Current Affairs - December 27, 2025 Current Affairs

United States has introduced a significant reform in the H-1B visa selection process by shifting from a purely random lottery system to one that gives weight to wage levels. This change is designed to favor higher-paying, highly skilled roles, ensuring that foreign talent complements rather than competes unfairly with domestic workers. By prioritizing wage-based selection, the policy aims to protect local wage standards, improve job quality, and better align immigration with labor market needs. The revision also has the potential to influence how international professionals, particularly in the technology sector, enter the US workforce.

December 27 is observed annually as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, highlighting the global importance of preventing and responding effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. The observance was established following a United Nations General Assembly resolution and was first marked in 2020. It draws attention to the need for strong health systems, early warning mechanisms, trained health workers, and international cooperation. Lessons from outbreaks such as Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19 underline that epidemics can rapidly escalate into major health, economic, and security crises. The day reinforces preparedness as a continuous global responsibility rather than a reactive measure.

China has achieved a major infrastructure milestone by opening the world’s longest expressway tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Stretching 22.13 km, the tunnel significantly reduces travel time across the Tianshan Mountains and improves connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang. It forms a critical part of the G0711 Urumqi–Yuli Expressway and supports the efficient transport of energy resources, agricultural products, and industrial materials. The project showcases advanced engineering, including operation in extreme geological and climatic conditions, while contributing to economic integration, tourism growth, and regional development.

Israel has taken a landmark step in international diplomacy by becoming the first country to formally recognise Somaliland. This move includes plans to establish full diplomatic relations through the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. Alongside recognition, Israel has announced expanded cooperation with Somaliland in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology. Somaliland, strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, declared independence in 1991 but has remained largely unrecognised by the global community. This recognition is considered a historic moment and may influence future international engagement with Somaliland.

Josh Tongue achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first England bowler in the 21st century to claim a five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His impressive figures of 5 for 45 came during the Boxing Day Test, where his performance played a crucial role in bowling Australia out for 152 in the first innings. This achievement ended a long 27-year gap since an England bowler last managed the feat at the iconic venue. Earlier England bowlers to take five wickets at the MCG included Darren Gough and Dean Headley, making Tongue’s effort historically significant.

Indian Railways has set a clear long-term target to double the originating train capacity in 48 major cities by the year 2030. This timeline aligns with broader efforts to modernise rail infrastructure and address rapidly growing passenger demand in urban and peri-urban areas. The plan includes expanding terminals, constructing new platforms, developing additional stabling and maintenance facilities, and upgrading signalling systems. By setting 2030 as the milestone, the initiative aims to future-proof the rail network, reduce congestion at busy stations, improve punctuality, and enhance overall passenger comfort while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Odisha hosts the Dhanu Yatra every year in the town of Bargarh, where the entire area transforms into a massive open-air stage. The festival is celebrated over 11 days and is renowned as the world’s largest open-air theatre. It vividly portrays episodes from the life of Lord Krishna, beginning with his birth and culminating in the death of King Kansa. With its scale, cultural richness, and community participation, the festival holds immense cultural significance. Its importance has been further recognised by the Central Government through the grant of National Festival status.

Goa Shipyard Limited played a key role in strengthening India’s maritime self-reliance by designing and constructing the first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel, inducted under the 02 PCV project, represents a major milestone in indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. As the largest ship in the Coast Guard’s fleet, it significantly enhances operational reach, pollution response capacity, and maritime safety. Equipped with advanced pollution control systems and a high-capacity external firefighting system, the ship improves preparedness for environmental protection and emergency response across India’s maritime zones.

Sports is the category in which Vaibhav Suryavanshi was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, reflecting his extraordinary accomplishments in cricket at just 14 years of age. The award recognises children between 5 and 18 years who demonstrate excellence and outstanding performance in various fields. Vaibhav’s achievements span domestic cricket, Under-19 tournaments, and the Indian Premier League, where he set multiple age-related and performance records. By recognising him in the Sports category, the award highlights India’s focus on nurturing young athletic talent and celebrating early excellence in competitive sports.

Two new airlines received No Objection Certificates from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, marking an important step toward expanding competition in India’s domestic aviation sector. These approvals allow Al Hind Air and FlyExpress to proceed toward commercial operations, expected to begin in 2026. Another airline, Shankh Air from Uttar Pradesh, which already has an NOC, is expected to begin operations in 2026. Granting NOCs signifies that the airlines have met key regulatory requirements related to ownership, financial strength, and security. At a time when the market is dominated by a few major players, the entry of new carriers is expected to improve competition, enhance connectivity on underserved routes, and contribute to a more resilient and balanced aviation ecosystem.

Gwalior served as the venue for the Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit, a major event aimed at promoting investment-led employment generation in the state. The summit coincided with the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, adding symbolic importance to the occasion. High-level participation, including the Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, underlined its significance. Discussions and initiatives at the summit focused on key growth sectors such as industry, MSMEs, startups, logistics, tourism, and urban infrastructure, aligning with the broader vision of sustainable economic development.