design, site preparation, and construction. By aiming for completion in 2032, the project ensures the development of state-of-the-art laboratories and reliable support systems to strengthen India’s contribution to global climate, glaciology, and environmental research.