Daily Current Affairs 2025  

23/12/2025

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CA-23/12/2025

Contents
1. India - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
2. Internationalisation of Higher education of india
3. Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) National Awards
4. DAHD integrated value chain in Sheep and Goat sector
5. Jatin Goswami
6. MAVEN spacecraft
7. Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System (KWAS)
8. INS Anjadip
9. Indian council of forestry research and education (ICFRE)


 

 
Why in news?
India and New Zealand concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on December 22, 2025, after nine months of talks launched in March 2025. The deal aims to expands market access, reduces tariffs, and strengthens cooperation in goods, services, investment, and labour mobility.  And double bilateral trade from $1.3 billion in 2024-25 to $5 billion within five years.
 
Background

• Third FTA in six months for India, after deals with Oman and others.
• Reflects India’s push to diversify trade ties beyond traditional partners.

Key Provisions

• India gains zero-duty access for 100% of its exports to New Zealand, covering textiles, gems, engineering goods, and automobiles.
• New Zealand secures tariff elimination or reduction on 95% of its exports to India, with 57% duty-free from day one, rising to 82% fully implemented; exclusions apply to key dairy like milk and cheese to protect Indian farmers.
• The FTA includes services liberalization (FinTech, health annex), investment ($20 billion from NZ over 15 years), worker mobility, Geographical Indications, and a one-year review clause.​

Strategic Importance

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: Strengthens India’s role in the region.
• Diversification: Reduces dependence on traditional partners like US/EU.
• Viksit Bharat @2047: Forward-looking partnership aligned with India’s developmental vision.
• Youth & MSMEs: Opens opportunities for entrepreneurs, students, and small businesses.

Challenges & Concerns

• Agricultural Sensitivity: New Zealand is a major dairy exporter; India must safeguard domestic farmers.
• Trade Balance: Current trade modest; FTA must ensure balanced growth.
• Implementation: Success depends on addressing non-tariff barriers and regulatory harmonization.

 
 
   
Why in news?
NITI Aayog's December 2025 report outlines 22 recommendations, including NIRF ranking expansions for globalization metrics and diaspora alumni networks aims to transform India into a global education hub. Foreign campuses like Southampton's offer degrees at half UK costs (Rs 13-23 lakh/year), aligning with Make in India via AI/finance courses. UK-India pacts, confirmed in 2025 PM visits, boost collaborations.​
 
Internationalisation of Higher Education in India
 
Policy Framework

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Advocates global engagement, academic collaboration, and international student inflow.
• NITI Aayog Report (Dec 2025): Titled “Internationalisation of Higher Education in India: Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations”, it outlines 22 policy interventions.

Key Objectives

• Position India as a global education and research hub.
• Balance inbound and outbound student mobility.
• Enhance quality, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Major Recommendations

• Vishwa Bandhu Scholarships: To attract foreign students and faculty.
• Erasmus+-like Exchange Programme: For Indian students to study abroad.
• Foreign University Campuses: 17 universities (mainly UK, Australia) approved under UGC’s 2023 regulations.
• Campus-within-campus Model: For joint degrees and collaborations.
• $10 Billion Research Fund: To boost global research partnerships.
• Expanded NIRF Rankings: To include internationalisation metrics.

Data Highlights

• 13.35 lakh Indian students studied abroad in 2024.
  • Top destinations: Canada (4.27 lakh), US (3.37 lakh), UK (1.85 lakh), Australia, Germany.
• Inbound students to India: Still low; reforms aim to reverse this imbalance.

Challenges

• Regulatory Bottlenecks: Complex approval processes for foreign institutions.
• Infrastructure & Quality Gaps: Need for global-standard campuses.
• Brain Drain: High outbound mobility without adequate return incentives.

India’s Internationalisation Strategy
 

Aspect	Highlights
Policy Anchor	NEP 2020, NITI Aayog 2025 Report
Key Schemes	Vishwa Bandhu, Erasmus, Oth.
Foreign Campuses Approved	17 (UK, Australia)
Outbound Students (2024)	13.35 lakh
Top Destinations	Canada, US, UK, Australia, Germany
Challenges	Brain drain, regulation, infrastructure
Strategic Goal	Make India a global education hub

 
 
   
Why in news?
The Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) National Awards presented annually recognizing excellence in public relations efforts by organizations, institutions, and individuals across various categories. Recent recipients include the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and IIM Visakhapatnam at the 47th All India PR Conference in Dehradun from December 13-15, 2025.​
 
About the PRSI National Awards

• Organizer: Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), the country’s leading professional body for PR and communication.
• Purpose: To honor outstanding achievements in corporate communication, social media, advertising, sustainability, and public outreach.
• Event: Awards are conferred at the annual All India Public Relations Conference, which brings together professionals, government representatives, and industry leaders.
• Theme (2025): “Empowering Growth, Preserving Roots – The PR Vision for 2047”, held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand from December 13–15, 2025.

Recent Highlights (2025 Awards)
Several organizations were recognized for their innovative communication strategies:

Organization	Awards Won	Categories
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)	8 awards	Best Advertising Campaign using AI, Best Use of AI in PR Campaign, and others
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)	3 awards	Recognized for civic engagement and public communication
THDC India Limited	2 awards	Best Usage of Social Media in Corporate Campaign, Sustainable Development Report
National Council of Science Museums (NCSM)	2 awards	Har Ghar Museum initiative, Waste to Art publication

 
Significance

• Encourage innovation: Highlighting use of AI, digital platforms, and creative campaigns.
• Promote transparency: Recognizing organizations that communicate openly with stakeholders.
• Support national development: Awards often align with themes of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural preservation.
• Boost credibility: Winning organizations gain recognition among peers, policymakers, and the public.

Key Considerations

• Competitive nature: With entries from PSUs, corporations, and government bodies, the awards are highly contested.
• Evolving categories: Reflects trends like AI in communication, sustainability, and digital outreach.
• Impact on branding: Recognition enhances trust and reputation for both public and private organizations.

 
 
   
Why in news?
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) emphasizes developing integrated value chains in the sheep and goat sector to boost rural livelihoods, drawing parallels to successful dairy and poultry models. Sheep and goats, termed the "ATM of the poor," hold untapped potential for meat, wool, and milk production amid rising domestic demand and export opportunities.​
 
Key highlights

•  DAHD collaborated with ICAR-Central Sheep Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) for a national sheep symposium on December 22, 2025, in Avikanagar, Rajasthan.
• The colaboration called for research-driven interventions to enhance productivity and create robust value chains similar to dairy cooperatives.
• Discussions covered wool, mutton, milk, genetic resources, and entrepreneurship challenges.​

Key Schemes

• Under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), DAHD provides up to 50% capital subsidy (maximum ₹50 lakh) for sheep/goat entrepreneurship projects handling 500 animals, with strong scheme uptake.
• The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) offers 3% interest subvention for wool processing, vaccine units, and waste-to-wealth projects.
• Additional focus includes breed improvement, artificial insemination via mobile vans, and PPR vaccination support to states.​

Strategic Focus

• DAHD prioritizes private sector training, skill development, and veterinary strengthening to link farmers to markets.
• Challenges like declining wool demand from synthetics and disease control require high-performing breeds and infrastructure.
• Integrated chains aim to ensure remunerative prices, mirroring dairy's 25% global milk share success.​

 
 
   
Why in news?
Jatin Goswami is a renowned Indian classical dancer and choreographer, celebrated as a leading exponent of Sattriya dance from Assam. Born on August 2, 1933, he received the Padma Bhushan in 2025 for his contributions to the art form.​
 
Key Contributions

• He founded Alok Shilpi Sangha dance academy in 1953 and Pragjyoti Kala Parishad in 1962 to promote Sattriya culture.
• Goswami served as the first director of Sattriya Akademi in Guwahati and helped secure classical status for Sattriya from Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000.
• He has authored books like Maati Akhora and Nrityar Sikshya, and performed globally.​

Awards

• Goswami earned the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2004, Padma Shri in 2008, and Kalidas Samman in 2017, culminating in the Padma Bhushan presented by President Droupadi Murmu in 2025.

About Sattriya dance

• Sattriya dance is one of India's eight classical dance forms, originating from Assam and deeply rooted in Vaishnavite traditions.
• Created in the 15th-16th century by saint-reformer Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardev, it serves as a devotional medium performed in sattras, or Vaishnava monasteries.
• In 2000, Sangeet Natak Akademi recognized it as a classical dance.​
• Sankardev introduced Sattriya during the neo-Vaishnava movement to propagate Bhakti through Ankiya Nat plays and Bhaona performances.
• Initially exclusive to male monks (bhakats), it evolved to include women while preserving its spiritual essence in sattras.

Key Features of Sattriya dance

• The dance blends nritta (pure rhythmic movements) and nritya (expressive storytelling) with intricate footwork (chari), postures (bhangi), spins (bhramari), and hand gestures (mudras).
• Basic exercises like Mati Akhora build discipline, covering body positions, jumps, animal-inspired gaits (e.g., Mayuragati for peacock), and abhinaya (facial expressions emphasizing Dasya Bhava devotion).​
• Common pieces include Chali (graceful), Jhumura (vigorous), Gayan-Bhayanar Nach, and themes from Krishna legends, Ramayana, or Mahabharata, accompanied by Borgeet music in ragas like Biyashgara.​​

 
 
   
Why in news?
As of December 6, 2025, Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) lost contact with Earth, and NASA teams are working on recovery via the Deep Space Network. The spacecraft had enough fuel projected for operations until at least 2030 before this issue.
 
Key Facts about MAVEN

• Full Name: Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)
• Type: Orbiter
• Launch Date: November 18, 2013, by NASA
• Mars Orbit Insertion: September 21, 2014
• Primary Objective: To determine how much of Mars’ atmosphere has been lost to space and understand the processes driving this loss.

Mission Goals

• Measure the current rate of atmospheric escape into space.
• Study the upper atmosphere and ionosphere (charged particle layer).
• Investigate how solar wind and sunlight interact with Mars’ atmosphere.
• Provide insights into Mars’ climate history, including why the planet shifted from a warmer, wetter environment to the cold, dry world we see today.

Key Achievements

• Observed Comet Siding Spring's 2014 flyby, detecting metals like magnesium in Mars' atmosphere from comet debris.​
• Mapped global wind patterns in the upper atmosphere and studied responses to solar events and dust storms.​
• Serves as a communications relay for surface missions like Perseverance rover, with orbit adjusted in 2019 for better coverage.​

 

• The Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System (KWAS) is a globally recognized heritage site in Kerala, famous as the only place in India where rice is cultivated below sea level.
• It represents a unique blend of traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable farming, and community-driven water management.

• Location: Kuttanad, Alappuzha district, Kerala — often called the “Rice Bowl of Kerala.”
• Unique Practice: Paddy cultivation 1–2 meters below mean sea level, on reclaimed marshes.
• Bunds (Padasekharams): Farmers construct earthen bunds to protect fields from saline backwaters.
• Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS): Recognized by the FAO for its sustainable and indigenous farming practices. Kuttanad's system is one of the three Indian GIAHS sites alongside Koraput and Kashmir saffron, balances conservation with livelihoods through integrated wetlands, gardens, and water bodies. 
• Community Management: Collective farming and water regulation through cooperative institutions.

• Food Security: Ensures rice production in a challenging ecological zone.
• Climate Adaptation: Demonstrates resilience against floods, salinity, and waterlogging.
• Cultural Heritage: Embodies centuries-old farming wisdom and social cooperation.
• Sustainability: Integrates biodiversity conservation with livelihood security.

• Intensification with three rice crops yearly, salinity ingress, chemical overuse, and Thanneermukkom Bund have disrupted hydrology, causing pollution, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss.
• Coconut root-wilt disease and weedy abandoned fields threaten sustainability.
• Climate impacts demand revived traditional practices for resilience.​

• Type: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
• Induction Date: 22 December 2025
• Builder: GRSE, Kolkata (in partnership with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli)
• Length: ~77 metres – largest Indian naval warship propelled by waterjets
• Cost: Approx. ₹789 crore (US$93 million)
• Namesake: Anjadip Island, off Karwar, Karnataka

• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenously designed anti-submarine rockets, and shallow-water SONAR.
• Coastal Surveillance: Designed for patrolling India’s littoral zones and detecting underwater threats.
• Mine-Laying: Enhances India’s defensive maritime capabilities.
• Propulsion: Waterjet technology for high maneuverability in shallow waters.

• Revives Legacy: Reincarnation of the earlier INS Anjadip (Petya-class corvette, decommissioned in 2003).
• Maritime Security: Strengthens India’s ability to safeguard its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and coastal waters.
• Indigenization: Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), showcasing India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
• Fleet Expansion: Third of eight planned ASW-SWCs, forming a critical part of India’s coastal defense network.

• Type: Autonomous organization under MoEFCC
• Established: 1986 (declared autonomous in 1991)
• Headquarters: P.O. New Forest, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Motto: वनस्पतय: शान्ति: (Peace through plants), focuses on sustainable forest management, ecological security, and livelihood enhancement through scientific advancements.​
• Budget (2025–26): ₹354 crore (approx. US$42 million)
• Structure: Registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860

• Conduct scientific forestry research to support sustainable forest management.
• Provide education and training in forestry sciences.
• Disseminate knowledge through extension programs to stakeholders and communities.
• Develop strategies for forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
• Collaborate with international organizations for forestry research and policy development.

• Supports national forest policy implementation.
• Provides scientific input for afforestation, reforestation, and climate change mitigation.
• Plays a crucial role in capacity building of forestry professionals.
• Acts as a knowledge hub for sustainable forest management in India.

• ICFRE administers India's Green Credits Program and supports international commitments on forestry and climate change.
• It also promotes education, consultancy services, and technology transfer to states, industries, and forest-dependent communities.​

 

 
 
Question & Answer
 
Question 1. NASA's MAVEN mission, despite recent operational challenges, plays a vital role in understanding Mars' evolution. What is the primary scientific objective of the MAVEN spacecraft?
 
Select your answer:
A) To search for extant microbial life in the polar ice caps of Mars.
B) To map the distribution of subsurface water ice across the Martian equator.
C) To determine the rate at which Mars' atmosphere is being lost to space and the drivers of that loss.
D) To study the composition of the Martian crust using ground-penetrating radar.
 
Explanation: (C)
The primary objective of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission is specifically to measure the current rate of atmospheric escape into space and understand the processes (like solar wind interaction) driving this loss, helping explain Mars' climate history.
 
 
Question 2. The NITI Aayog's recent report on the Internationalisation of Higher Education in India aims to transform the country into a global education hub. In line with policy recommendations, which measure is intended to address the significant outbound student mobility?
 
Select your answer:
A) Mandating an immediate cap on the number of Indian students allowed to enroll in foreign universities annually.
B) Introducing the 'Vishwa Bandhu Scholarships' specifically designed to attract and retain foreign students and faculty in Indian institutions.
C) Restricting foreign university campuses from offering specialized courses like Artificial Intelligence within India.
D) Diverting all funding from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 towards overseas institutional partnerships.
 
Explanation: (B)
While the overall goal is to balance mobility, the policy recommendations specifically included schemes like 'Vishwa Bandhu Scholarships' to enhance inbound mobility, thereby mitigating the imbalance caused by high outbound student numbers (13.35 lakh in 2024). Option (b) reflects a direct recommendation to attract inbound talent.
 
 
Question 3. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) is focusing on developing integrated value chains in the sheep and goat sector, often referred to as the 'ATM of the poor.' Which scheme provides capital subsidy support, up to a maximum of ₹50 lakh, for entrepreneurship projects involving 500 animals under the National Livestock Mission (NLM)?
 
Select your answer:
A) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
B) Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
C) National Livestock Mission (NLM)
D) Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
 
Explanation: (C)
The National Livestock Mission (NLM) under the DAHD provides up to 50% capital subsidy (maximum ₹50 lakh) for sheep/goat entrepreneurship projects handling 500 animals, aligning with the push for integrated value chains. AHIDF offers interest subvention, not the direct capital subsidy mentioned for NLM projects.
 
 
Question 4. Consider the recent India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the context of India's evolving trade strategy. Which of the following statements accurately reflects a key provision concerning market access for Indian exports under this agreement?
 
Select your answer:
A) It grants immediate duty-free access to 100% of New Zealand's imports, with specific exclusions only for textiles.
B) It provides India zero-duty access for 100% of its exports to New Zealand, encompassing areas like textiles and automobiles.
C) While New Zealand secures duty elimination on 95% of its exports, India only achieved partial duty reduction on 50% of its key exports.
D) The agreement focuses solely on reducing tariffs for services and investment, leaving trade in goods largely unaffected.
 
Explanation: (B)
The provided information states that India gains zero-duty access for 100% of its exports to New Zealand, covering textiles, gems, engineering goods, and automobiles. Option (a) is incorrect due to the specific 100% coverage and exclusion mention. Option (c) misrepresents the benefits for India. Option (d) is incorrect as goods trade is significantly covered.
 
 
Question 5. The recent PRSI National Awards highlighted the increasing adoption of modern technology in corporate communication and public relations in India. Which specific technology was frequently recognized in categories such as 'Best Advertising Campaign' and 'Best Use of AI in PR Campaign'?
 
Select your answer:
A) Quantum Computing simulations for predictive modelling.
B) Blockchain for transparent digital reporting.
C) Artificial Intelligence (AI).
D) Virtual Reality (VR) for stakeholder engagement.
 
Explanation: (C)
The highlights from the 2025 PRSI National Awards specifically mentioned organizations like SAIL winning awards for 'Best Advertising Campaign using AI' and 'Best Use of AI in PR Campaign,' indicating the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the public relations sector.
 
 
Question 6. Jatin Goswami, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2025, is critically associated with the promotion and preservation of which distinct Indian classical dance form originating from Assam?
 
Select your answer:
A) Kathakali, known for its elaborate facial make-up and mythological themes.
B) Manipuri, which originated in the Vaishnavite monasteries (sattras).
C) Sattriya, rooted in the Vaishnavite traditions established by Srimanta Sankardev.
D) Odissi, characterized by the Tribhanga posture and lyrical movement.
 
Explanation: (C)
Jatin Goswami is celebrated as a leading exponent of Sattriya dance, which originated in Assam in the monasteries (sattras) under the influence of saint-reformer Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankardev. This form was officially recognized as classical in 2000.
 
 
 

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