🔬 Science & Technology

🔷 ISRO Launches Heaviest-Ever Satellite ‘BlueBird-6’

On December 24, 2025, ISRO successfully launched the LVM3-M6 mission from Sriharikota.
The rocket carried the BlueBird-6 satellite, weighing 6,100 kg, making it the heaviest satellite ever launched by an Indian rocket.
Purpose: It is a commercial satellite for US-based AST SpaceMobile to provide direct 5G cellular broadband to regular smartphones from space.
This marks the 9th successful flight of the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) rocket.

🏛️ Polity & Governance

🔷 President Gives Assent to ‘VB-G RAM G’ Bill

President Droupadi Murmu has officially approved the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025.
This new law replaces the old MGNREGA Act of 2005.
Key Change: It increases the guaranteed employment from 100 days to 125 days per year for rural households.
Focus: It shifts the work focus towards creating permanent national assets like irrigation and digital infrastructure.

🔷 Cabinet Approves Delhi Metro Expansion (Phase 5-A)

The Union Cabinet approved the Phase 5-A of the Delhi Metro rail network at a cost of ₹12,015 crore.
The project covers 16 kilometres across three routes and will include 13 new stations.
The expansion aims to provide better connectivity to suburban areas and reduce traffic congestion in the NCR region.

🔷 President Assents to SHANTI Bill, 2025

The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill has been signed into law.
Goal: To increase India's nuclear energy capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Private Entry: For the first time, it allows private sector players to participate in the civil nuclear energy sector.

🪖 Defence & Security

🔷 India’s First National Counter-Terrorism Policy Released

The Ministry of Home Affairs released India’s first-ever National Counter-Terrorism Policy.
Digital Security: It focuses on stopping terror funding through cryptocurrency and fighting radicalisation on encrypted apps.
NATGRID: The policy expands the use of the National Intelligence Grid to allow local police and central agencies to share data instantly.
Gold Hour: It aims to improve coordination between state and central forces during the first "Golden Hours" of an attack.

🔷 Submarine INS Sindhughosh Decommissioned

The Indian Navy's first Sindhughosh-class submarine, INS Sindhughosh, was decommissioned after 40 years of service.
It was originally commissioned in April 1986 and was the lead ship of its class.
It played a vital role in various operations, including Operation Vijay and Operation Parakram.

🌐 International Relations & Agreements

🔷 India and New Zealand Conclude Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

India and New Zealand have finalized a major trade deal to double bilateral trade in the next five years.
Zero Duty: New Zealand will give 100% duty-free access to Indian exports like textiles, leather, and pharmaceuticals.
Dairy Exclusion: India has kept its dairy and agriculture sectors out of the deal to protect Indian farmers.
Visa Ease: The pact includes easier work visas and mobility for Indian IT professionals and students.

🏅 Sports

🔷 India Ranks 7th at Asian Youth Para Games 2025

India finished its campaign at the 5th Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai with a record 102 medals.
The final tally includes 36 Gold, 28 Silver, and 38 Bronze medals.
Top Nation: Uzbekistan topped the medal table with 197 medals.
This is India's best-ever performance in the history of the Youth Para Games.

📌 December 24 General Knowledge

National Consumer Day: Observed every year on December 24 to mark the day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 received Presidential assent.
Birth of Mohammad Rafi (1924): Today is the birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer, often called the "Shahenshah-e-Tarannum".
Lotus Temple (1986): The famous Lotus Temple in New Delhi, a Baháʼí House of Worship, was opened to the public on this day in 1986.
Indian Airlines Hijack (1999): On this day, flight IC 814 was hijacked while flying from Kathmandu to Delhi, leading to a week-long crisis in Kandahar.
MGR Death Anniversary: Today is the death anniversary of M. G. Ramachandran (1987), the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a legendary actor.