CURRENT AFFAIRS 01 December, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 01 December, 2025

1. IN A GLOBAL FIRST, A TURKISH KIZILELMA UAV USES A BVR MISSILE TO DOWN AN AIRCRAFT –

• Turkey has announced a major breakthrough in unmanned military aviation after its Bayraktar Kızılelma uncrewed fighter jet successfully shot down a jet-powered target aircraft using a beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile. The demonstration marks a global first for UAV-led air-to-air combat and highlights rapid advancements in Türkiye’s defence technology ecosystem.

First Verified UAV BVR Engagement

• During the test, Kızılelma detected, tracked, and engaged a high-speed aerial target using the MURAD active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. It then launched the indigenous GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile from an under-wing hardpoint, scoring a direct hit. Defence firm Baykar said the trial established the platform as the world’s first uncrewed system with verified long-range air-to-air combat capability.

Indigenous Sensors and Weapons Suite

• The UAV integrates several domestically developed technologies, including the MURAD AESA radar and the TOYGUN targeting system. Its low radar cross-section and advanced sensors enable early detection of adversary aircraft while maintaining high survivability. Earlier tests demonstrated accurate deployment of TOLUN and TEBER-82 precision munitions, strengthening the platform’s multirole credentials.

Joint Operations with Crewed Aircraft

• Five F-16 fighter jets from Merzifon air base joined Kızılelma during the test phase, showcasing coordinated crewed-uncrewed formations. The trial highlighted Türkiye’s progress in manned-unmanned teaming, a capability increasingly central to modern air warfare. Officials say such integration can expand strike options while reducing risks to pilots.

2. INDIA TO ESTABLISH FIRST NATIONAL CORAL REEF RESEARCH CENTRE IN ANDAMAN –

• India will soon inaugurate the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking a major step in advancing marine conservation and climate resilience. The centre aims to strengthen scientific understanding of coral ecosystems and enhance national capacity to protect vulnerable coastal zones.

NCRRI to Serve as National Nodal Agency

• The proposed ₹120-crore institute at Chidiyatapu in South Andaman will function as the country’s primary hub for coral reef research and monitoring. It will coordinate scientific studies, develop conservation frameworks, and support long-term ecosystem management across Indian coastal regions. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will oversee its establishment and operations.

Focus on Advanced Research and Climate Resilience

• NCRRI is expected to offer state-of-the-art facilities for marine biodiversity assessments, reef restoration, and climate impact studies. Scientists highlight that coral reefs act as natural barriers, absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact of storms on coastal communities. Strengthening reef systems is seen as critical to mitigating risks associated with rising sea levels and warming oceans.

3. SRI LANKA DECLARES EMERGENCY AMID CYCLONE DITWAH DEVASTATION –

• Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency after Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive loss of life, large-scale displacement, and severe infrastructural damage. The government aims to accelerate relief coordination, rescue deployment, and medical support as the island continues to battle flooding, high winds, and communication breakdowns.

Emergency Measures Announced Nationwide

• President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency regulations to streamline the mobilisation of troops, police, health personnel, and civil defence units. The move follows appeals from opposition parties and medical associations calling for urgent state intervention. The regulations are designed to enable faster decision-making and coordinated disaster management across affected districts.

India Intensifies Assistance Under Operation Sagar Bandhu

• India has scaled up relief support, supplying nearly 27 tonnes of essential materials by air and sea. Two military transport aircraft delivered 21 tonnes of supplies on Saturday, following an earlier consignment of six tonnes. India has also deployed two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 NDRF personnel, while Chetak helicopters from INS “Vikrant” joined aerial rescue operations.

4. VIVEK CHATURVEDI APPOINTED CBIC CHAIRMAN –

• The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs has received new leadership with the appointment of senior IRS officer Vivek Chaturvedi as its Chairman. His elevation follows the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and comes at a crucial time as the organisation prepares for transitional and policy-related priorities.

Leadership Transition at CBIC

• Vivek Chaturvedi succeeds Sanjay Agrawal, who retires on 30 November 2025. The transition ensures continuity in policy administration and operational oversight within the indirect tax framework. Chaturvedi belongs to the 1990 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes).

Role of the Appointments Committee

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the posting based on recommendations from the Department of Personnel and Training. The committee plays a key role in choosing top-level administrators for strategic departments, ensuring experienced officers lead critical tax and customs structures.

5. INDIA SIGNS ₹7,995 CRORE SUPPORT DEAL FOR NAVY’S SEAHAWK FLEET –

• India has concluded a ₹7,995 crore agreement with the United States for a comprehensive follow-on support package for the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The pact, signed under the US Foreign Military Sales framework, ensures long-term sustainment of the 24 multirole maritime helicopters inducted by India.

Scope of the Sustainment Package

• The agreement provides spares, support equipment, product support, training modules and technical assistance. It also includes repair and replenishment systems for critical components. The MH-60R, built by Lockheed Martin, is an all-weather platform equipped for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and maritime operations.

Boost to Indigenous Capability

• A key feature of the deal is the establishment of in-country repair and maintenance facilities. These will enable intermediate-level component servicing and periodic inspections within India. The defence ministry noted that this capability will reduce external dependence and reinforce national goals under Aatmanirbhar Bharat

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   Which denomination of Nepal’s currency recently featured a revised map including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, it was released by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) ?

1. a) ₹10
2. b) ₹50
3. c) ₹100
4. d) ₹500

Q2.   As per the news, the State Bank of India (SBI) is modernising its core banking system by shifting its operating platform from which system to Linux ?

1. a) Windows
2. b) Unix
3. c) AIX
4. d) Solaris

Q3.   Which global company developed India’s first global-level aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility inaugurated in Hyderabad ?

1. a) Rolls-Royce
2. b) GE Aerospace
3. c) Pratt & Whitney
4. d) Safran Aircraft Engines

Q4.   Consider the following statements regarding Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha

          Statement-I: The office of the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is crucial for ensuring the continuity of parliamentary proceedings and upholding institutional neutrality.

          Statement-II: The Deputy Speaker automatically becomes the chairperson of any parliamentary committee if appointed as a member of that committee.

          Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

1. a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Explanation-

• Statement-I is correct. The office of the Deputy Speaker plays a vital role in ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the Lok Sabha, especially when the Speaker is absent or the office of the Speaker is vacant. This continuity is essential for legislative business. Furthermore, the Deputy Speaker, particularly when the convention of appointing an opposition member is followed, contributes to institutional neutrality and balance in legislative debates.
• Statement-II is also correct. It is a significant parliamentary convention and rule that if the Deputy Speaker is appointed as a member of any parliamentary committee, they automatically become its chairperson. This underscores the importance and seniority associated with the office of the Deputy Speaker within the committee system of the Parliament.
• However, Statement-II, while correct, is not the direct or primary explanation for why the office of the Deputy Speaker is crucial for ensuring continuity of proceedings and institutional neutrality (Statement-I).

Q5.   Consider the following statements regarding the Raisina Dialogue:

1. It was conceptualized as India’s response to the Munich Security Conference and Shangri-La Dialogue.
2. The event is held biennially in New Delhi to ensure comprehensive discussions.
3. The conference covers non-traditional security challenges such as cyber threats and climate security.

          How many of the above statements are incorrect ?

1. a) Only one
2. b) Only two
3. c) All three
4. d) None

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct – Raisina Dialogue was designed as India’s equivalent of the Munich Security Conference (Germany) and Shangri-La Dialogue (Singapore).
• Statement 2 is incorrect – The conference is held annually, not biennially.
• Statement 3 is correct – It covers non-traditional security areas, including cybersecurity, technology governance, and climate change.

What is the Raisina Dialogue?

• India’s flagship international conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized annually.
• Aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and strategic experts.
• Started in: 2016, as an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Aim:

• Foster global discussions on diplomacy, security, and economic policies.
• Enhance India’s role as a key player in international affairs.
• Strengthen cooperation between nations on pressing global issues.

Key Features:

• High-level participation from global leaders, diplomats, and experts.
• Panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking sessions.
• Focus on emerging challenges in security, technology, and governance.

Answer Key