UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 December 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 December 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 3:

• India and A Strong Defence Industrial Base

India and A Strong Defence Industrial Base

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• GSL’s new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’

GSL’s new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Govt. to increase reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs to 50%

Govt. to increase reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs to 50%

• UN Peacekeepers

UN Peacekeepers

• PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025

PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Mapping:

• Arctic Region

Arctic Region

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 December 2025

GS Paper 3:

India and A Strong Defence Industrial Base

Source: TH

Subject: Economics & National Security

Context: The debate on building a strong defence industrial base has intensified as India targets ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore defence exports by 2029, alongside rising geopolitical instability and supply-chain risks.

About India and A Strong Defence Industrial Base:

What it is?

• A defence industrial base is the ecosystem of public + private firms, MSMEs, R&D labs, testing infrastructure, and supply chains that can design, develop, manufacture, maintain, and export defence platforms, spares, and technologies.

Key trends in India:

• Highest-ever defence production: ₹1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.

• Indigenous defence production: ₹1,27,434 crore in FY 2023–24 (up 174% from 2014–15).

• Defence exports: Record ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25, to 80+ countries / over 100 nations.

• Ecosystem depth: 16,000 MSMEs, 788 industrial licences to 462 companies.

• Private sector role rising: About 23% share in total production (FY 2024–25).

Necessity of an Indigenous Defence Industrial Base (IDIB):

• Strategic autonomy in crises: An indigenous defence base insulates national security from foreign sanctions, export controls, and geopolitical pressure during conflicts.

E.g. The BrahMos Missile System, co-developed and manufactured in India, ensures India retains full operational control without the risk of a foreign “push-button veto” in crisis situations.

• Operational readiness: Domestic manufacturing enables faster repairs, upgrades, and contextual modifications essential for sustained military operations.

E.g. During the Ladakh standoff, indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas and ALH Dhruv were rapidly adapted for high-altitude and extreme weather conditions by HAL, avoiding delays from foreign dependence.

• Economic multiplier: Defence production catalyses high-skill employment and innovation across aerospace, electronics, metallurgy, and advanced materials.

E.g. The Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridors have attracted firms like Tata Advanced Systems and L&T, building end-to-end domestic supply chains from components to complex systems.

• Geopolitical leverage: Defence exports deepen strategic partnerships, enhance interoperability, and translate industrial capability into diplomatic influence.

E.g. India’s BrahMos export to the Philippines (2024) marked a shift from importer to security provider in the Indo-Pacific, adding a credible hard-power dimension to India’s foreign policy.

Initiatives taken so far:

• Policy reforms for indigenous procurement: DAP 2020 emphasising Buy (Indian-IDDM) and faster approvals.

• Ordnance Factory reforms: Corporatisation to improve efficiency and accountability.

• FDI liberalisation: Up to 74% automatic route, up to 100% via government route (as per your notes).

• Innovation push: iDEX, Technology Development Fund, and RDI ecosystem linking startups/MSMEs with defence needs.

• Defence Industrial Corridors: UP and Tamil Nadu corridors as manufacturing clusters and supply-chain hubs.

• Export facilitation digitisation: Online export authorisations, OGEL, simplified SOPs to ease exports.

Challenges Associated with Defence Indigenisation:

• Regulatory complexity: Multiple approvals for joint ventures, technology transfer, and export licensing slow project execution and reduce private-sector confidence.

E.g. The Single Engine Fighter Jet project faced years of delay under the Strategic Partnership model, as firms like Tata–Lockheed and Adani awaited clarity on technology ownership and transfer terms.

• Testing and certification bottlenecks: Lengthy trials, limited test infrastructure, and frequently changing GSQRs delay induction of indigenous systems.

E.g. The ATAGS artillery system underwent nearly six years of multi-terrain trials; while ensuring quality, such timelines slowed induction compared to off-the-shelf imports.

• Financing constraints: Defence MSMEs face high working-capital needs and long order cycles, making access to affordable credit difficult.

E.g. Drone startups in Bengaluru and Pune often exhaust early-stage funding while waiting for RFPs and long-term MoD contracts required by banks for lending.

• R&D to production gap: Translating successful prototypes into reliable, mass-produced systems remains a key weakness.

E.g. Despite DRDO’s R&D success, the Nishant UAV struggled during scale-up due to production and quality issues, limiting its operational adoption.

• Demand uncertainty: Frequent cancellations and re-tendering discourage private investment in capacity and specialised infrastructure.

E.g. Repeated halting and revival of the Navy’s LPD project created uncertainty for private shipyards like L&T (Kattupalli), affecting long-term planning and investment.

Way ahead for Defence Indigenisation:

• Single-window export facilitation agency: Fragmented approvals across ministries delay exports and weaken credibility; a single-window, professionally run agency can fast-track licensing, coordination, and after-sales support, improving India’s reliability as a defence supplier.

• Predictable long-term procurement pipelines: Unclear demand projections discourage private investment in capital-intensive defence manufacturing; 10–15 year procurement roadmaps with assured indigenous orders can reduce risk and enable capacity expansion.

• Re-orient DRDO’s role: Combining R&D with production slows induction timelines; limiting DRDO to frontier research while industry handles manufacturing will speed up commercialisation and operational deployment.

• Strengthen the defence finance ecosystem: Long gestation cycles and weak access to credit constrain MSMEs; specialised export finance, credit guarantees, and sovereign lines of credit can de-risk investment and sustain production.

• World-class testing and certification: Limited testing capacity and India-specific standards delay induction and exports; integrated test facilities and alignment with global norms will shorten trials and boost acceptance.

• Ease of doing business for MSMEs and startups: Complex compliance and delayed payments strain cash flows; faster clearances, simplified rules, and time-bound payments will help startups survive procurement delays and scale up.

Conclusion:

A strong defence industrial base is India’s shield and springboard—it protects sovereignty while powering innovation-led growth. The recent rise in production and exports shows the direction is right, but reforms must now deepen into finance, testing, demand certainty, and faster clearances. If sustained, defence Atmanirbharta can become a defining pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047 and India’s global strategic credibility.

Q. Discuss the concept of ‘Adaptive Defence’ and its significance for national security in an era of emerging and unpredictable threats. How can India’s defence mechanisms evolve to address transnational security challenges? (15 M)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 December 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

GSL’s new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’

Context: The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel, at Goa.

About GSL’s new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’:

What it is?

• ICGS Amulya is the third vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard, designed for rapid response and extended maritime operations.

Developed by:

• Designer & Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)

• Indigenisation: >60% indigenous components, reflecting Make-in-India and defence self-reliance.

Key features:

• Dimensions: 51-metre Fast Patrol Vessel

• Propulsion: Two advanced 3000 KW diesel engines

• Speed: Up to 27 knots

• Endurance: 1,500 nautical miles

• Systems: Indigenous state-of-the-art weapons and sensors

• Roles: Surveillance, interdiction, Search & Rescue, anti-smuggling, pollution response

• Deployment: Based at Paradip, Odisha, under Coast Guard Region (North East)

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper II – Governance & Security:

• Strengthening coastal and maritime security architecture Role of Indian Coast Guard in internal security and disaster response

• Strengthening coastal and maritime security architecture

• Role of Indian Coast Guard in internal security and disaster response

• GS Paper III – Defence, Infrastructure & Technology

• Indigenisation of defence production Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India in shipbuilding Maritime security, blue economy, and protection of sea lanes

• Indigenisation of defence production

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India in shipbuilding

• Maritime security, blue economy, and protection of sea lanes

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 December 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Govt. to increase reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs to 50%

Source: TH

Subject: Government Scheme

Context: The Union Home Ministry has notified an increase in reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group-C posts of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from 10% to 50%, starting with the Border Security Force (BSF).

About Govt. to increase reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs to 50%:

What it is?

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has amended recruitment rules to reserve 50% of constable (Group-C) vacancies in CAPFs for ex-Agniveers, beginning with the Border Security Force.

Earlier policy:

• In 2022, the government announced 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs.

• Additional relaxations included 5 years age relaxation for the first batch and 3 years for subsequent batches.

• Ex-Agniveers were required to compete through regular recruitment processes.

New proposal / changes:

• 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in every recruitment year for constable posts.

• Ex-Agniveers are exempted from PST/PET, but must clear the written examination like other candidates.

• Recruitment will be done in two phases: Phase-1: Nodal CAPF recruits ex-Agniveers for 50% vacancies. Phase-2: SSC recruits remaining candidates (including 10% ex-servicemen).

• Phase-1: Nodal CAPF recruits ex-Agniveers for 50% vacancies.

• Phase-2: SSC recruits remaining candidates (including 10% ex-servicemen).

• Age limit for absorption of BSF Combatised Constable (Tradesmen) relaxed from 30 to 35 years.

• Recruitment rules of other CAPFs (CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles) to be amended gradually.

About Agnipath Scheme:

What it is?

• A short-term military recruitment scheme under which selected youth are enrolled as Agniveers for a four-year service period in the Armed Forces.

Launched in: June 2022

Key features:

• Tenure: 4 years (including training).

• No pension or gratuity for Agniveers after exit.

• Seva Nidhi package: ~₹10.04 lakh (tax-free) on exit after 4 years.

• Pay: Starts at ₹30,000/month (Year 1) and rises to ₹40,000/month (Year 4).

• Regular cadre intake: Up to 25% of each batch may be absorbed into the permanent cadre based on performance.

• Insurance: ₹48 lakh non-contributory life cover during service.

• Skill & education benefits: Skill certificate and Class-12 equivalent certification (for those enrolled after Class 10).

Source: HT

Subject: Geography

Context: The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert for dense to very dense fog over Uttar Pradesh, with similar conditions forecast across north and eastern India.

About Fog:

What it is?

• Fog is a meteorological phenomenon in which tiny water droplets or ice crystals remain suspended near the Earth’s surface, reducing visibility to below 1 km due to scattering of light.

Types of Fog:

• Radiation fog: Forms during clear, calm nights when the Earth rapidly loses heat by radiation, cooling the air near the surface to the dew point. It is common in winter over plains and usually dissipates after sunrise.

• Valley fog: A special type of radiation fog where cold, dense air flows downslope and accumulates in valleys. The trapped air cools further, making valley fog denser and longer-lasting than fog over flat terrain.

• Advection fog: Occurs when warm, moist air moves horizontally over a colder surface such as snow, land, or cold ocean currents. Cooling from below causes condensation, and the fog can persist even during daytime.

• Freezing fog: Composed of supercooled liquid droplets that freeze instantly upon contact with surfaces. It creates a thin ice coating on roads, trees, and power lines, making travel extremely hazardous.

• Evaporation (mixing) fog: Forms when water vapour added by evaporation mixes with cooler, drier air until saturation is reached. Common examples include steam fog over warm water bodies and frontal fog during rainfall.

• Upslope fog: Develops when moist air is forced to rise along hills or mountain slopes. As the air ascends, it cools adiabatically, condenses, and forms fog, often covering large elevated areas.

• Hail fog: A rare fog that forms after heavy hailstorms when melting hail cools the warm, moist air near the ground to its dew point. It is usually shallow, patchy, and short-lived.

How fog is formed?

• Fog forms when air temperature falls to the dew point or when moisture content increases enough for saturation.

• Key mechanisms include radiational cooling, horizontal movement of moist air, evaporation, or orographic uplift.

• Calm winds, high humidity, long winter nights, and temperature inversions favour fog formation.

Impacts on local weather and society:

• Visibility reduction: Near-zero visibility disrupts road, rail, and air transport, increasing accident risk.

• Temperature moderation: Fog can suppress daytime heating, prolonging cold conditions.

• Air quality deterioration: Fog traps pollutants near the surface, worsening smog and respiratory issues.

UN Peacekeepers

Source: NH

Subject: International Organisation

Context: The UN Security Council has strongly condemned drone attacks on UN peacekeepers in Sudan’s South Kordofan, which killed six Bangladeshi personnel serving with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.

About UN Peacekeepers:

What it is?

• UN Peacekeeping is a mechanism deployed by the United Nations to help countries transition from conflict to peace by stabilising volatile situations and supporting political processes.

Evolution of UN Peacekeeping:

• 1948: Observer missions UN peacekeeping began with unarmed observer missions like UNTSO, focused on monitoring ceasefires and reporting violations without enforcement powers.

• Cold War era: Geopolitical rivalry between major powers restricted mandates, limiting peacekeeping largely to monitoring roles and consent-based deployments.

• Post-1990s expansion: After civil wars increased, missions became multidimensional, combining military presence with political mediation and humanitarian support.

• Reforms (Brahimi Report, 2000): The report called for clearer mandates, adequate resources, rapid deployment, and prioritising civilian protection.

Functions of UN Peacekeepers:

• Ceasefire monitoring: Peacekeepers observe buffer zones and report violations to prevent renewed hostilities.

• Protection of civilians: They are authorised to use force when necessary to protect civilians facing imminent threats.

• Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR): They assist ex-combatants in laying down arms and reintegrating into civilian life.

• Support to elections and governance: Peacekeepers help organise elections and strengthen local administrative institutions.

• Human rights and rule of law: They monitor abuses, support judicial reforms, and promote accountability.

• Humanitarian assistance: They facilitate relief delivery and support early recovery in post-conflict areas.

India and UN Peacekeeping:

• Major troop contributor: India remains one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations.

• Scale of participation: Over 2,90,000 Indian peacekeepers have served in more than 50 missions worldwide.

• Current deployments: Around 5,000 Indian personnel are deployed across nine active UN missions.

• Sacrifice and commitment: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in service of global peace.

PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025

Source: IE

Subject: Economy

Context: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has notified the NPS Exit & Withdrawal (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, increasing lump sum withdrawal to 80% for non-government subscribers and allowing exit deferment up to 85 years, significantly enhancing flexibility and liquidity in NPS.

About PFRDA (Exits and Withdrawals under the National Pension System) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025:

What it is?

• A set of amended regulations governing withdrawal, exit, deferment, annuity requirements, loans, and death-related settlements under the National Pension System (NPS).

Key features:

• Higher lump sum withdrawal: Non-government subscribers: Up to 80% lump sum, mandatory annuity reduced to 20% (earlier 40%). Government subscribers: Existing 60:40 (lump sum : annuity) continues.

• Non-government subscribers: Up to 80% lump sum, mandatory annuity reduced to 20% (earlier 40%).

• Government subscribers: Existing 60:40 (lump sum : annuity) continues.

• Enhanced exit deferment: Subscribers can defer lump sum withdrawal or annuity purchase up to age 85 (earlier 75).

• Corpus-based flexibility (non-govt): Accumulated Pension Wealth ≤ ₹8 lakh: 100% lump sum allowed. ₹8–12 lakh: Options of ₹6 lakh lump sum or 80:20 split. ₹12 lakh: Up to 80% lump sum, 20% annuity mandatory.

• Accumulated Pension Wealth ≤ ₹8 lakh: 100% lump sum allowed.

• ₹8–12 lakh: Options of ₹6 lakh lump sum or 80:20 split.

• ₹12 lakh: Up to 80% lump sum, 20% annuity mandatory.

• Voluntary exit norms: Accumulated Pension Wealth ≤ ₹5 lakh: 100% lump sum permitted; otherwise 20:80 applies.

• Accumulated Pension Wealth ≤ ₹5 lakh: 100% lump sum permitted; otherwise 20:80 applies.

• Death cases: 100% lump sum or 100% annuity allowed for non-govt subscribers irrespective of corpus.

• 100% lump sum or 100% annuity allowed for non-govt subscribers irrespective of corpus.

• Loans against NPS: Permits loans from regulated institutions up to 25% of own contributions.

• Permits loans from regulated institutions up to 25% of own contributions.

• Partial withdrawals clarified: House construction allowed as one-time withdrawal. Medical withdrawals broadened to any medical treatment/hospitalisation of self/family.

• House construction allowed as one-time withdrawal.

• Medical withdrawals broadened to any medical treatment/hospitalisation of self/family.

• No fixed 5-year lock-in: Exits governed by eligibility and annuity rules, improving liquidity.

• Exits governed by eligibility and annuity rules, improving liquidity.

• Missing subscriber provision: 20% interim relief to nominees; balance settled after legal presumption of death (as per Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023).

• 20% interim relief to nominees; balance settled after legal presumption of death (as per Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023).

About National Pension System (NPS):

• What it is? A market-linked, defined contribution pension scheme aimed at providing retirement income through systematic savings.

• A market-linked, defined contribution pension scheme aimed at providing retirement income through systematic savings.

• Launched in: 2004 (initially for government employees; later expanded)

• Regulatory authority:

• Regulated and administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority under the PFRDA Act, 2013.

• Regulated and administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority under the PFRDA Act, 2013.

• Key features:

• Voluntary, portable, flexible retirement savings scheme. Eligible subscribers: Central & State Government employees (as opted), corporate employees, and all citizens (18–70 years) including NRIs. Account structure: Tier I: Mandatory retirement account (restricted withdrawals). Tier II: Voluntary savings account (free withdrawals; requires active Tier I). Tax efficiency: Contributions eligible for tax benefits; Seva Nidhi / withdrawals subject to prevailing tax rules.

• Voluntary, portable, flexible retirement savings scheme.

• Eligible subscribers: Central & State Government employees (as opted), corporate employees, and all citizens (18–70 years) including NRIs.

• Central & State Government employees (as opted), corporate employees, and all citizens (18–70 years) including NRIs.

• Account structure: Tier I: Mandatory retirement account (restricted withdrawals). Tier II: Voluntary savings account (free withdrawals; requires active Tier I).

• Tier I: Mandatory retirement account (restricted withdrawals).

• Tier II: Voluntary savings account (free withdrawals; requires active Tier I).

• Tax efficiency: Contributions eligible for tax benefits; Seva Nidhi / withdrawals subject to prevailing tax rules.

• Contributions eligible for tax benefits; Seva Nidhi / withdrawals subject to prevailing tax rules.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Source: TOI

Subject: Bills and Act

Context: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) must inherently include environment and ecology, holding that CSR spending on environmental protection is not charity but a constitutional obligation under Article 51A(g).

About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

What it is?

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the responsibility of companies to contribute to social welfare and sustainable development, by integrating social, environmental, and ethical concerns into business operations and stakeholder interactions.

Launched in: CSR was made mandatory in India through the Companies Act, 2013, making India the first country in the world to legislate CSR spending.

Eligibility criteria (Section 135, Companies Act, 2013):

• CSR provisions apply to companies that meet any one of the following in the preceding financial year:

• Net worth: ₹500 crore or more Turnover: ₹1,000 crore or more Net profit: ₹5 crore or more

• Net worth: ₹500 crore or more

• Turnover: ₹1,000 crore or more

• Net profit: ₹5 crore or more

• Such companies must spend at least 2% of the average net profits of the last three years on CSR activities.

Key features of CSR in India:

• Mandatory spending: Minimum 2% of average net profits.

• CSR Committee: Board-level committee to plan and monitor CSR policy.

• Schedule VII activities: CSR spending must align with approved areas such as education, health, environment, rural development, etc.

• Disclosure norms: Details of CSR policy, spending, and unspent amounts must be disclosed in the Board’s Report.

• Environmental inclusion (as per SC): Protection of ecology, biodiversity, and wildlife is an intrinsic CSR duty, not optional.

Significance of CSR:

• Promotes sustainable development: Aligns corporate growth with environmental protection and social justice.

• Corporate accountability: Reinforces the idea that profits are partly owed to society that enables their generation.

• Constitutional alignment: Operationalises Fundamental Duties, especially environmental protection.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 December 2025 Mapping:

Arctic Region

Source: TG

Subject: Mapping

Context: A recent assessment by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the Arctic experienced its warmest and wettest year on record temperatures rising more than twice the global average.

About Arctic Region:

What it is?

• The Arctic is Earth’s northernmost polar region, characterised by extreme cold, vast ice cover, permafrost, and unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It plays a critical role in regulating global climate through its high albedo (ice reflectivity).

Located in:

• Lies north of the Arctic Circle (≈66.5° North latitude)

• Centred around the Arctic Ocean Basin

Bordering states:

The Arctic region spans parts of eight countries:

• Russia, Canada, United States (Alaska), Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland

Major rivers draining into the Arctic Ocean:

Large rivers bring freshwater and sediments into the Arctic, influencing salinity and sea ice:

• Ob, Yenisei, Lena (Russia)

• Mackenzie (Canada)

• Yukon (USA–Canada)

Geological features:

• Arctic Ocean Basin: Shallowest and coldest of the world’s ocean basins

• Continental shelves: Extensive shelves rich in hydrocarbons and minerals

• Lomonosov Ridge: Submarine mountain chain claimed by multiple Arctic states

• Permafrost: Permanently frozen ground storing vast amounts of carbon and methane

Unique facts:

• Holds about 20% of Earth’s freshwater in the form of glaciers and ice caps.

• Sea ice reflects ~80% of solar radiation, acting as Earth’s “refrigerator”.

• Experiences polar night and midnight sun due to Earth’s axial tilt.

• Warming has led to phenomena like “rusting rivers” from metal release due to permafrost thaw.

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