Daily Insights December 26, 2025

Daily Insights December 26, 2025

1. Good Governance Day 2025 & Good Governance Index

• Context: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the Good Governance Index on Good Governance Day (December 25).
• About:
  • Occasion: Commemorates the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Date: Observed annually on December 25.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DARPG).
  • Objective: To evaluate governance performance across states/UTs and foster a competitive spirit for improvement.
• Key Points:
  • The 2025 celebrations focused on the theme of “Viksit Bharat: Governance Transformed”.
  • The Good Governance Index (GGI) assesses performance across 10 key sectors, including Agriculture, Public Health, and Economic Governance.
  • It utilizes 58 indicators designed with a “citizen-centric” approach to measure administrative efficiency.
  • Union Minister unveiled a 15-foot bronze statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) as part of the celebrations.
  • The site in Amaravati will be developed as ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee Smriti Vanam’.
  • Special commemorative postal stamps were released to mark the 101st birth anniversary.
  • In 2025, DARPG successfully conducted the 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) in Visakhapatnam.
  • The “Visakhapatnam Declaration” was adopted to advance digital governance aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • India assumed the presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for 2025-2028 (V. Srinivas became the first Indian President).
  • The State Collaborative Initiative (SCI) 2025 generated over 80 project proposals for AI-enabled platforms.
  • Emphasis was placed on the “district as the unit of governance” to ensure last-mile delivery.
  • The Index serves as a tool for evidence-based policy making and administrative reforms at the state level.
• Source: PIB Release 1

2. Major Anti-Naxal Operation in Odisha (Maoist Leader Neutralized)

• Context: Security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) operations in Odisha’s Kandhamal district.
• About:
  • Operation: Joint operation by Odisha Police and Central forces.
  • Target: Top leadership of CPI (Maoist).
  • Outcome: 6 Maoists neutralized, including a Central Committee (CC) member.
  • Timeline: Operation conducted on December 24-25, 2025.
• Key Points:
  • Ganesh Uike (alias Paka Hanumanth), a member of the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee, was killed in the encounter.
  • He was the head of Odisha operations for the banned outfit and carried a reward of ₹1.1 crore.
  • The operation took place in the Kandhamal-Ganjam border region.
  • Union Home Minister termed this a “significant milestone” towards a “Naxal-free Bharat”.
  • The government has set a deadline to eliminate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026.
  • The CPI (Maoist) Central Committee, which once had 21 members, is now reduced to fewer than five active members.
  • Security forces seized INSAS and .303 rifles from the encounter site.
  • Maoist influence in Odisha is now confined to limited pockets around Kandhamal.
  • The operation utilized specific intelligence regarding the movement of senior cadres.
  • This success is attributed to the “offensive defense” strategy adopted by security agencies.
  • The neutralization of the state committee head is expected to create a leadership vacuum in the region.
  • Enhanced coordination between State Anti-Terror Squads (ATS) and Central agencies was pivotal.
• Source: PIB Release 2

3. NATGRID Linked to National Population Register (NPR)

• Context: The Union Home Ministry has linked the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) with the National Population Register (NPR) database.
• About:
  • Platform: NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid).
  • Database: NPR (National Population Register).
  • Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Purpose: To enable real-time access to resident details for intelligence and investigation.
• Key Points:
  • NATGRID now has access to family-wise details of 119 crore residents stored in the NPR.
  • The integration allows for Entity Resolution, helping agencies track suspects and their family trees.
  • Gandiva, an upgraded NATGRID tool, is being used for facial recognition and multi-source data analysis.
  • Access is categorized into three levels: Non-sensitive, Sensitive, and Highly Sensitive.
  • State police forces and Central agencies (like NIA, CBI) can access this data for speedy investigation.
  • The system facilitates secure data sharing between the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and State Anti-Terror Squads (ATS).
  • An Organised Crime Network Database is also being developed on the NATGRID platform.
  • The initiative aims to create a robust intelligence grid to counter terror and organized crime.
  • Privacy concerns focus on the absence of a dedicated data protection law for such surveillance integration.
  • The NPR database contains demographic details collected during the Census house-listing phase.
  • The system allows for predictive policing by analyzing patterns and family linkages of suspects.
  • This move is part of the broader modernization of police forces and intelligence infrastructure.
• Source: The Hindu

4. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends & Economic Challenges

• Context: Data released in December 2025 shows India’s Net FDI remained negative for the third consecutive month in October 2025.
• About:
  • Indicator: Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
  • Trend: Outflows exceeding inflows (Negative Net FDI).
  • Period: August – October 2025.
  • Cause: Global trade tensions and domestic investment climate.
• Key Points:
  • Net FDI was negative in August, September, and October 2025.
  • In October alone, investors pulled out $1.5 billion more than they invested.
  • The cumulative Net FDI for April-October 2025-26 fell to $6.2 billion.
  • The decline correlates with 25% tariffs levied on India by the US administration in July 2025.
  • Gross inflows also showed a year-on-year decline in August and October.
  • A significant portion of the outflow is driven by Indian companies investing abroad (Outward FDI).
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cited uncertainty over the US trade deal as a factor pushing foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to exit.
  • Structural challenges persist despite corporate tax cuts and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
  • Labour-intensive sectors like apparel, gems & jewellery, and seafood were hit hardest by US tariffs.
  • The trend indicates “fragile attractiveness” of India as an investment destination amidst global headwinds.
  • Economists argue that “shiny headlines” of growth are insufficient without deep structural reforms.
  • The situation highlights the need for domestic private sector investment to pick up the slack.
• Source: The Hindu

5. Veer Baal Diwas 2025

• Context: Prime Minister to participate in the national programme marking ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ on December 26.
• About:
  • Date: Observed on December 26.
  • Significance: Commemorates the martyrdom of the Sahibzades (sons of Guru Gobind Singh).
  • Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Culture / Prime Minister’s Office.
• Key Points:
  • The day honours the courage of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
  • They were bricked alive in 1705 by the Mughals for refusing to renounce their faith.
  • The observance aims to educate citizens, especially the youth, about their sacrifice and valour.
  • The Prime Minister will address a gathering of youth and dignitaries.
  • Various programmes, including digital exhibitions and essay competitions, are organized nationwide.
  • The day emphasizes the values of steadfastness, dharma, and patriotism.
  • It was first officially declared as Veer Baal Diwas by the government in 2022.
  • The event highlights the contribution of the Sikh Gurus to national unity and protection of rights.
  • Special focus is given to “Veer Gatha” projects in schools to narrate these historical events.
  • The commemoration serves as a reminder of the fight against injustice and tyranny.
  • The government has promoted the translation of literature related to the Sahibzades into multiple Indian languages.
  • It aligns with the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” by celebrating shared heritage.
• Source: PIB Release 3

6. Constitution of India in Santhali Language

• Context: President Droupadi Murmu released the Constitution of India in the Santhali language.
• About:
  • Language: Santhali.
  • Script: Ol Chiki.
  • Released By: President of India.
  • Significance: Making the Constitution accessible to tribal communities.
• Key Points:
  • The Santhali version is written in the Ol Chiki script.
  • Santhali is included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution (added by the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003).
  • The release aims to empower the Santhali people by enabling them to understand their rights and duties.
  • It covers a significant population in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar.
  • The initiative is part of the government’s push to promote mother tongues in legal and administrative domains.
  • It reinforces the democratic principle of inclusiveness and “Justice for All”.
  • The translation was undertaken to ensure legal literacy among the tribal populace.
  • President Murmu termed it a “matter of pride” for the community.
  • Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal were present.
  • This step aligns with the New Education Policy (NEP) focus on indigenous languages.
  • It facilitates better participation of the Santhali community in the democratic process.
  • The Ol Chiki script was created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925.
• Source: The Hindu

7. Aravali Range Definition & Mining Dispute

• Context: A controversy has erupted over the definition of “hills” in the Aravali range, impacting their legal protection.
• About:
  • Issue: Definition of Aravali hills based on height.
  • Agency: Forest Survey of India (FSI).
  • Concern: Potential loss of protection for 90% of the range.
  • Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Key Points:
  • Opposition alleges that a “redefinition” aims to leave the Aravalis unprotected to favour mining activities.
  • The claim suggests that hills below 100 meters might be excluded from the “forest” or “hill” definition.
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) denied conducting any study to measure the height of Aravali hills for this purpose.
  • The Aravali range is a critical water recharge zone and a barrier against desertification for Delhi-NCR.
  • Currently, the Aravalis are protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) and various Supreme Court orders.
  • 20% of the range has already been ravaged by illegal mining, according to reports.
  • Citizens in Jaipur held a silent protest against the government’s stance.
  • The Union Minister asserted a total ban on mining in the Aravalis from Gujarat to Delhi is in force.
  • Environmentalists fear that excluding lower hills will fragment the wildlife corridor.
  • The Supreme Court has previously ruled that the “dictionary meaning” of forest applies (Godavarman case).
  • The dispute highlights the conflict between urban development/mining and environmental conservation.
  • The Aravalis are the oldest fold mountains in India, crucial for the region’s ecology.
• Source: The Hindu

8. NIA Anti-Terror Conference 2025

• Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate the annual Anti-Terror Conference organized by the NIA.
• About:
  • Organizer: National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  • Focus: Counter-terrorism strategy and coordination.
  • Participants: State Police Chiefs, ATS Heads, Central Agencies.
  • Themes: Digital forensics, Terror financing, Hybrid threats.
• Key Points:
  • The conference focuses on building a “Whole of Government” approach to tackle terrorism.
  • Key sessions include “Collecting Evidence from Foreign Jurisdictions”.
  • Emphasis on Digital Forensics and Data Analysis in investigations.
  • Discussions on emerging “Hybrid Threats” (combination of conventional and cyber warfare).
  • Effective Trial Management to improve conviction rates in terror cases.
  • Coordination between Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and state police units.
  • Strategies to counter Radicalization and the use of the Dark Web by terrorists.
  • The conference aims to standardize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across states.
  • Sharing of best practices in Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) cases.
  • Addressing the challenge of Cross-border smuggling of arms and drugs (narco-terrorism).
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tracking terror modules.
  • The event serves as a platform to resolve operational bottlenecks between central and state agencies.
• Source: The Hindu

9. FSSAI Regulations on “Tea” Labeling

• Context: FSSAI issued a warning to food business operators (FBOs) against using the term “Tea” for herbal infusions.
• About:
  • Regulator: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
  • Regulation: FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.
  • Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis.
  • Issue: Misbranding of non-tea products.
• Key Points:
  • The word “Tea” can only be used for products derived from the plant Camellia sinensis.
  • Herbal blends, flower infusions, or fruit brews cannot be labelled as ‘Tea’.
  • Common mislabeled products include “Herbal Tea”, “Flower Tea”, “Rooibos Tea”, etc.
  • FSSAI termed this a case of misbranding and misleading consumer practices.
  • Violations attract penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
  • Operators must use terms like “Herbal Infusion” or “Herbal Drink” instead.
  • The directive aims to protect consumer interests and ensure truth in labeling.
  • It aligns Indian standards with international Codex Alimentarius norms regarding tea.
  • Tea (Camellia sinensis) contains theanine and caffeine, which many herbal infusions lack.
  • The order impacts the growing market of wellness beverages and herbal substitutes.
  • FBOs have been directed to modify their packaging and advertisements immediately.
  • This ensures the Geographical Indication (GI) and identity of authentic tea (like Darjeeling/Assam) are not diluted.
• Source: The Hindu

10. Semiconductor Industry & Self-Reliance

• Context: Union Home Minister stated that India will soon become self-reliant in the semiconductor sector.
• About:
  • Event: Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit (Gwalior).
  • Goal: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Electronics.
  • Focus: Manufacturing and Export of chips.
  • Policy: India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• Key Points:
  • India aims to transition from a net importer to a net exporter of semiconductors.
  • The government has approved multiple fabrication (fab) and assembly (ATMP/OSAT) units.
  • Gujarat and Assam are emerging as key hubs for semiconductor manufacturing.
  • The initiative is crucial for strategic autonomy and reducing dependence on imports (especially from China).
  • Semiconductors are the “new oil”, vital for defense, auto, and consumer electronics.
  • The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme offers fiscal support for the ecosystem.
  • Regional investment summits (like in MP) are decentralized to promote balanced industrial growth.
  • Collaboration with global giants (e.g., US, Taiwan) is a core part of the strategy.
  • Development of a skilled workforce in VLSI design is being prioritized.
  • PM MITRA Parks are also contributing to the industrial ecosystem (mentioned in context of textiles but part of broader growth).
  • The focus extends to the entire value chain: Design, Fabrication, and Packaging.
  • This aligns with the global “China Plus One” strategy to diversify supply chains.
• Source: The Hindu

11. Narsapuram Crochet Lace Exports & GI Tag

• Context: Exports of Narsapuram crochet lace crossed the ₹150 crore mark in the current fiscal year (2025-26).
• About:
  • Product: Narsapuram Crochet Lace.
  • Location: West Godavari & Konaseema districts, Andhra Pradesh.
  • Status: Geographical Indication (GI) Tag received in March 2024.
  • Sector: Handicrafts / Textiles.
• Key Points:
  • The craft involves over 15,000 artisans, with 60% being women.
  • Major export markets include Europe, the U.S., France, and the Middle East.
  • The industry recovered strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic impact.
  • The International Lace Trade Centre (ILTC) in Narsapuram plays a key role in design and development.
  • The GI Tag has helped in branding and preventing counterfeit products.
  • Exports are driven by the demand for handmade, sustainable fashion globally.
  • The craft competes with lace products from Panipat and Meerut.
  • Skill upgradation programs are conducted by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
  • The craft is a major source of rural employment in the Godavari region.
  • Designs are intricate and created using a single hook needle (crochet hook).
  • The success highlights the potential of “One District One Product” (ODOP).
  • It empowers women artisans through financial independence and preservation of heritage.
• Source: The Hindu

12. India’s Foreign Policy Review 2025

• Context: An assessment of India’s foreign policy challenges and shifts during the year 2025.
• About:
  • Key Theme: “Dissipating Promises” & Strategic Challenges.
  • Major Partners: USA, China, Russia, Neighborhood.
  • Focus Areas: Economic Security, Energy Security, Regional Stability.
• Key Points:
  • India-US Relations: Strained by new 25% tariffs and H-1B visa restrictions under the Trump administration.
  • Trade Deals: FTAs signed with UK, Oman, and New Zealand; deals with US/EU pending.
  • India-China: Flight and visa links restored, but LAC security guarantees remain unresolved.
  • India-Russia: Oil imports surged (52% of total), but US sanctions on Ural oil create pressure.
  • Neighborhood Policy: Engagement with Bangladesh (Yunus govt) and Pakistan (Jaishankar visit).
  • Terrorism: High-profile attacks in Pahalgam led to retaliatory “Operation Sindoor”.
  • Global Order: Rising unpredictability with China’s “Global Governance” framework challenging the rules-based order.
  • Energy Security: Vulnerability exposed by the potential need to zero out Russian oil imports.
  • Strategic Autonomy: Tested by the need to balance between the West and the Russia-China axis.
  • Detention Incident: An Indian passenger from Arunachal was detained in Shanghai, raising diplomatic concerns.
  • G-2 Concerns: Fear of a potential US-China (G-2) accommodation affecting India’s interests.
  • Conclusion: 2025 highlighted the need for a robust Economic Statecraft to complement strategic goals.
• Source: The Hindu Editorial

13. Widow Dignity Initiative in Maharashtra (Social Reform)

• Context: 915 villages in Nashik district passed resolutions to ensure a dignified life for widows, banning regressive rituals.
• About:
  • Initiative: “Navchetana” Programme.
  • Body: Nashik Zilla Parishad / Gram Panchayats.
  • Reform: Stopping widowhood rituals (wiping vermilion, breaking bangles).
  • Precedent: Based on the “Herwad Model” (Kolhapur).
• Key Points:
  • Villages passed resolutions against “evil traditions” that humiliate women after a husband’s death.
  • Banned practices include wiping sindoor (vermilion), removing toe rings/mangalsutra, and breaking bangles.
  • 1,100 couples signed affidavits titled “Saubhagyache Shapathpatra” on ₹100 stamp paper.
  • In these affidavits, husbands declared that their wives should not be subjected to such rituals upon their death.
  • The initiative draws inspiration from social reformers Mahatma Phule and Gopal Ganesh Agarkar.
  • It aims to uphold the Constitutional values of equality and dignity (Article 21).
  • School children were involved to spread awareness through street plays.
  • Widows are now included in “Haldi-Kunku” (social gatherings), previously taboo for them.
  • The move addresses the psychological trauma and social isolation faced by widows.
  • Gram Panchayats officially recorded these resolutions to give them administrative weight.
  • It represents a bottom-up social change driven by local self-government bodies.
  • The programme also includes financial empowerment through self-employment loans for widows.
• Source: The Hindu

14. Assam VGR/PGR Land Conflict

• Context: Violence erupted in West Karbi Anglong district over land rights in grazing reserves, followed by a return to calm.
• About:
  • Area: West Karbi Anglong (Sixth Schedule Area).
  • Land Category: Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) & Professional Grazing Reserve (PGR).
  • Conflict: Between Tribal (Karbi) groups and Settlers (Hindi-speaking).
  • Issue: Alleged encroachment and eviction demands.
• Key Points:
  • Tension stems from the demand to evict illegal settlers from VGR and PGR lands.
  • These lands are protected for tribal grazing rights under the Assam Land and Revenue Regulation.
  • Local Karbi groups had been on a hunger strike demanding eviction.
  • Violence involved clashes between the Karbi community and Hindi-speaking settlers (Bihari community).
  • Security forces (Army, CRPF, RAF) were deployed to maintain order.
  • Prohibitory orders and mobile internet suspension were imposed.
  • The conflict highlights the sensitivity of land alienation in tribal belts.
  • VGR/PGR lands are crucial for the livestock economy of indigenous communities.
  • The “Kheroni” area was the epicenter of the violence.
  • The administration is verifying land records to identify encroachers.
  • Political dimensions include the role of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).
  • The incident underscores the need for swift implementation of Mission Basundhara land reforms.
• Source: The Hindu

15. RGI Report on Medical Causes of Death (2023)

• Context: The Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI) released the report on “Medical Certification of Cause of Death” (MCCD) for 2023.
• About:
  • Report: MCCD 2023.
  • Agency: Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Finding: Circulatory system diseases are the leading cause of death.
  • Coverage: Medically certified deaths (urban/rural).
• Key Points:
  • Diseases of the Circulatory System (Heart diseases, Stroke) accounted for 36.4% of all medically certified deaths.
  • This remains the leading cause of death in India.
  • The highest mortality due to these diseases was observed in the 70+ age group.
  • Respiratory diseases were the second leading cause group.
  • The data highlights the rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
  • The report covers only medically certified deaths, which is a subset of total registered deaths.
  • Disparities exist in certification coverage between states (higher in Goa/Kerala, lower in Bihar/UP).
  • Infectious and parasitic diseases continue to be a significant cause, though declining relative to NCDs.
  • The data is crucial for health policy planning and resource allocation.
  • Males had a higher proportion of deaths due to circulatory diseases compared to females.
  • The report underscores the need for strengthening preventive cardiology and geriatric care.
  • It serves as a key input for the National Health Mission (NHM) strategies.
• Source: The Hindu

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