Current Affairs
Date: 29-12-2025
CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. Prime Minister Modi to Chair the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries, to be held in New Delhi on December 27-28, 2025, aimed at strengthening center-state cooperation and providing clear direction to India's long-term development strategy.
2. R Praggnanandhaa and Anish Giri Win Global Chess League 2025 Title
India's growing prominence in global chess reached new heights when Alpine SG Pipers made history by winning the Global Chess League 2025 (Season 3) title. In the final played in Mumbai, the team defeated the defending champions, Triveni Continental Kings, showcasing the growing international strength of Indian chess.
3. Armenia Unveils Official Butterfly Logo for COP17 Conference
Armenia has released the official logo for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which will be held in Yerevan in October 2026. The central symbol of the logo is the rare endemic butterfly, the Erevan Anomalous Blue (scientific name: Polyommatus eriwanensis), which is found only in Yerevan and its surrounding areas.
4. Central Government Expands No-Mining Zone, Providing Robust Protection to the Aravallis
In a significant move towards strengthening environmental protection, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has decided to impose a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli range. This ban will apply uniformly from Gujarat to the National Capital Region and aims to protect the geological structure and ecology of the Aravallis from long-term damage.
5. IIT Delhi Develops 'AILA'
AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant), developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, is an advanced AI-based autonomous laboratory system that can plan, conduct, and analyze experiments with minimal human intervention. This innovation demonstrates that India has now entered the league of leading countries in the field of agentic AI-based experimental science.
6. Gujarat becomes a Tiger State again after 33 years, NTCA makes the announcement
In a significant achievement in the field of wildlife conservation, Gujarat has been granted the status of a ‘Tiger State’ again after a gap of 33 years. This decision was taken by the National Tiger Conservation Authority based on concrete scientific evidence of the continuous and stable presence of tigers in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary, following which Gujarat has been included in the All India Tiger Estimation 2026.
7. 'Rashtra Prerna Sthal' inaugurated in Lucknow in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Rashtra Prerna Sthal' in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, on December 26, 2025, to mark the 101st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This memorial has been developed to preserve and pass on to future generations the ideals of Indian nationalism, good governance, and selfless public service.
8. International Cello Day
International Cello Day is celebrated annually on December 29th and aims to highlight the historical, cultural, and musical significance of the cello instrument globally. The day recognizes the cello's contribution to classical and modern music, while also promoting the preservation and promotion of musical heritage. The cello is a string instrument belonging to the violin family and played while sitting.
QUIZ (With Explanation)
1. What is the central theme of the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries?
A - Self-reliant India
B - Human Capital for a Developed India
C - Digital India
D - Together with everyone, development for all
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi on December 27-28, 2025, aimed at strengthening center-state cooperation and charting India's long-term development trajectory.
2. Which team won the Global Chess League 2025 (Season 3) title?
A - Triveni Continental Kings
B - Alpine SG Pipers
C - Mumbai Masters
D - Delhi Nights
Explanation:
Alpine SG Pipers have elevated the global prestige of Indian chess by winning the Global Chess League 2025 (Season 3) title. In the final held in Mumbai, the team defeated the defending champions, Triveni Continental Kings, in a dual-match format.
3. What is the scientific name of the butterfly depicted in the COP17 logo?
A - Danaus plexippus
B - Papilio demoleus
C - Polyommatus eriwanensis
D - Vanessa indica
Explanation:
Armenia has released the official logo for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which will be held in Yerevan in October 2026. The central motif of the logo is the endemic butterfly Erivan Anomalous Blue, found only in the Yerevan region and symbolizing ecological sensitivity.
4. Which ministry has imposed a ban on new mining leases in the Aravalli mountain range?
A - Ministry of Mines
B - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C - Ministry of Jal Shakti
D - Ministry of Home Affairs
Explanation:
To strengthen environmental protection, the central government has decided to impose a complete ban on new mining leases across the entire Aravalli mountain range, which will be uniformly applicable from Gujarat to the National Capital Region. This aims to protect the geological structure and ecology of the Aravallis from long-term damage caused by illegal and unregulated mining.
5. AILA was developed by researchers from which institution?
A - IISc Bangalore
B - IIT Bombay
C - IIT Delhi
D - AIIMS Delhi
Explanation:
AILA, developed by researchers at IIT Delhi, is an advanced AI-based autonomous laboratory system that can plan, conduct, and analyze experiments with minimal human intervention. This system is based on an agentic AI framework, which means it doesn't just follow instructions but understands the goal, makes decisions, and adapts itself according to the circumstances.
6. Which organization has reinstated Gujarat's status as a 'Tiger State'?
A - Wildlife Institute of India
B - National Tiger Conservation Authority
C - Ministry of Environment
D - IUCN
Explanation:
After a gap of 33 years, Gujarat has regained the status of 'Tiger State,' which is considered a major achievement in wildlife conservation in India. Gujarat was included in the All India Tiger Estimation 2026 after the National Tiger Conservation Authority found scientific evidence of the continuous and stable presence of tigers in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary.
7. Who inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal?
A - President Droupadi Murmu
B - Prime Minister Narendra Modi
C - Home Minister Amit Shah
D - Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Explanation:
On December 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, dedicated on the occasion of the 101st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This memorial is an attempt to preserve the values of Indian nationalism, good governance, and selfless public service, as well as to connect the youth with the ideas of nation-building.
8. What is the main objective of International Cello Day?
A - Organizing music competitions only
B - Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the cello
C - Promotion of new musical instruments
D - Promoting the entertainment industry
Explanation:
International Cello Day is celebrated annually on December 29, with the aim of highlighting the cultural and musical significance of the cello instrument globally. This day recognizes the cello's contribution to classical and modern music and encourages the preservation of musical heritage.
ONE LINER
In which city will this Chief Secretaries' Conference be held on December 27-28, 2025? – New Delhi
In which country's capital will the COP17 conference be held in October 2026? – Yerevan, Armenia
What is the scientific name of the endemic butterfly depicted in the COP17 logo? – Polyommatus eriwanensis
What is the full form of AILA developed by IIT Delhi? – Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant
Which team won the Global Chess League 2025 (Season 3) title? – Alpine SG Pipers
Who was chosen as the MVP of the Global Chess League 2025 final? – Anish Giri
What is the central theme of the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries? – Human Capital for a Developed India
Which state has regained the status of 'Tiger State' after 33 years? – Gujarat
On which date is International Cello Day celebrated every year? – December 29
In which mountain range has a complete ban been imposed on new mining leases? – Aravalli Range