December 31, 2025 - Current Affairs

Khaleda Zia’s Death 2025: End of a Political Era in Bangladesh

December 31, 2025

Bangladesh is grieving the loss of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first woman to serve as prime minister of Bangladesh and a legendary figure in the country's history, who died on 30 December 2025 at the age of 80, her party reported. Zia was the head of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and, over the past thirty years, dominated national politics and elections, shaping the country's policies. Her lifelong rivalry with Sheikh Hasina defined political life in Bangladesh. The three-day national mourning announced by the interim government has highlighted her great influence on the country's democratic development and marked the end of a significant political era.

Who Was Khaleda Zia and Why Her Political Era Mattered

First Woman Prime Minister: Khaleda Zia was the first woman prime minister in Bangladesh; she held office between 1991 and 1996 and 2001 and 2006.
Party Chairman: She was long time chairperson of the Bangladesh nationalist party (BNP) and one of the most powerful political figures in the nation.
Restored Democracy: She also significantly helped to restore the parliamentary democracy following several years of military dictatorship in the early 1990s.
Historic Rivalry: The national elections and the policies were developed over decades and governed by the historic political rivalry between Sheikh Hasina and her.
Lasting Legacy: Her generation led to development as well as political polarisation, creating a complicated yet historic legacy in the political history of Bangladesh.

PYQs on India–Bangladesh

Exam Name	Year	Question	Answer
UPSC Prelims (GS)	2013	What is the total length of the India–Bangladesh border?	4,096 km
SSC CGL Tier-1	2017	Which international border is the longest for India?	India–Bangladesh border
RRB NTPC CBT-1	2016	How many Indian states share a border with Bangladesh?	Five
SSC CHSL	2018	Which Indian state shares the longest border with Bangladesh?	West Bengal
State PCS (WBPSC)	2015	Name the Indian states that share a boundary with Bangladesh.	West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram
UPSC Prelims	2019	The exchange of enclaves between India and Bangladesh took place under which agreement?	Land Boundary Agreement (2015)
UPSC Mains (GS-2)	2020	How did the Land Boundary Agreement improve India–Bangladesh relations?	It resolved enclaves, clarified borders, and improved security and cooperation.
SSC MTS	2017	Which is the first integrated check post on the India–Bangladesh border?	Agartala
Banking Exams (IBPS PO)	2021	Bangladesh shares a land border with which two countries?	India and Myanmar
RRB Group D	2019	Which Indian state does NOT share a border with Bangladesh?	Manipur

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Advanced Expected Questions: India–Bangladesh Boundary

Q.1 The India–Bangladesh boundary is an outcome of which of the following historical agreements?

A. Radcliffe Award, 1947
B. Nehru–Noon Agreement, 1958
C. Indira–Mujib Treaty, 1974
D. Shimla Agreement, 1972

Correct Answer: C. Indira–Mujib Treaty, 1974
Explanation: The basic framework of the India–Bangladesh boundary was finalised through the Indira–Mujib Treaty.

Q2. Which of the following best explains the term “adverse possession” in the India–Bangladesh boundary context?

A. Land illegally occupied by smugglers
B. Land owned by one country but controlled by another
C. Land under military control
D. Land used for border trade

Correct Answer: B. Land owned by one country but controlled by another
Explanation: Adverse possession refers to land legally belonging to one country but administered by the other before LBA 2015.

Q3. The exchange of enclaves under the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement primarily affected which Indian state?

A. Tripura
B. Assam
C. West Bengal
D. Mizoram

Correct Answer: C. West Bengal
Explanation: Most enclaves were located in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal.

Q4. The fencing of the India–Bangladesh border faces maximum difficulty in which terrain?

A. Desert
B. Riverine and marshy areas
C. High mountains
D. Dense urban areas

Correct Answer: B. Riverine and marshy areas
Explanation: Rivers like the Padma and Brahmaputra cause frequent erosion and shifting channels.

Q5. The “Teen Bigha Corridor” connects mainland Bangladesh with which area?

A. Rangpur
B. Dahagram–Angarpota enclave
C. Sylhet
D. Chittagong Hill Tracts

Correct Answer: B. Dahagram–Angarpota enclave
Explanation: The corridor provides access between Bangladesh and its enclave, which India surrounds.

Q6. Which river forms part of the India–Bangladesh boundary?

A. Teesta
B. Feni
C. Brahmaputra
D. Barak

Correct Answer: B. Feni
Explanation: The Feni River forms part of the boundary near Tripura.

Q7. Which one of the following agencies jointly manages the boundary with India on the Bangladeshi side?

A. Bangladesh Army
B. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)
C. Bangladesh Police
D. Rapid Action Battalion

Correct Answer: B. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)
Explanation: BGB is Bangladesh’s border guarding force, coordinating with India’s BSF.

Q8. Which factor makes the India–Bangladesh border uniquely complex?

A. Length only
B. Enclaves and adverse possessions
C. High altitude passes
D. International river disputes only

Correct Answer: B. Enclaves and adverse possessions
Explanation: No other international border had such a large number of enclaves.

Q9. The Land Boundary Agreement was ratified by India through which constitutional mechanism?

A. Ordinary legislation
B. Presidential ordinance
C. 100th Constitutional Amendment Act
D. Supreme Court directive

Correct Answer: C. 100th Constitutional Amendment Act
Explanation: The amendment allowed the transfer of territory to implement the LBA.

Q10. The India–Bangladesh boundary contributes most directly to which of the following policy objectives?

A. Strategic military dominance
B. Regional connectivity and stability
C. Maritime security
D. Nuclear deterrence

Correct Answer: B. Regional connectivity and stability
Explanation: Settlement of the boundary improved relations, trade, and security cooperation.

Conclusion (Khaleda Zia’s Death)

The demise of Khaleda Zia was the death of a political era in Bangladesh's history. Being one of the pioneering leaders and a former prime minister, she influenced decades of democratic transitions, political competition, and national discourses. Her life will be remembered for shaping the politics, the culture of leadership, and the democratic process in Bangladesh.

DRDO Conducts Successful Test of 120-km Strike Range Pinaka Rocket System

December 31, 2025

The Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) has finally flown the maiden flight of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) a distance of up to 120 kilometres in its Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket was designed by DRDO laboratories such as the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and was assisted by other defence research centres. It was tested to show all the planned in-flight manoeuvres and hit its target with textbook accuracy. This launch took place with an in-service Pinaka launcher, indicating its interoperability with the existing artillery systems and increasing India’s ability to strike at a long range.

Significance of Pinaka Rocket System

The Pinaka Rocket System has high power in artillery by providing rapid, high-velocity, and long-range fire, which increases the effectiveness of the battlefield.
The new 120 km range model is a model offering further strike capability with a guided precision equivalent to that of a missile to offer an iconic tactical edge.
Its domestic growth promotes self-reliance in defence and the Make in India programme by increasing domestic production of defence products.
Pinaka is a flexible and effective weapon since it is mobile, accurate, and cost-effective to serve the armed forces of India in offensive and defensive missions.
It also improves deterrence and regional security, which modernises the rocket artillery capability of India.

PYQs: Important Questions For Pinaka Rocket & DRDO

Exam Name	Year	Question	Answer
RRB NTPC CBT-I	2020	Which of the following is a multi-barrel rocket system developed by DRDO?	Pinaka
DRDO STA-B (Tier-I)	2022	Pinaka, developed by DRDO, is a(n) ___.	Multi-barrel rocket launcher
CDS	2021	Pinaka, developed in India, is a ___.	Multi-barrel rocket launcher
JKSSB Panchayat Secretary	2017	How

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Conclusion (India’s DRDO Tests 120-km Range Pinaka)

The launch of the 120 km-distance Pinaka rocket, which was successfully tested, is a significant milestone in the local defence systems in India. It increases the potential of long-range precision strikes, improves the power of Artillery and supports the self-sufficiency of defence technologies. This should be seen as a testament to the work of the DRDO in upgrading the military of India and enhancing strategic deterrence.

Israel Recognises Trump with Peace Prize Following Florida Meetings

December 31, 2025

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said that US President Donald Trump will receive the Israel Prize of Peace, the nation's highest civilian award, following their bilateral discussions in Florida at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. This is the first occasion in 80 years that the award will be given to a non-Israeli citizen, and the Peace category has never been awarded before. Netanyahu claimed that the move is a sign of broad appreciation of Trump in Israel for his contribution to Israeli security and relations. The joint press briefing was followed by Trump stating that the honour was unexpected and much appreciated.

Florida Talks and Their Role in Trump’s Award

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that US President Donald Trump will be awarded the Israel Prize for Peace after the US-Israel meetings in Florida.
It was announced in the same joint press briefing following discussions at the Mar-a-Lago residence of Trump, as the US-Israel relations were strong.
It will be both the first non-Israeli to receive the Israel Prize and also the first in the Peace category.
Netanyahu added that the move was an appreciation of the work of Trump in Israel and the Jewish people.
Trump described the honour as a surprise and a great one.

Expected MCQs for Trump, Florida Talks, and Israel Peace Prize

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Donald Trump and the Israel Peace Prize:

The Israel Peace Prize is Israel’s highest civilian honour.
Donald Trump is the first non-Israeli recipient of the prize.
The award was announced after Trump’s talks with Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: D. 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All statements are true. The award is Israel’s highest civilian honour, Trump is the first foreign recipient, and it was announced after the Florida talks.

Q. Consider the following statements:

The Israel Peace Prize Peace category had never been conferred before Trump.
The Florida talks focused only on US-Israel trade agreements.

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

Answer: A. 1 only
Explanation: The Peace category had never been awarded before; the talks focused on broader diplomacy, including Gaza and West Bank peace discussions, not only trade.

Q. Assertion (A): Donald Trump received the Israel Peace Prize after his Florida talks with Benjamin Netanyahu.
Reason (R): The award reflects appreciation for Trump’s contributions to Israel’s security and diplomatic initiatives.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true, R is false
D. A is false, R is true

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Trump received the award as recognition for his role in supporting Israel’s security and peace initiatives.

Q. Consider the following:

The Florida talks were held at Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago residence.
The talks focused on the Gaza peace plan and the West Bank discussions.
The Israel Peace Prize has been awarded to multiple non-Israeli leaders in the past.

Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The award to Trump is the first for a non-Israeli; statements 1 and 2 are correct.

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Conclusion (Israel Recognises Trump with Peace Prize)

The Israel Peace Prize was awarded to Donald Trump highlights how the Israeli people appreciate what the man has done in the region as far as diplomacy and national security are concerned. The honour is the first to be given to a non-Israeli and indicates the importance of the Florida negotiations with Netanyahu and strengthens the partnership of the USA and Israel in the Middle East.

Government of India Launches ₹7,280 Crore Scheme for Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

December 31, 2025

The Union Cabinet of India has approved a scheme with a wholesale value of Rs 7,280 crore to promote the manufacture of rare earth permanent magnets in India, which are a key component of electric vehicles and a vital part of renewable energy, electronics production, aerospace, and defence. The goal of the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets is to build a well-integrated manufacturing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum and reduce reliance on imports, especially from China. This programme will run for 7 years, with 2 years to set up and five years of incentives and capital aid on sales in India to boost the supply chain and raise strategic self-sufficiency in the high-tech sectors.

Rare Earth Elements and Their Locations in India

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are 17 chemical elements, such as lanthanides, yttrium, and scandium, that find high-tech applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics and defense.
The country has approximately 7.23-8.52 million tonnes of the oxide of rare earth elements (REO), which are found as monazite minerals.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Maharashtra contain coastal and beach sands that are rich in monazites.
REEs are found in some areas of Gujarat and Rajasthan as hard rock deposits.
These regions have been explored, and they are augmenting REE resources by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
The Purulia district of West Bengal has, as of late, been found to be an important rare earth exploration project.

Expected Questions on Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

1. Question: How many rare earth elements are there in the periodic table?

Options:

A) 15

B) 16

C) 17

D) 18

Answer: C) 17

Explanation: There are 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, totalling 17 rare earth elements.

2. Question: Which of the following elements is NOT a rare earth element?

Options:

A) Lutetium

B) Scandium

C) Yttrium

D) Helium

Answer: D) Helium

Explanation: Helium is a noble gas; REEs include lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium.

3. Question: In which block of the periodic table are most rare earth elements located?

Options:

A) s-block

B) p-block

C) d-block

D) f-block

Answer: D) f-block

Explanation: Lanthanides are f-block elements; scandium and yttrium are in the d-block.

4. Question: Where are rare earth minerals mainly found in India?

Options:

A) Gujarat & Rajasthan

B) Coastal sands of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh

C) Both A & B

D) None of the above

Answer: C) Both A & B

Explanation: REEs occur in coastal monazite sands and hard rock deposits in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

5. Question: What is the primary industrial use of rare earth elements?

Options:

A) Food additives

B) Permanent magnets, EVs, electronics

C) Fertilisers

D) Textile dyes

Answer: B) Permanent magnets, EVs, electronics

Explanation: REEs are critical for high-tech applications, renewable energy, and defence.

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Conclusion (Rare Earth Permanent Magnets)

Rare Earth Permanent magnets are essential to modern technology, being used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics, and defence. The orientation of India towards domestic production under strategic initiatives enhances self-sufficiency, minimises dependency on importation, and industrial development as India can respond to the increasing demand for a variety of high-performance magnets all over the globe as well as in the nation.