29th DECEMBER 2025 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS

29th DECEMBER 2025 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS

2000-year-old Buddhist historical site discovered in Kashmir through archaeological excavation

• Through excavation and archaeological survey conducted on ordinary mounds in the village of Sekhanpora in Baramulla, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site has been discovered. Stupas, monastic buildings, and ancient structures dating back to the Kushan period have been unearthed here.
• Old and unclear photographs of three stupas from a French museum caught the attention of archaeologists. These photographs were instrumental in the discovery of a great Buddhist civilization buried in Sekhanpora. 
• It is believed that the Sekhanpora area may have been an important Buddhist religious center associated with 'Huvishkapura', considered the capital of the Kushans.

India's Renewable Energy Capacity Reaches a Record 44.5 Gigawatts in 2025 (until November 2025)

• In line with the vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the COP26 climate change conference in Paris, the Central Government is working towards achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy generation capacity by 2030.
• Under the nationally determined contributions of the Paris Agreement, India achieved the milestone of 50% of its total installed electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in June 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 target.
• In August 2025, India crossed the 250 gigawatt milestone in installed capacity for non-fossil fuel power generation. As of November 2025, the total installed capacity for non-fossil fuel-based power generation stands at 262.74 GW, which is 51.5% of the country's total installed power generation capacity (509.64 GW).
• 2025 has seen an unprecedented addition of renewable energy generation capacity. The total renewable energy capacity added this year (up to November) is 44.51 GW, which is almost double the 24.72 GW added during the same period last year. 
• The total installed capacity for renewable energy generation reached 253.96 GW in November 2025, an increase of more than 23% compared to 205.52 GW in November 2024.
• Solar power continues to play a significant role in energy generation capacity. Solar power generation capacity stands at 34.98 GW, compared to 20.85 GW during the same period last year. 
• In January 2025, the installed capacity for solar energy crossed the 100 GW milestone. Compared to 94.17 GW in November 2024, the installed capacity for solar energy generation increased by 41% to reach 132.85 GW in November 2025.
• Wind power capacity has also registered significant growth; 5.82 GW of wind power capacity has been added this year, compared to 3.2 GW during the same period last year. As of March 2025, the installed capacity for wind power generation stands at 50 gigawatts.
• On July 29, 2025, India achieved a historic milestone in electricity generation, reaching its highest-ever renewable energy installed capacity. On that day, 51.5% of the country's total electricity demand of 203 gigawatts was met through renewable sources.
• Globally, India ranks 3rd in solar power generation capacity, 4th in wind power capacity, and 4th in overall renewable energy generation capacity.

Defence Acquisition Council approves projects worth Rs. 79,000 crore to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces

• In a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by the Union Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, procurement worth Rs. 79,000 crore for various projects of the armed forces has been approved. 
• In this meeting held on December 29, 2025, approval was given for the procurement of equipment such as the Loitering Munition System, Low-Level Light Radars, Pinaka Rocket Launcher System, and Integrated Drone Detection and Destruction System for the artillery units of the Indian Army.
• Loitering munitions are used to accurately strike and destroy key targets. Meanwhile, low-level light radars detect and track small, low-flying aircraft. The Pinaka rocket system, which fires long-range rockets, will improve its accuracy for effectively engaging targets at greater distances. 
• The upgraded Integrated Drone Detection and Destruction System will protect the Indian Army's critical assets in the tactical battle area and border regions.
• 'Necessity-based approval' was granted for leasing Bollard pull tugs, high-frequency software-defined radios, man-portable and long-range remotely operated aircraft systems for the Indian Navy.
• Approval has also been granted for the procurement of an automatic recording system, Astra Mark-II missiles, a simulator, and long-range guidance equipment for the Indian Air Force.