Daily Current Affairs Quiz December 26 2025

1. US–Nigeria Military Action – The United States, at Nigeria’s request, launched air strikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria. President Donald Trump took credit for a “powerful” strike (Christmas Day operation) targeting ISIS affiliates accused of attacking Christian villages; US and Nigerian forces reported killing multiple militants and said further operations could follow.

2. Russia–Ukraine Diplomacy – Russia’s President Putin received US peace proposals for Ukraine. Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov held talks with US officials (Trump administration) on Dec 26, 2025, and both sides agreed to continue dialogue on a possible peace deal. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced he will meet Donald Trump on Dec 28 to discuss territory and security guarantees as part of peace negotiations.

3. Israel–Gaza Ceasefire – Qatar announced that an agreement had been reached on the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire (signed in Oct 2025), which includes ending the war, releasing Israeli hostages, freeing Palestinian prisoners, and allowing humanitarian aid. In related developments, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz clarified on Dec 23 that Israel has no intention of resettling the Gaza Strip with civilian communities; he said Israeli military units (Nahal) would remain in Gaza only for security purposes, in line with the US-backed Gaza plan of a full Israeli withdrawal once Gaza is secure. Hamas condemned Katz’s remarks as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

4. Chad/Sudan Security – A drone strike in Chad (Dec 26, 2025) killed two Chadian soldiers at a military base near the Sudan border. Local sources said the identity of the attackers was unclear; the incident highlights rising cross-border tensions amid regional conflicts.

1. Global Markets Rally – In post-Christmas trading, US stock markets climbed: the S&P 500 hit an intraday record high (close to 7,000) amid optimism for Federal Reserve rate cuts and strong corporate earnings. In Asia, major indices rose to multi-week highs (Japan’s Topix at record levels, South Korea up ~72% YTD, Chinese CSI 300 +18% YTD), while precious metals surged – silver and gold reached all-time highs (gold ~$4,503/oz, up ~71% in 2025) as investors bet on continued monetary easing.

2. China Steel & Climate Pledge – China’s government pledged to continue controlling crude steel production during 2026–2030 to curb carbon emissions. Steel output in China fell about 4% through November 2025; the pledge extends current caps into the next five-year plan, aligning industrial policy with climate goals.

3. India Rupee & Trade – The Indian rupee fell to record lows (around ₹91.03/USD) in mid-Dec 2025, pressured by hedging demand and capital outflows amid uncertainty over a US–India trade deal. Despite weak global sentiment, India’s exports surged in November 2025 (helped by a weak rupee and dodging US tariffs), easing some external pressures. Analysts project only “mild” further rupee depreciation barring major shocks.

1. Space Sector Changes – United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced (Dec 22, 2025) that CEO Tory Bruno would step down (after 12 years). The board is searching for a successor at the Colorado-based launch firm. Meanwhile, the US Senate confirmed commercial astronaut Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator (Dec 17, 2025), marking the first Senate confirmation of a NASA chief since 2017.

2. AI & Computing – Nvidia agreed to license advanced chip technology from AI startup Groq, boosting Nvidia’s stock. The deal (reported Dec 26) will allow Nvidia to integrate Groq’s novel AI chip designs, reflecting continued industry consolidation in AI hardware. (In related news, IBM unveiled a new 9-qubit quantum processor, as companies race to scale up quantum computing; and EU regulators continue evaluating major tech M&A deals in AI.)

3. Health & Genomics – (No single headline found on Dec 26; general note:) Researchers worldwide continue advancing mRNA vaccine platforms and CRISPR gene-editing therapies. For example, a recent study reported promising CRISPR-based treatment for sickle cell disease entering human trials (Dec 2025). Public health agencies are also alert to emerging infectious threats (e.g. late-year measles outbreaks in Europe).

1. Extreme Weather & Disasters – Flooding in Southeast Asia: Heavy rains and Cyclone-induced landslides in Indonesia’s Sumatra island (Dec 2025) killed over 800 people (with 200+ in Aceh province alone) and also impacted Thailand and Malaysia; survivors recall the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as they cope with the disaster.

2. Climate Outlook – US climate agencies reported that the current La Niña in the Pacific is weakening; forecasts (Dec 2025) indicate neutral El Niño/La Niña conditions by early 2026, which will influence global weather patterns. Scientists note that 2025 saw numerous climate records (hottest months on record, Arctic sea ice lows) as greenhouse gas levels continue to climb.

3. Water Resources – In India’s Rajasthan state, severe water scarcity is straining industry and agriculture. Foreign beverage giants (Diageo, Heineken, Carlsberg) operating in Alwar district face dwindling groundwater; regulations force each firm to set up local production due to liquor transport laws, exacerbating local water stress. Companies are investing in recycling and rainwater projects to cope with declining water tables.

1. India (Anti-terror) – Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced (Dec 26) that the Delhi Red Fort blast (Nov 10, 2025) involved about 40 kg of explosives; security forces had earlier seized 3 tonnes of bombs before detonation. The National Investigation Agency has arrested nine suspects related to the attack. Shah praised the Kashmir police and NIA for their investigation.

2. US/Nigeria (Counterterror) – As above, the US-Nigerian joint strike against ISIS-Affiliated militants highlights growing counterterror cooperation. US President Trump framed the operation as protecting Christians, while Nigerian authorities said the move targeted violent extremists, not the local Muslim population.

3. China (Nuclear) – A Pentagon report (leaked Dec 22) warns that China has likely deployed over 100 new intercontinental ballistic missiles (solid-fuel DF-31 ICBMs) in its new silo fields in northern China. The US noted China’s accelerating nuclear buildup (with warheads possibly doubling by 2030). The findings will complicate global arms control talks; China denies aggressive intentions and says its strategy is defensive.

4. Europe/NATO – NATO continued to strengthen its eastern flank. Notably, Sweden’s accession to NATO moved forward, with Turkey formally ratifying membership in late 2025. (No major new Russian aggression reported on Dec 26; however, Ukraine war remains Europe’s top security concern.) NATO defense ministers were due to meet in late Dec to discuss readiness and support for Ukraine.

1. Maria Corina Machado – Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize (presented Dec 10, 2025, in Oslo) for her work uniting democratic forces in Venezuela and fighting for a peaceful transition from dictatorship. The prize was received on her behalf (she remains barred from office by the regime).

2. Narendra Modi – India’s PM Modi featured in the Veer Bal Diwas event (see above), addressing young students on the importance of national heroes and values. He also met President Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Dec 26 (as part of routine ceremonial duties).

3. Droupadi Murmu – India’s President Murmu presided over the national Veer Bal Diwas ceremony and personally conferred Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awards to meritorious children on Dec 26.

4. Volodymyr Zelenskiy – Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy made headlines by announcing a high-level meeting with US President Trump (planned Dec 28) to negotiate land and security issues in the war with Russia. Zelenskiy’s outreach underlines Ukraine’s urgent search for peace terms.

5. Donald Trump – US President Trump continues to shape foreign and domestic news: he ordered the Nigeria strike (see above), proposed a 20-point Middle East peace plan (implemented in Oct), and has just declared Dec 26 a national holiday in the US (as per announcements this week). Trump and Israel’s PM Netanyahu are reported to be meeting next week at the White House to discuss the Gaza plan.

6. Sophie Kinsella – British author Sophie Kinsella (pen name of Madeleine Wickham), known for the bestselling “Shopaholic” novels, died on Dec 10, 2025 at age 55 from brain cancer. Her family announced she died peacefully, and noted her books have sold ~45 million copies worldwide. Her passing was widely reported in the literary world.

7. Tarique Rahman – Senior Bangladeshi political figure Tarique Rahman (son of ex-PM Khaleda Zia) returned from self-exile to Bangladesh on Dec 25, ending 17 years abroad. His arrival was covered by regional media as a significant political event.

1. Cricket: The Ashes (Melbourne) – Boxing Day Test (4th Ashes Test, Aus vs Eng), Day 1 (Dec 26, 2025): Australia ended the day 152/4 (lead 46) after bowling England out for 110 runs. Key highlights: England’s vice-captain Harry Brook became the fastest player in history (by balls faced) to reach 3,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone during his 34-ball 41. England’s Josh Tongue took 5/45 in 15 overs, becoming the first English bowler in the 21st century to claim a five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG. (Australia led by 46 at stumps, setting up an exciting Test match.)

2. Football: Boxing Day (Premier League) – English Premier League fixtures on Dec 26, 2025 were unusually sparse: only one match was scheduled (Manchester United vs Newcastle at Old Trafford). This was the “quietest Boxing Day” in Premier League history, due to league scheduling changes (most games were spread over Dec 26–28). Boxing Day remains a major sporting holiday (with soccer, rugby, cricket events) but the 2025 schedule was atypical.

3. Hockey/Other – In ice hockey, early-season NHL games saw strong performances by Canadian teams (Montréal had a 10-game win streak by late Dec). In football (NFL), the Kansas City Chiefs tightened their AFC lead. Other highlights included the end-of-year Test matches in rugby and a major marathon (Honolulu Marathon, Dec 14).

1. Nobel Prizes 2025 – Nobel Peace Prize: awarded to María Corina Machado of Venezuela for promoting democracy. (Other Nobels were announced earlier in Oct: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Economics laureates were unveiled on Oct 7–10, but no India-related names.)

2. Global Awards – The Forbes list of billionaires (2025) showed India’s Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani among the top 20 richest globally. Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2025 was widely expected to be a figure in AI or climate (yet to be announced at year’s end). In sports, notable 2025 awards included World Athletics Athlete of the Year and Ballon d’Or (these were awarded earlier in Nov/Dec).

3. India-Specific Honours – Veer Bal Puraskar: 20 Indian children received the PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for achievements in fields like innovation, sports, and social service, conferred by the President on Dec 26.

1. Boxing Day / St. Stephen’s Day – Dec 26 is celebrated as Boxing Day (public holiday) in the UK, Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. Originally a day to give to the poor, it is now known for post-Christmas shopping and sports. It coincides with St. Stephen’s Day (Christian feast) in many European countries.

2. Day of Goodwill (South Africa) – In South Africa, Dec 26 is observed as the Day of Goodwill, a public holiday honoring generosity and community (formerly known as Boxing Day).

3. Veer Bal Diwas (India) – As noted, India annually observes Veer Bal Diwas on Dec 26 to honor the sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons. The day’s national program also traditionally includes the presentation of the PM’s National Child Awards (Bal Puraskar).

4. Historical Remembrances – Dec 26 marks the anniversaries of several past events: the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami (magnitude 9.1 quake off Sumatra) that killed ~230,000 people in Asia; in 1908, Jack Johnson became the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion; in 1991, the USSR formally dissolved. It is also Kwanzaa’s first day (an African-American cultural holiday started in 1966).

1. Ramakrishnan Chander – Appointed Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) effective Dec 1, 2025. He will serve until his superannuation in 2027.

2. Usha Janakiraman – Appointed Executive Director at RBI (effective Dec 1, 2025), heading the Department of Supervision (Risk, Analytics & Vulnerability Assessment).

3. B. Sairam – Coal India’s Board appointed CMD B. Sairam as Chief Executive Officer of Coal India, effective Dec 15, 2025.

4. Suresh Goyal – Re-elected/appointed as Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), effective Jan 5, 2026.5.

5. Raj Kumar Goyal – Sworn in as India’s Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) on Dec 15, 2025, heading the Central Information Commission. This post became vacant earlier in the year.

1. Summit of the Americas (Tenth Summit) – The planned Summit of the Americas in Punta Cana (originally set for Dec 2025) was postponed to 2026. The Dominican Republic (host) officially announced on Nov 10, 2025 that the Summit has been deferred, as pre-summit meetings continued. Preparations had included dialogues on human security (citizen, food, energy, water) under the banner “Human Security: Towards a Resilient Future” (themes for the summit).

2. UN Climate Talks (COP30) – COP30 convened Nov 10–21, 2025 in Belém, Brazil (the week of Dec 20, 2025 saw post-COP reflections). World leaders agreed on modest steps for climate finance and loss-and-damage funds, but global targets remain unmet. (No major follow-up meeting was scheduled on Dec 26.)

3. Other – A variety of scientific and sectoral conferences took place in late Dec (e.g., the IAEA nuclear conference in Vienna; the World Meteorological Congress in Geneva to discuss services). Regional security dialogues (ASEAN Defence Ministers, EU–Japan Summit) also occurred in mid-Dec, but no events exactly on the 26th.

1. Gujarat Earthquake – A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Kachchh district (Gujarat) at ~04:30 IST on Dec 26. The epicenter was 10 km deep; no casualties or damage were reported.

2. Odisha Maoist Encounter – On the intervening night of Dec 25–26, security forces in Odisha’s Malkangiri district killed Maoist leader Paka Hanumanthu (alias Ganesh, a top cadre from Telangana) and three associates in an armed encounter.

3. Kerala Nativity Cards – The Kerala government decided to introduce permanent photo ID “nativity cards” for residents, replacing the current nativity certificates. This move aims to streamline state benefits and verify origin more easily.

4. Rajasthan Water Stress – Alwar (Rajasthan) – Foreign alcohol companies (Diageo, Heineken, etc.) face acute water scarcity. Rajasthan’s groundwater depletion has prompted strict rules: each liquor firm must draw local permits and invest in rainwater harvesting. Villagers often get piped water only once weekly, highlighting the state’s water crisis. State industries and agriculture also suffer the impacts of chronic drought.

Sophie Kinsella (1969–2025) – British novelist Sophie Kinsella (born Madeleine Wickham), famed for the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” series, died on Dec 10, 2025 at age 55 from brain cancer. Her family announced she passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, during the Christmas season. Kinsella’s 12 novels have sold ~45 million copies worldwide.

1. Global Innovation Index (2025) – India ranked 38th globally in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, reflecting improvements in R&D and technology sectors.

2. Other Indices – In 2024/25 international rankings (latest data): India was 105th on the Global Hunger Index, 116th on the Global Peace Index, 134th on the UN Human Development Index, and 162nd on the World Press Freedom Index. India’s passport strength (Henley Index) was 85th, and it was 4th in the Global Firepower military ranking.

3. Economic Reports – Indian economy grew ~6.5% in FY2024–25 (data released mid-2025); inflation has slowed towards 4% as of Dec 2025. The RBI’s MPC has hinted at rate stability in coming months to support growth. Finance Minister and RBI economists continue to project robust medium-term growth (around 6%) (as noted by experts).

1. Sophie Kinsella – (See Obituaries) – Her death in Dec 2025 was a major literary news.

2. Other New Releases – Late 2025 saw published novels from top authors: Brandon Sanderson’s Fifth Era (fantasy), Colleen Hoover’s Hidden Forever, and a highly-anticipated biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Nonfiction highlights included a World Bank report on climate economics and a UNESCO atlas of education.

3. Literary Awards – The Goncourt Prize (France) was announced in mid-November 2025 to writer Édouard Louis. India’s Sahitya Akademi Award (for 2025) is expected to be announced in Jan 2026 (annual cycle).

4. Book Fairs – Book fairs and festivals took a break during the holiday season; the next big event is the Jaipur Lit Fest (Jan 2026).

1. Tsunami Anniversary – Dec 26, 2025 marks the 21st anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. Schools and media in affected countries (India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand) held remembrance events. It was noted that on Dec 26, 2004 a magnitude 9.1 quake and resultant 100-foot waves killed ~230,000 people across Asia and even East Africa.

2. Technology Trends – End-of-year tech trends: AI and robotics remained hot topics. Major announcements included Google’s December 2025 core search algorithm update (catching 59% of sites in algorithm changes), and the preview of Apple’s next VR headset. SpaceX launched a Starship test flight (delayed from Nov to Dec) to an altitude of 100 km.

3. Pop Culture – “Avatar 3” (James Cameron) was released in theaters on Dec 19 and was topping global box offices in the final week of 2025. Holiday season shopping (e-commerce sales) saw record online spending on Dec 26 (Boxing Day sales) especially in North America and Europe.