December 24, 2025 - Current Affairs

Trump Announces New ‘Trump-Class’ Battleships for US Navy

December 24, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the United States develop another type of battleships in the U.S. Navy, called the Trump-class battleships, to replenish American naval power and shipbuilding. The project will create the first ships with a capacity of 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes, featuring hi-tech weapons and technology as the backbone of the so-called Golden Fleet, as defined by Trump. The initial ship will be called USS Defiant, and there is an intention to build up to 20-25 ships, which are said to be bigger, faster, and more powerful than any other battleships in U.S. history, and to build more strength at sea.

What are Trump-Class Battleships?

U.S. President Donald Trump declared a new type of American warships known as Trump-class battleships to increase military influence and ship construction.
These ships are estimated to be 30,000 -40,000 tonnes in size and more powerful than the current surface combatants.
The program will launch two ships, and it is planned to have 20-25 ships as part of the overall "Golden Fleet" project.
Cruise missiles that may have nuclear torpedoes, and the latest technologies will be installed in ships.
The name of the first ship will be USS Defiant.
The Trump-class is supposed to strengthen American sea supremacy and tactical disincentive.
The construction will require the involvement of leading shipyards and defense contractors in the U.S.
The project is an indication of a new emphasis on large surface combatants within the naval strategy.

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Conclusion of Trump-Class Battleships

The Trump-class battleships symbolize a significant expansion of U.S. naval power, featuring advanced technology, high-speed firepower, and deterrence. Designed to prevail in contemporary maritime warfare, these ships are intended to make the U.S. Navy more capable in its functions, increase its global maritime presence, and signal renewed interest in large, powerful surface warships.

National Consumer Day 2025

December 24, 2025

The National Consumer Day is observed on 24 December every year to celebrate and enforce consumer rights and protection. It marks the day when the President approved the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which established a comprehensive statutory framework to protect buyers against fraudulent trade and abuse. The theme for 2025 is Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice; it highlights India's focus on technology-driven, accessible grievance redressal and quicker consumer justice. The day aims to promote consumer rights, duties, and marketplace ethics in the country.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and Adjudicatory Framework

The old law that existed in 1986 was later replaced with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to enhance consumer rights.
It has contemporary clauses such as e-commerce and unfair trade practices.
The Act created the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) as an enforcement level of the market.
Consumer complaints are solved bythe Three-tier Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (District, State, National).
An increased pecuniary limit enables quick and efficient dispute resolution.
Gives guidelines on fines and sanctions for misleading advertisements and unjust trade.
Highlightsthe sensitization of consumers and rights.
Empowers electronic commerce redressal and protection mechanisms.

About National Consumer Day

In India, National Consumer Day is celebrated on 24th December every year to raise awareness of consumer rights.
It began in 1986, when the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, came into force.
The 2025 theme is efficient and speedy disposal through digital justice.
Other scheme: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is responsible for protecting consumer rights and providing redress for grievances.
The day underscores consumer safety, rights, duties, and ethical business practices.

Expected MCQs for National Consumer Day

Question	Answer
National Consumer Day is observed in India on which date every year?	24 December, to commemorate the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which received Presidential assent on this day.
What is the theme of National Consumer Day 2025?	"Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice", focusing on technology-enabled grievance redressal.
National Consumer Day commemorates the enactment of which Act?	Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which laid the foundation for structured consumer rights.
Which authority enforces consumer rights and regulates unfair trade practices in India?	The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
When was the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, enacted (leading to National Consumer Day)?	The Act received Presidential assent on 24 December 1986.

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Conclusion (National Consumer Day)

The National Consumer Day is on the significance of safeguarding consumer rights and raising awareness on how to conduct ethical business transactions. It is celebrated on 24 December every year in memory of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The 2025 theme focuses on digital justice, whereby grievance redressal is effective and enhanced consumer protection mechanisms are provided throughout India.

Indian Coast Guard Inducts First Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pratap

December 24, 2025

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has officially inducted its first indigenously designed and constructed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap, into service, marking a breakthrough in strengthening India's maritime environmental protection capabilities. Built under the 02 PCV Project by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), the vessel will play a significant role in implementing marine pollution control regulations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and the protection of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Powered by modern technology and with more than 60 percent local content, Samudra Pratap enhances the country's self-reliance and promotes national commitment to environmental security and Make in India.

Highlights of Vessel Samudra Pratap

Pollution Control Vessel, the first locally designed and constructed ship, was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard.
Constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited within the 02 pollution control vessel project.
Armed with sophisticated equipment such as a 30 mm naval gun and remotely controlled weapons systems.
It has a dynamic positioning system and side sweeping arms to respond accurately to the pollution.
Installed with pollution sensors, and it is more than 60 percent Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Important MCQs for Upcoming Exams about Samudra Pratap

Q.Consider the following statements about Samudra Pratap:

It is the first Pollution Control Vessel inducted into the Indian Coast Guard.
It is designed mainly for underwater warfare operations.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A) 1 only
Explanation: It is a pollution control vessel, not a combat or underwater warfare ship.

Q.Consider the following statements:

Samudra Pratap was built under the 02 Pollution Control Vessel Project.
It has more than 60% indigenous content.

Which of the above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The vessel is part of the 02 PCV project and strongly supports Atmanirbhar Bharat

Q.Which of the following best describes the role of Samudra Pratap?

A) Strategic missile deployment
B) Oil spill response and environmental protection
C) Cargo transport
D) Naval warfare training

Correct Answer: B) Oil spill response and environmental protection
Explanation: Its main function is controlling marine pollution and protecting the marine ecosystem.

Q.Consider the following statements:

Samudra Pratap enhances India’s ability to comply with international marine pollution conventions.
It reduces India’s dependence on foreign-built pollution control vessels.

Which of the statements are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Indigenous construction improves compliance and self-reliance.

Q.Which of the following features helps Samudra Pratap maintain position during pollution response?

A) Sonar guidance system
B) Dynamic positioning system
C) Magnetic compass
D) Radar altimeter

Correct Answer: B) Dynamic positioning system
Explanation: This system allows the vessel to stay steady during oil spill recovery operations.

Q.Consider the following statements:

Samudra Pratap strengthens India’s maritime environmental security.
It is operated by the Ministry of Environment.

Which of the statements are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: A) 1 only
Explanation: It is operated by the Indian Coast Guard under the Ministry of Defence, not the Environment.

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Conclusion of Vessel Samudra Pratap

Samudra Pratap is a turning point in the Indian Coast Guard, as it will enable India to address the issue of marine pollution. It enhances the protection of the maritime environment, boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India's commitment to the protection of its coastal and marine ecosystems with high-technology, local construction, and strategic placement in the EEZ.

China Overtakes OPEC+ as the Main Oil Price Maker

December 24, 2025

China surpassed OPEC + as the key factor affecting international oil rates, which is a major change in the dynamics of energy markets. Historically, the OPEC+ collective of producers coordinating the reduction of production and level of output dictated the price trends. Nonetheless, China, the largest oil importer in the world, has been utilizing its massive stock reserves of crude to literally dictate price floors and ceilings by buying more when the prices are down and selling less when they are up. This is strategic inventory management that has pegged oil prices beyond OPEC+ production policy and provided Beijing with unprecedented influence over the global prices.

How China Replaced OPEC+ as the Global Oil Price Maker?

By leveraging its position as the largest crude importer in the world, China surpassed OPEC+ as the key player in global oil prices in 2025.
Beijing changed the flows of crude stockpiles: it purchased more crude when its price dropped and imported less crude when its price went up, and this effect formed a price floor and price ceiling.
As the OPEC+ maintained production despite the oversupply, China was the recipient of the excess oil and price price fluctuation anchor.

Difference Between OPEC and OPEC+

Aspect	OPEC	OPEC+
Full Form	Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries	OPEC + Non-OPEC oil-producing countries
Started	1960	2016
Members	13 oil-exporting countries	OPEC members plus 10+ non-OPEC producers
Key Non-OPEC Members	—	Russia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Oman
Purpose	Coordinate the oil policies of member states	Jointly manage oil supply to influence global prices
Market Influence	Moderate	Much stronger due to wider production control

PYQs Based Questions on OPEC & OPEC+

Exam Name	Year	Question	Answer
SSC CGL	2020	What is OPEC?	A group of oil-exporting countries formed in 1960 to coordinate petroleum policies.
UPSC Prelims	2021	OPEC headquarters is located in which city?	Vienna, Austria.
RRB NTPC	2021	Which country is not a member of OPEC but is part of OPEC+?	Russia.
SSC CHSL	2022	What does the ‘+’ in OPEC+ stand for?	Non-OPEC oil-producing countries joining OPEC coordination.
UPSC Prelims	2022	When was OPEC established?	In 1960, in Baghdad, Iraq.
Banking Awareness	2023	Which organization has more control over the global oil supply — OPEC or OPEC+?	OPEC+.
State PCS	2023	Name any two members of OPEC.	Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Railway Group D	2024	Why was OPEC+ formed?	To jointly manage oil output and stabilize global prices.

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Conclusion

The fact that China has surpassed OPEC+ as the key oil price maker is indicative of a significant shift in global energy power. China is now as much a price tamer as a producer cutter, due to the demand side of the equation. Through strategic importation and stockpiling, it is no longer OPEC+ that guarantees the oil markets react to changes in supply and demand.