Current Affairs 23 December 2025

India Adds 50 Giga-Watt Renewable Energy Capacity in 2025.

• India added ~50 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2025 with investments of about ₹2 lakh crore, reaching 262 GW non-fossil capacity—50% of total power mix, five years ahead of its 2030 Paris target.
• Total installed generation capacity now stands at ~510 GW, with 247 GW from fossil fuels and 262 GW from non-fossil sources, led by solar additions of ~35 GW.

India Optel–Safran Pact to Develop Advanced Combat Systems.

• India Optel Limited signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defence to develop two critical warfare-capable systems in India under Make in India.
• The systems include the Sigma 30N digital ring laser gyro inertial navigation system and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight for artillery and anti-drone roles.
• The pact was signed in New Delhi on December 22, 2025.

Army, NSUT Sign MoU for AI & Software Development.

• Indian Army signed an MoU with Netaji Subhas University of Technology to develop software and AI-based solutions for the force.
• The partnership will focus on addressing real-world operational and technological challenges faced by the Army.
• NSUT students and faculty will work on live Army problem-solving projects, gaining hands-on experience and practical exposure.

India, New Zealand Conclude Free Trade Agreement.

• India & New Zealand have sealed a free trade agreement, India’s 3rd FTA in 2025 after deals with the UK & Oman.
• The pact will provide tariff-free market access, attract $20 billion investment over 15 years and aims to double bilateral trade in five years.
• While 95% of New Zealand exports gain tariff cuts, India protected key sectors by excluding dairy, sugar, onions, spices and edible oils.

PM Modi Releases Ashwagandha Commemorative Stamp.

• PM Modi released a ₹5 commemorative postage stamp on Ashwagandha during the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
• The summit, jointly organised by World Health Organization and the Ministry of Ayush, was held from December 17–19, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• The stamp was unveiled in the presence of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.