December 8, 2025 - Current Affairs

IIA Marks 10 Years of UVIT Operations on AstroSat

December 8, 2025

The IIA is marking a historic milestone with UVIT – its ultraviolet telescope on board AstroSat – entering its 10th year of successful operation. Introduced in 2015 as one of the four instruments of the first multi-wavelength space observatory in India, UVIT opened its eyes on the universe, 30 November 2015, and has since measured ultraviolet and the light in the visible bands of the stars, galaxies, and other phenomena in the universe that are too distant. It has also monitored more than 1,451 heavenly objects over a decade, generating close to 300 scientific papers and 19 dissertations. This anniversary confirms the increasing popularity of India in the field of space astronomy and indicates the importance of UVIT in the research of world astrophysics.

Significance of UVIT Operations on AstroSat

UVIT on AstroSat offers a high-resolution ultraviolet imaging system that allows astronomers to study cosmic phenomena as well as stars and galaxies in an unexpectedly detailed way.
It works on three channels, Far-UV, Near-UV, and visible, which means that the multi-wavelength observations can be made through the application of one platform.
In the last 10 years, UVIT has helped in almost 300 research papers and 19 PhD theses, which resulted in the improved presence of India in space astronomy.
Its extended data is useful in monitoring stellar evolution, star formation and dynamics of galaxies and assists both national and international astrophysical research projects.
UVIT enhances the scientific dominance of India in space-based ultraviolet astronomy.

Previous Year Question Asked About AstroSat

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC CSE Prelims	2023	What is the primary purpose of AstroSat?	A) Weather forecasting B) Earth observation C) Multi-wavelength space astronomy D) Communication satellite	C
SSC CGL	2022	AstroSat was launched in which year?	A) 2014 B) 2015 C) 2016 D) 2017	B
CDS	2021	Which Indian telescope on AstroSat observes in ultraviolet light?	A) LAXPC B) SXT C) UVIT D) CZTI	C
RRB NTPC	2020	UVIT on AstroSat helps study?	A) Ocean currents B) Star formation and galaxies C) Climate change D) Solar panels' efficiency	B
SSC CPO	2019	AstroSat is associated with which Indian organisation?	A) ISRO B) DRDO C) IIA D) BARC	A
UPSC CSE Mains	2018	How many telescopes are onboard AstroSat?	A) 3 B) 4 C) 5 D) 6	C
State PSC Exam	2021	UVIT observes in which wavelengths?	A) Infrared only B) Visible only C) Ultraviolet and visible D) X-ray only	C

Conclusion

The anniversary of UVIT is a 10-year landmark on the AstroSat, which is a testament to the success of space astronomy in India. The ultraviolet measurements made by UVIT have made new insights into stars, galaxies and cosmic phenomena. The success of this decade of operation is an indication of the increased knowledge, dominance of the scientific community, and contribution of India to the world in the field of astrophysical study and space astronomy.

India–Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 Begins in Rajasthan

December 8, 2025

The fifth Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 is underway at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, with the exercise beginning December 5 and going through to December 18. This is a two-way exercise that unites the troops of the Indian Army (primarily, Dogra Regiment) and the Royal Malaysian Army (25th Battalion). The drill is to be used to improve the interoperability, in particular, counter-terror and sub-conventional missions within the UN Chapter 7 mandate. The operations are cordon-and-search, heliborne operations, combat-reflex shooting, and casualty evacuation – enhancing tactical coordination, defence cooperation, and bilateral military relations between India and Malaysia.

Overview of Harimau Shakti 2025: India–Malaysia Joint Military Exercise

The fifth version of the India-Malaysia bilateral military drill is called the Harimau Shakti 2025.
Start: the exercise will start on 5 December 2025 and will take place until 18 December 2025.
It offers a desert environment (Mahajan Field Firing Range) in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
The participating troops will be the Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army and the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army.
Some of the areas of focus are counter-terror, sub-conventional war and peacekeeping operations based on UN mandate.
It enhances India-Malaysia military collusion, tactical cooperation and defence relations.
The drills involve cordon-and-search, heliborne drills, combat-reflex, and casualty evacuation exercises.

Important PYQs on Military Exercises

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC CSE Prelims	2023	Harimau Shakti is a joint military exercise between which countries?	A) India–Thailand B) India–Malaysia C) India–Singapore D) India–Indonesia	B
SSC CGL	2022	Vajra Prahar exercise is conducted between India and which country?	A) USA B) France C) Australia D) Russia	A
CDS	2021	Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral exercise between India and?	A) USA B) France C) Russia D) Japan	A
SSC GD	2020	The INDRA exercise is conducted between India and?	A) USA B) Russia C) China D) Japan	B
State PSC Exam	2019	Mitra Shakti exercise is conducted between India and which country?	A) Bangladesh B) Sri Lanka C) Nepal D) Bhutan	B
UPSC CSE Mains	2018	Exercise Shakti is a joint training exercise between India and?	A) France B) USA C) Russia D) UK	C
RRB NTPC	2021	Nomadic Elephant is a joint exercise between India and?	A) Mongolia B) Russia C) USA D) China	D
SSC CHSL	2020	Sampriti exercise is conducted between India and?	A) Bangladesh B) Nepal C) Bhutan D) Sri Lanka	A

Expected Questions for Upcoming Exams

What types of activities are included in Harimau Shakti 2025?

A) Combat-reflex shooting, cordon-and-search, heliborne operations, and casualty evacuation
B) Only field navigation and map reading
C) Naval boarding drills
D) Cybersecurity simulations
Answer: A
Explanation: The training covers tactical coordination through live drills such as combat-reflex shooting, heliborne operations, cordon-and-search, and casualty evacuation.

Which Indian Army unit is participating in Harimau Shakti 2025?

A) Rajput Regiment
B) Dogra Regiment
C) Gorkha Regiment
D) Sikh Regiment
Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Army’s Dogra Regiment is deployed for this bilateral exercise with Malaysia.

What is the primary objective of Harimau Shakti 2025?

A) Naval operations
B) Counter-terrorism and sub-conventional warfare
C) Air defence drills
D) Cyber warfare exercises
Answer: B
Explanation: The exercise focuses on counter-terror and sub-conventional operations under UN Chapter VII mandate.

Conclusion

India and Malaysia's joint military exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 has reinforced bilateral defence collaboration and also facilitated the handing over of tactics between the two countries. The exercise will be held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and is aimed at understanding each other, being able to partner in strategies, and the willingness to work with the other, regarding international peacekeeping missions.

Donald Trump Receives First FIFA Peace Prize

December 8, 2025

The FIFA governing body introduced one of their new accolades – FIFA Peace Prize – to honour those who have done extraordinary and exceptional acts of peace and unity in the world. FIFA President Gianni Infantino honoured the first Peace Prize to US President Donald J. Trump on 5 December 2025 at the Final Draw of the 2026 World Cup at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. The trophy, which was a golden globe suspended in a hand, and a commemoration medal, were symbols of hope, unity, and the ability of football to bring harmony to the world via sports.

Highlights the Points of the FIFA Peace Prize

In 2025, in recognition of those whose extraordinary efforts in promoting peace bring the world together, FIFA developed the Peace Prize.
This award is called FIFA Peace Prize-Football Unites the World.
It will be awarded annually.
The first award was given on 5 December 2025, in the Final Draw of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, D.C.
The initial beneficiary is Donald J. Trump.
The award will consist of a trophy, commemorative medal, and certificate, which will be the representation of unity in the world through football.

Most Related Questions for FIFA (PYQs)

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC CSE Prelims	2023	Which country is the host of the FIFA World Cup 2026?	A) USA, Canada, Mexico B) Qatar C) Germany D) Brazil	A
SSC CGL	2022	Who is the current FIFA President?	A) Sepp Blatter B) Gianni Infantino C) Michel Platini D) Salman Bin Ibrahim	B
CDS	2021	When was FIFA founded?	A) 1904 B) 1910 C) 1920 D) 1930	A
SSC CPO	2020	Which country won the FIFA World Cup 2018?	A) Germany B) Brazil C) France D) Argentina	C
UPSC CSE Prelims	2019	What is the FIFA Fair Play Award given for?	A) Best player B) Team discipline and sportsmanship C) Top scorer D) Best goalkeeper	B
RRB NTPC	2020	Where will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final be played?	A) Rose Bowl, USA B) Wembley, UK C) Maracana, Brazil D) Lusail, Qatar	A
SSC CHSL	2019	Which country has won the most FIFA World Cups?	A) Italy B) Germany C) Brazil D) Argentina	C
State PSC Exam	2021	What is the main purpose of FIFA?	A) Promote football globally and regulate competitions. B) Organise the Olympics. C) Regulate cricket D) Develop hockey	A
SSC GD	2022	Who received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in 2025?	A) Gianni Infantino B) Donald Trump C) Lionel Messi D) Cristiano Ronaldo	B
UPSC CSE Mains	2020	Where is FIFA headquartered?	A) Zurich, Switzerland B) Geneva, Switzerland C) Paris, France D) London, UK	A

Expected for Upcoming Exams

Which of the following is true about the FIFA Peace Prize 2025?

A) Awarded to a team only
B) Presented at the World Cup Final Draw
C) Can only be received by football players
D) Awarded biennially
Answer: B
Explanation: The inaugural FIFA Peace Prize was presented at the 2026 World Cup Final Draw in Washington, D.C.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be notable because:

A) It is the first World Cup hosted outside Europe
B) It will be the first tri-nation World Cup
C) The FIFA Peace Prize will be presented every four years
D) It will feature a reduced number of teams
Answer: B
Explanation: USA, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup, marking the first tri-nation hosting in history.

Which statement about FIFA’s organisational structure is correct?

A) FIFA governs international football and directly manages all clubs
B) FIFA sets rules, organises competitions, and recognises associations globally
C) FIFA only organises the World Cup and Peace Prize
D) FIFA supervises regional sports like hockey and basketball
Answer: B
Explanation: FIFA governs football worldwide, sets rules, organises competitions, and recognises member associations.

Conclusion

The awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump in 2025 shows the increased importance of football in facilitating unity and peaceful coexistence in the world, besides sport. The prize is given as an appreciation of outstanding actions taken to promote unity and collaboration in the global arena. It will be a historical event, and FIFA will be undertaking the idea of utilising football as a tool of diplomacy and peace.

International Civil Aviation Day 2025 – Everything About the History, Theme and Its Importance

December 8, 2025

The International Civil Aviation Day 2025 is observed annually on December 7th worldwide, highlighting the significance of civil aviation in uniting people, cultures, and economies. Declared by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), this day aims to raise awareness of how safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport promotes global development. In 2025, the focus is on innovation, green aviation, digital transformation, and increased international cooperation to ensure safer skies. It also celebrates the efforts of aviation professionals, modern technologies, and global standards that keep the world moving. Ultimately, it underscores how aviation increasingly influences the movement of people and economic growth worldwide.

What Are the Key Factors and Aviation Crises

The earliest flight in India was a civil aviation flight that involved a Humber biplane flying between Allahabad and Naini on 18 February 1911, carrying 6,500 letters.
To regulate civil aviation in India, the Department of Civil Aviation was formed in April 1927.
In 1927, the Aero Club of India was also established, and it encouraged the activities of aviation.
In 1931, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was established in order to control civil aviation in the country.

Indigo Crisis and Government Caps on Airfare

The government introduced nationwide airfare caps following the IndiGo crisis to control the sudden price increase when a large number of flights are interrupted.
The caps limit maximum prices by distance: below 500 km, 5001, 1,0001, 1,500, or above 1,500 km means that the passengers will not be victims of fare pricing.
These bounds do not include airport fees and taxes, and only apply to economy tickets.
Booking platforms and airlines were advised to adhere to the limited fare levels rigorously until flights and seat availability return to normal.

Important PYQs Based Questions on Aviation

Exam	Year	Question	Options	Answer
SSC CGL	2023	India’s first civil aviation flight connected which places?	A) Mumbai–Pune B) Delhi–Agra C) Allahabad–Naini D) Chennai–Madurai	C
SSC CHSL	2022	Regulator of civil aviation in India?	A) AAI B) MoCA C) DGCA D) ICAO	C
RRB NTPC	2020	DGCA was established in which year?	A) 1927 B) 1931 C) 1947 D) 1950	B
RRB Group D	2022	Who sets global civil aviation standards?	A) WTO B) ICAO C) IATA D) UNO	B
SSC GD	2021	Full form of ICAO?	A) Intl Civil Aviation Office B) Intl Civil Aerospace Org C) Intl Civil Aviation Organisation D) Intl Cargo Aviation Office	C
Airforce XY	2020	The Civil Aviation Ministry was formed in which year?	A) 1927 B) 1947 C) 1953 D) 1990	C
SSC MTS	2021	Airport named after India’s first PM?	A) IGI B) Rajiv Gandhi C) Lal Bahadur Shastri D) Nehru	A
RRB JE	2019	First Air Mail service in India?	A) 1911 B) 1920 C) 1935 D) 1940	A
SSC CPO	2023	Who manages Indian airports?	A) DGCA B) AAI C) ICAO D) FAA	B
CDS	2022	ICAO HQ is in?	A) Geneva B) Montreal C) Paris D) London	B

Expected MCQs

Who is the current Minister of Civil Aviation of India (2025)?

A) Piyush Goyal
B) Jyotiraditya Scindia
C) Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu
D) Hardeep Singh Puri
Answer: C
Description: Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu became India’s youngest Cabinet Minister and currently heads the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Which body manages airports across India?

A) DGCA
B) AAI
C) MoCA
D) HAL
Answer: B
Description: The Airports Authority of India manages most civil airports and air navigation services.

When was the Ministry of Civil Aviation established as a separate ministry?

A) 1927
B) 1931
C) 1953
D) 1990
Answer: C
Description: After the Air Corporations Act, aviation became a separate ministry in 1953.

Which airline is India’s largest domestic carrier in 2025?

A) Air India
B) SpiceJet
C) IndiGo
D) Vistara
Answer: C
Description: IndiGo maintains over 60% domestic market share, making it India’s largest airline.

What is the theme of International Civil Aviation Day 2025?

A) Aviation Innovation for Tomorrow
B) Advancing Global Air Connectivity
C) Safe Skies and a Sustainable Future for All
D) Green Aviation for a Better World
Answer: C
Description: The 2025 theme highlights global commitment to safer air travel, sustainability, and environmentally responsible aviation growth.

Conclusion

The International Civil Aviation Day 2025 is a reminder that aviation makes the world small, safe, and progressive. Looking back at the history of the company and concentrating on the theme of this year, we emphasise the importance of cleaner, smarter, and more reliable air travel. It is a day that creates a world of global collaboration and a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.