Current Affairs 27 December 2025

Israel becomes 1st country to formally recognise Somaliland.

• Israel announced plans to expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology.
• Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi termed the move a historic moment.
• Full diplomatic ties will include appointment of ambassadors and opening of embassies.
• Somaliland, located on the Gulf of Aden, declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognised.

US changes H-1B visa selection to wage-based system..

• The US Department of Homeland Security has revised the H-1B visa selection process.
• Future H-1B cap selections will be weighted by wage levels, not only random lottery.
• The rule aims to support highly skilled jobs while protecting US workers’ wages and conditions.
• The change may reshape how foreign tech talent enters the US workforce.

Civil Aviation Ministry clears two new airlines for launch in 2026.

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted NOCs to Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.
• Both airlines are expected to begin operations in 2026.
• Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, which already has an NOC, may also start services in 2026.
• India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.
• The country currently has nine scheduled domestic airlines in operation.

Government Set to Introduce India’s First Anti-Terror Policy.

• India to introduce its first comprehensive anti terror policy to strengthen national security.
• Policy provides a unified framework for Centre and states to prevent and respond to terrorism.
• Focus areas include digital radicalisation open borders and foreign funded networks.
• NIA conference on Dec 26–27 in Delhi to finalise operational framework.

Indian Coast Guard inducts first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel.

• The Indian Coast Guard inducted SAMUDRA PRATAP under the 02 PCV project of Goa Shipyard Limited.
• It is the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the ICG.
• The vessel is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet.
• It significantly enhances the operational reach and capability of the Coast Guard.
• It also features a high-capacity external firefighting system.