19 December 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

GS–3 | DEFENCE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II

Subtopic: Joint Military Exercises & Defence Diplomacy

Value Addition:

• Type: Second edition of India–UAE joint military exercise.

• Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

• Duration: 18 December – 30 December 2025.

• Indian Contingent:

  • 45 personnel from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion.

• UAE Contingent:

  • Personnel of similar strength from 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.

• Core Aim:

  • Enhance interoperability between Indian Army and UAE Land Forces.

• Training Focus:

  • Urban warfare scenarios.

  • Peacekeeping operations.

  • Counter-terrorism missions.

  • Stability operations under UN mandates.

• Operational Outcomes:

  • Exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

  • Joint planning and execution drills.

Subject Analysis:

• Strengthens India–UAE strategic defence partnership.

• Reflects India’s growing military engagement in West Asia.

• Important GS-3 topic linking defence diplomacy, interoperability, and UN peacekeeping readiness.

GS–3 | SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY / AGRICULTURE / HEALTH

2. Annatto

Subtopic: Natural Food Colouring & Functional Foods

Value Addition:

• Derived from seeds of Achiote tree (Bixa orellana), native to tropical Americas.

• Accounts for ~70% of natural food colourings used globally.

• Primary Pigments:

  • Carotenoids (bixin and norbixin).

• Food Industry Uses:

  • Cheese, butter, yoghurt, sausages, smoked fish, ice cream, baked goods.

• Forms:

  • Powder, paste, or extracted dye.

• Flavour Profile:

  • Neutral at low doses; mild peppery, nutty, floral notes at higher doses.

• Health & Functional Benefits:

  • Antioxidant-rich.

  • Anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Potential benefits for eye and heart health.

  • Contains tocotrienol (Vitamin E) supporting bone health.

• Safety:

  • Generally safe; rare allergic reactions reported.

• Traditional Use:

  • Ground seeds used topically for skin care.

• Research Context:

  • CSIR–CFTRI conducting focused research on annatto.

Subject Analysis:

• Supports shift towards natural additives in food processing.

• Links agriculture with nutraceuticals and functional foods.

• Relevant for GS-3 questions on food technology, health, and bio-resources.

GS–3 | DEFENCE / MARITIME SECURITY

3. INS Hansa

Subtopic: Naval Aviation Infrastructure & Maritime Domain Awareness

Value Addition:

• Location: Near Dabolim, Goa (Vasco da Gama).

• Status: Largest Indian Naval Air Station.

• Operational Role:

  • Hub for shore-based naval aviation operations.

• Civil Enclave:

  • Functions as Dabolim Airport, handling 24×7 civilian flights.

• Historical Timeline:

  • Originally commissioned (1961) at Sulur, Tamil Nadu.

  • Taken over by Navy post-liberation of Goa (1962).

  • Formally relocated to Goa in 1964.

• Recent Development:

  • Commissioning of INAS 335 (Ospreys) – second MH-60R Seahawk squadron.

• Capability Enhancements:

  • Second P-8I maritime patrol squadron inducted in 2022.

  • Planned induction of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones.

• Operational Experience:

  • MH-60R helicopters already deployed in Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25, and Tri-Services Exercise 2025.

Subject Analysis:

• Critical node for western seaboard maritime security.

• Enhances anti-submarine warfare and surveillance capability.

• Important for GS-3 topics on naval aviation, blue-water capability, and MDA.

GS–3 | DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY

4. MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter (INAS 335)

Subtopic: Multi-Role Naval Helicopters & ASW

Value Addition:

• Type: All-weather, day-night, multi-role helicopter.

• Roles:

  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

  • Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW).

  • Search and Rescue (SAR).

  • Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

  • Vertical replenishment (VERTREP).

• Operational Flexibility:

  • Can operate from ships and shore bases.

• Strategic Impact:

  • Boosts integral air support to naval task forces.

Subject Analysis:

• Enhances India’s undersea warfare dominance.

• Key GS-3 defence modernisation example.

GS–3 | ENVIRONMENT / POLLUTION CONTROL

5. Carbon-Based PFAS Remediation

Subtopic: Groundwater Pollution & Environmental Engineering

Value Addition:

• PFAS:

  • Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (“forever chemicals”).

  • Over 4,700 synthetic chemicals.

• Uses:

  • Non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, textiles, cosmetics, food packaging.

• Persistence Reason:

  • Extremely strong carbon–fluorine bond.

• New Technology:

  • In-situ remediation using engineered colloidal carbon material.

• Method:

  • Push–pull injection creates permeable treatment zone underground.

• Advantages:

  • Non-invasive.

  • Long-term groundwater cleanup.

• Results:

  • PFAS levels reduced by up to 10,000 times within 10 months.

• Effectiveness:

  • Works on both long-chain and short-chain PFAS.

Subject Analysis:

• Breakthrough in tackling persistent organic pollutants.

• Highly relevant for GS-3 environment questions on groundwater contamination and remediation technologies