Daily Current Affairs: Veer Bal Diwas & Defence Updates

📅 Date: 26 December 2025 (Friday)

Important and Articles: 26 December 2025

Welcome to your Friday update. Today we honor the bravery of India's children, explore vibrant cultural traditions from New Zealand and Tamil Nadu, and review critical defence milestones. Let's dive in.

1. Veer Bal Diwas & Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

December 26 is observed as Veer Bal Diwas to honor the supreme sacrifice of the Sahibzades (Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji), the young sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

        🏆 The Award:
        On this occasion, the President of India confers the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP).
        Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 5 to 18 years.
Categories: Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Social Service, Science & Technology, and Sports.
Reward: A medal, certificate, and citation.

    

2. Art & Culture: Haka Dance & Thanjavur Paintings

A. The Haka Dance (New Zealand)

A Sikh Nagar Kirtan in Auckland was recently greeted with a traditional Haka dance.
What is it? A traditional dance of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand.
Significance: Known for fierce facial expressions (pukana) and chanting, it symbolizes tribal pride, strength, and unity. Historically performed before war, it is now used to welcome guests.

B. Thanjavur Painting (Tamil Nadu)

India Post successfully transported a priceless Thanjavur painting of Shri Ram from Bengaluru to Ayodhya.
Key Features: Originating around 1600 AD, these paintings are done on wooden panels (palagai padam) and are famous for the use of Gold Leaf and precious stones. It holds a GI Tag.

3. Defence & Government Schemes

🚀 K-4 Missile

Type: Nuclear-capable Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
Developer: DRDO.
Range: Approx 3,500 km.

🚢 Samudra Pratap

What is it? A Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard.
Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited.

🏗️ PM-SETU Scheme

Full Form: Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
Budget: ₹60,000 Crore.
Goal: To modernize ITIs and improve employability.

4. Environment & Science Snippets

🌍 Eco-Tourism in Bihar:
Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran, Bihar, is promoting sustainable tourism with eco-friendly bamboo huts.

Landscape: Part of the Terai Arc Landscape.
River: Drained by the Gandak River.
Border: Shares a boundary with Chitwan National Park (Nepal).

Health: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

It is a rare, long-term liver disease causing inflammation of the bile ducts. If bile backs up into the liver, it can lead to Cirrhosis. Currently, the only cure for advanced cases is a liver transplant.

Geography: Teesta River

Origin: Tso Lhamo Lake (North Sikkim, 5,280m elevation).
Flow: India and Bangladesh.
Tributary of: Brahmaputra River.

Stay updated! Remember "Veer Bal Diwas" date (26 Dec) and the range of "K-4 Missile" for your exams.

Important and Articles: 26 December 2025