India This Week December 19 2025
India This Week December 19 2025
India This Week – December 19, 2025: Digest of Vijay Diwas, Diplomacy, Economy, and Domestic Events
Vijay Diwas commemorations and national reflections on 1971
The 1971 war legacy remained a focal point as leaders publicly honored the valor and sacrifice of those who fought to secure Bangladesh’s independence. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the enduring spirit of the armed forces and recalled the decisive actions that defined India’s military history. The commemorations highlighted how the courage shown in 1971 continues to inspire new generations and reinforce a sense of national pride. (Page 6)
Rupee at new lows amid foreign outflows and volatility ahead
The Indian rupee touched a historic sub-91 level against the US dollar, reflecting sustained foreign-exit pressures and subdued capital inflows. Analysts warned that currency movements could remain volatile in the near term due to global uncertainty and thin end-of-year trading. While depreciation poses inflationary risks and raises the cost of servicing external debt, it could offer some relief to exporters facing tariff pressures. Central-bank actions appeared restrained as the broader macro picture remained unsettled. (Page 2)
PM Modi’s Jordan visit: emphasis on counterterrorism and regional cooperation
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan for discussions with King Abdullah II, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing regional peace efforts. The talks revisited shared concerns about extremism and highlighted a long partnership that seeks concrete cooperation across multiple sectors. The visit included discussions about upcoming agreements and a business forum intended to deepen economic ties, with both sides signaling a commitment to expanding collaboration in industry, ICT, and other strategic areas. (Page 1)
Legal developments: action against vehicles below BS-IV standards in NCR
The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to enforce regulations against non-compliant vehicles in the National Capital Region, balancing environmental objectives with protections for owners who meet emission norms. The decision occurred in the context of ongoing judicial scrutiny into related cases, including the monitoring of an earlier high-profile investigation and the transfer of several issues to the Calcutta High Court for enhanced oversight. (Page 3)
Sonia Gandhi electoral rolls case: renewed scrutiny and legal proceedings
A long-dormant complaint accusing Sonia Gandhi of wrongful inclusion in the 1980–81 electoral rolls has resurfaced, with a revision petition challenging a previous dismissal now before the Sessions Court. New, attested documents reportedly illustrate irregularities in entry and deletion records from the early 1980s, prompting a January hearing. Political reactions from major parties have intensified the debate around citizenship, eligibility, and the integrity of the electoral process. (Page 7)
India-Ethiopia ties: Modi’s visit yields a strengthened strategic framework
Prime Minister Modi characterized his visit to Ethiopia as truly memorable, citing a refreshed momentum in India–Ethiopia relations and a shift to a Strategic Partnership. The talks covered governance, peacekeeping, digital capacity, education, and healthcare, with MoUs signed on UN peacekeeping training, customs cooperation, and the creation of a data centre. Additional commitments included debt restructuring under international frameworks, expanded scholarships, AI training programs, and broader cooperation in maternal and neonatal healthcare. Modi was honoured with Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, underscoring the depth of the bilateral bond. Cultural exchanges and parliamentary addresses underscored shared democratic values and a vision for a people-centric development agenda. (Page 5)
Human-interest and public safety: a fatal truck–bus collision in Uttar Pradesh
In Basti district, a late-night crash involving a bus carrying pilgrims resulted in multiple casualties and dozens of injuries. Local officials described the emergency response, including medical referrals for the severely injured and the deployment of rescue teams to clear the site. The incident prompted official investigations to determine the cause, with authorities providing ongoing updates as details emerge. (No specific page reference)
Editorial note: The Poetic Pen reflects on purpose, deception, and choosing life
A reflective piece urges readers to question manipulative influences that seek to co-opt loyalty and guide actions toward destructive ends. The poem emphasizes discernment, encourages pursuing paths that heal rather than harm, and reframes personal choices as a defense of life and integrity. (No specific page reference)
