Current Affairs

The Indian Army received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing on December 16–17, 2025, completing its contracted fleet of six helicopters. The deal, signed with the United States in February 2020 for about $600 million, marks a major milestone for the Army Aviation Corps.

The helicopters arrived at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, and will be inducted into the 451 Army Aviation Squadron at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, after assembly and technical checks. This is the first time the Indian Army has its own Apache fleet (the IAF already operates Apaches).

The AH-64E Apache is equipped with advanced sensors, night-fighting capability, Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30mm chain gun, making it ideal for precision strikes, reconnaissance, desert warfare, and border operations. The induction significantly enhances India’s strike capability and combat readiness, especially along the western frontiers, and reflects the strengthening India–US defence partnership.

Harimau Shakti 2025 is the 5th India–Malaysia joint military exercise, held from 5–18 December 2025 at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. It involved the Dogra Regiment (India) and the 25th Battalion, Royal Malaysian Army.

The exercise focused on counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and UN peacekeeping operations, aiming to enhance interoperability, operational readiness, and bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.

On 12 December 2025, the Union Cabinet approved a budget of ₹11,718 crore for conducting Census 2027.

Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases—Phase I (Houselisting and Housing Census) and Phase II (Population Enumeration). It will be India’s 16th Census overall and the 8th Census since Independence. India’s Census is regarded as the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world.

A major highlight is that Caste Enumeration will be included in Census 2027. It will also be India’s first-ever digital Census, with data collection carried out through mobile applications available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Around 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed for the exercise. Census 2027 will cover the entire population of the country, involving door-to-door visits to every household using separate questionnaires for housing and population data.

India has achieved a major clean energy milestone by installing 50% of its total power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, reaching its Panchamrit target five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. As per data tabled in the Lok Sabha on 8 December 2025, India’s total installed power capacity stood at 485 GW as of 30 June 2025, out of which 243 GW came from non-fossil sources. The Standing Committee on Energy praised the MNRE, Ministry of Power, and stakeholders for this progress.

India has already installed 116 GW of solar capacity and aims to reach 292 GW by 2030 as part of its larger 500 GW non-fossil power target. To achieve this, around 176 GW of new solar capacity must be added in the next five years. Currently, 128 GW is under implementation, while 62 GW is in the tendering stage.

However, the Committee highlighted key challenges such as land acquisition delays, grid connectivity issues, inadequate energy storage, and the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing. Land requirements are particularly critical, as 4–7 acres are needed per MW of solar power, and India may need 1.4–2 million hectares of land for long-term solar expansion. This could lead to conflicts with agriculture and ecologically sensitive areas. The Committee urged strict adherence to the planned energy transition roadmap to sustain progress.

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7 in India to honour the sacrifice, courage, and service of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Established in 1949, the day was instituted to create awareness and raise funds for the welfare of ex-servicemen, war widows, and their dependents through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).

On this day, citizens contribute voluntarily and receive small flags or stickers as a symbol of solidarity with the armed forces. The observance reflects national gratitude, unity, and responsibility toward those who protect the nation.

India and Malaysia commenced the fifth edition of the joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ on 5 December 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, which will continue till 18 December. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability in sub-conventional operations under the UN Chapter VII mandate.

The Indian Army is represented mainly by the Dogra Regiment, while Malaysia is represented by the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army. Training includes counter-terrorism operations, cordon-and-search drills, search-and-destroy missions, heliborne operations, martial arts, combat reflex shooting, and yoga. Both sides will also rehearse helipad security and casualty evacuation in hostile environments. The exercise aims to improve joint operational readiness, reduce risks, and strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral ties between India and Malaysia.