Current Affairs 24/12/2025
1. India signed an MoU with which country to enhance cooperation in maritime heritage?
Answer : Netherlands
India–Netherlands MoU on Maritime Heritage
India has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime heritage. This agreement reflects the shared historical legacy of both nations in maritime trade, navigation, and port development, and aims to promote deeper cultural and technical collaboration.
Under this MoU, India and the Netherlands will work together in areas such as research, documentation, conservation, and management of maritime heritage assets. A major focus of the cooperation is the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat, envisioned as one of the world’s largest maritime museums. The Netherlands, known for its global expertise in maritime history, museum design, and water management, will provide technical support and best practices for this ambitious project.
The agreement also encourages academic exchanges, joint exhibitions, capacity building, and knowledge sharing between institutions of both countries. It is expected to enhance public awareness about maritime history while promoting tourism and cultural diplomacy.
Overall, the India–Netherlands MoU on maritime heritage represents an important step in preserving historical maritime links and leveraging international expertise to showcase India’s rich seafaring traditions on a global platform.
2. Who secured first position in the Men’s Brass Band category at the 26th All India Police Band Competition?
Answer : Railway Protection Force (RPF)
RPF Secures Top Honour at 26th All India Police Band Competition
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) achieved a notable distinction by securing first position in the Men’s Brass Band category at the 26th All India Police Band Competition. This achievement highlights the high standards of musical excellence, discipline, and coordination maintained by the RPF band.
The All India Police Band Competition is a prestigious national-level event that brings together band contingents from various police and central armed forces across the country. The competition evaluates participants on parameters such as musical precision, harmony, marching discipline, and overall presentation, making it a rigorous test of both artistic and professional skills.
By winning the top position, the RPF demonstrated not only its musical talent but also its commitment to cultural and ceremonial traditions within uniformed services. Such accomplishments enhance the public image of the force and contribute to boosting morale among personnel.
Overall, the RPF’s success in the Men’s Brass Band category reflects its dedication to excellence beyond core security duties and underscores the important role of ceremonial music in fostering unity, discipline, and national pride.
3. Which organization launched the ‘Shakti Scholars Fellowship’ for young researchers?
Answer : National Commission for Women (NCW)
National Commission for Women Launches ‘Shakti Scholars Fellowship’ to Empower Young Researchers
In a significant move to promote academic excellence and gender-focused research, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched the ‘Shakti Scholars Fellowship’, a dedicated initiative aimed at supporting young researchers across India. This fellowship is designed to encourage scholarly work that addresses key issues related to women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice.
The Shakti Scholars Fellowship offers a unique platform for emerging researchers to undertake high-impact studies, engage with policymakers, and contribute to evidence-based discourse on critical challenges confronting women in contemporary society. By facilitating financial support, mentorship opportunities, and institutional collaboration, the fellowship seeks to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and practical policy solutions.
Through this initiative, NCW reinforces its commitment to fostering an environment where innovative research can thrive and inform national strategies for women’s empowerment. The program is expected to attract talented individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, further enriching India’s research landscape in gender and social sciences.
By investing in the next generation of scholars, the Shakti Scholars Fellowship underscores NCW’s vision of advancing knowledge, enhancing policy frameworks, and promoting inclusive development for all.
4. In terms of market capitalization, India has surpassed which market?
Answer : Hong Kong
India Surpasses Hong Kong in Market Capitalization
India has achieved a major milestone in the global financial landscape by surpassing Hong Kong in terms of total stock market capitalization. This development marks India’s rise as one of the world’s largest equity markets and reflects the growing strength and depth of its capital markets.
The surge in India’s market capitalization has been driven by robust economic growth, strong performance of listed companies, increased participation by domestic investors, and sustained foreign investment inflows. Structural reforms, improved corporate governance, digitalization of financial services, and a vibrant startup ecosystem have further enhanced investor confidence in Indian markets.
In contrast, Hong Kong’s market capitalization has faced pressure due to slower economic growth, regulatory challenges, and reduced investor sentiment, leading to relatively subdued market performance. As a result, India has moved ahead, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for global investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.
This achievement underscores India’s expanding role in the global financial system and highlights the country’s potential to emerge as a leading hub for capital formation. It also strengthens India’s standing in international indices, attracting greater attention from institutional investors worldwide.
5. DRDO signed an MoU with which institution to strengthen defence research and development?
Answer : Rashtriya Raksha University
DRDO–Rashtriya Raksha University MoU: Strengthening India’s Defence Research Ecosystem
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to enhance collaboration in the field of defence research and development. This strategic partnership aims to integrate advanced scientific research with academic expertise to address emerging challenges in national security and defence technology.
Under the MoU, DRDO and RRU will work together on joint research projects, specialised training programmes, academic exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives. The collaboration is expected to promote innovation in areas such as defence technologies, internal security systems, strategic studies, and applied research relevant to armed forces and security agencies.
Rashtriya Raksha University, an institution of national importance, brings strong capabilities in security studies, policing, and strategic analysis, while DRDO contributes its extensive experience in indigenous defence technology development. By combining these strengths, the partnership supports the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on self-reliance in defence and security solutions.
Overall, the DRDO–RRU MoU represents a significant step toward building a robust defence research ecosystem, nurturing skilled human resources, and strengthening India’s preparedness to meet future security and technological challenges.
6. Between which two organizations was a cooperation agreement signed for indigenous defence manufacturing?
Answer : IOCL – Safran
IOCL–Safran Cooperation Agreement for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
A cooperation agreement has been signed between Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Safran Electronics & Defence to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing in India. This strategic partnership represents an important step toward enhancing domestic production capabilities of critical defence systems and reducing dependence on imports.
Under the agreement, IOCL and Safran will collaborate on the local manufacturing of high-precision, combat-proven defence equipment in India. The focus is on advanced navigation and sighting systems that are widely used in artillery, missiles, air-defence platforms, radars, and anti-drone systems. By enabling production within the country, the partnership aims to ensure assured supply, faster maintenance, and improved operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
The collaboration aligns closely with the Government of India’s flagship initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, which emphasize self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing. Safran brings global expertise in aerospace and defence electronics, while IOCL contributes its industrial strength, infrastructure, and manufacturing experience.
Overall, the IOCL–Safran cooperation agreement is expected to promote technology transfer, skill development, and high-value job creation, while significantly strengthening India’s defence industrial ecosystem and long-term strategic autonomy.
7. India recently concluded a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with which country?
Answer : New Zealand
India–New Zealand Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement
India has recently concluded a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, marking an important milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations between the two countries. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to deepening trade integration, enhancing market access, and fostering long-term economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The India–New Zealand FTA aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs, simplify customs procedures, and create a predictable regulatory environment for businesses. It covers a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, dairy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, education services, and renewable energy. By improving access to each other’s markets, the agreement is expected to boost two-way trade, encourage investment flows, and support supply-chain resilience.
A key feature of the FTA is its focus on services trade, innovation, and skill mobility, which is particularly significant given India’s strength in IT and professional services and New Zealand’s expertise in agri-technology and education. The agreement also emphasizes sustainable development, incorporating provisions related to environmental standards and inclusive growth.
Overall, the India–New Zealand FTA is expected to enhance economic partnership, create new business opportunities, and contribute to stronger people-to-people ties. It reinforces India’s broader strategy of expanding high-quality trade agreements with trusted partners to support growth, competitiveness, and global economic integration.