India – National Current Affairs (18 December 2025)
1. Supreme Court Ruling on Electoral Bonds Data
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to publish complete electoral bonds data, including donor and recipient details, on its official website by 31 December 2025. This follows earlier judgments striking down the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional. Exam relevance: Questions on electoral reforms, SC jurisdiction, and transparency in political funding.
2. Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Session
The Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly held its first full winter session since the restoration of statehood discussions. The Assembly passed resolutions demanding full statehood restoration and discussed regional development projects. Exam relevance: J&K governance structure, Article 370 aftermath, Union Territory administration.
3. National Green Tribunal Order on Yamuna Pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed penalties totaling Rs 50 crore on Delhi, Haryana, and UP governments for failing to control Yamuna River pollution levels. The tribunal set a six-month deadline for compliance with river cleaning norms. Exam relevance: Environmental laws, NGT powers, inter-state river disputes.
4. India-France Defense Cooperation Agreement
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister signed an agreement in New Delhi for joint development of naval defense systems and submarine technology transfer. The deal includes training programs for Indian Navy personnel. Exam relevance: India's defense partnerships, Make in India in defense, strategic alliances.
5. Railway Safety Report 2024-25
The Railway Board released data showing a 23% reduction in train accidents compared to the previous fiscal year, with the implementation of Kavach automatic train protection system credited for improved safety. Over 4,000 km of routes now have Kavach coverage. Exam relevance: Railway modernization, safety systems, infrastructure development.
6. Digital Rupee Expansion
The Reserve Bank of India announced expansion of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot to 15 additional cities, taking the total to 28 cities across India. The e-rupee now has over 2.5 million users and 300,000 merchants. Exam relevance: Digital currency, RBI initiatives, financial inclusion.
7. Ayushman Bharat Milestone
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) crossed 35 crore beneficiaries, with total health claims processed exceeding Rs 90,000 crore since its launch. The scheme now covers over 50,000 empanelled hospitals. Exam relevance: Healthcare schemes, social welfare programs, government initiatives.
8. Renewable Energy Capacity Update
India's total installed renewable energy capacity reached 203 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Solar energy accounts for 92 GW, while wind energy contributes 48 GW. Exam relevance: Energy sector statistics, climate targets, renewable energy sources.
9. Archaeological Discovery in Tamil Nadu
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced the discovery of Sangam-era artifacts and inscriptions at a site near Madurai, dating back to 2nd century CE. The findings include pottery, coins, and Tamil-Brahmi script inscriptions. Exam relevance: Ancient Indian history, Sangam literature period, ASI functions.
10. National Education Policy Implementation
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released revised guidelines for implementing the four-year undergraduate program (FYUGP) under NEP 2020, with multiple entry and exit options. Over 450 universities have begun the transition. Exam relevance: Education policy reforms, UGC role, higher education structure.
International Current Affairs (18 December 2025)
1. COP30 Preparatory Meeting in Brazil
The United Nations held preparatory consultations in Brasília for COP30 scheduled for November 2025, focusing on climate finance commitments and loss and damage fund operationalization. Brazil will host COP30 in the Amazon region. Exam relevance: Climate conferences, UNFCCC, global environmental governance.
2. IMF Global Economic Outlook Update
The International Monetary Fund revised its global growth forecast to 3.2% for 2025, citing resilient emerging markets and controlled inflation in major economies. India's growth projection was maintained at 6.5%. Exam relevance: Global economic indicators, IMF functions, economic growth rates.
3. Japan's Diplomatic Outreach in Southeast Asia
Japanese Prime Minister concluded a four-nation Southeast Asia tour, signing economic partnership agreements with Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, focusing on semiconductor supply chain collaboration. Exam relevance: Regional diplomacy, economic partnerships, Indo-Pacific dynamics.
4. Nobel Prize Ceremony in Stockholm
The 2025 Nobel Prize award ceremony was held in Stockholm, Sweden, with laureates honored in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economics. The Peace Prize ceremony was held separately in Oslo, Norway. Exam relevance: Nobel Prize categories, laureates, international awards.
5. African Union Summit Declaration
The African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, adopted a comprehensive declaration on digital infrastructure development across the continent, with commitments for cross-border internet connectivity and technology transfer partnerships. Exam relevance: Regional organizations, Africa's development priorities, digital divide.
6. European Central Bank Interest Rate Decision
The European Central Bank (ECB) maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.25%, signaling a pause in monetary tightening as Eurozone inflation stabilized at 2.3%. ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated a data-dependent approach for 2026. Exam relevance: Central banking, monetary policy, European economy.
7. WHO Health Emergency Status Review
The World Health Organization convened an emergency committee to review the mpox outbreak situation in Central Africa, with cases reported in Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Uganda. The committee will assess the need for international health regulations. Exam relevance: WHO functions, global health emergencies, infectious diseases.
8. South Korea Political Development
South Korea's National Assembly passed a motion to establish an independent investigation into recent political controversies, marking a significant parliamentary intervention. The development has implications for regional stability and democratic processes. Exam relevance: Comparative politics, Asian democracies, governance systems.
Economy & Banking (18 December 2025)
RBI Monetary Policy Minutes Released
The Reserve Bank of India published minutes from its December Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, revealing a 4-2 vote split on maintaining the repo rate at 6.50%. Members cited domestic growth momentum and external economic uncertainties as key considerations. Exam relevance: Monetary policy decisions, MPC composition, interest rate transmission.
GST Collection Data
The Ministry of Finance reported November 2025 GST collections at Rs 1.82 lakh crore, marking an 11% year-on-year growth and the ninth consecutive month of collections exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore. E-way bill generation increased by 8%. Exam relevance: Indirect tax revenue, GST structure, economic indicators.
Banking Sector NPAs Decline
The Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report showed gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of scheduled commercial banks declined to 2.8% in September 2025, the lowest level in a decade. Public sector banks showed the most improvement. Exam relevance: Banking health indicators, NPA definition, financial stability.
Stock Market Performance
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty reached new all-time highs, with Sensex closing above 85,000 and Nifty crossing 25,800 on strong FII inflows and positive corporate earnings. Market capitalization exceeded $4.5 trillion. Exam relevance: Stock market indices, investment trends, capital markets.
Foreign Exchange Reserves
India's foreign exchange reserves stood at $675 billion as of 15 December 2025, providing an import cover of over 11 months. The reserves include $595 billion in foreign currency assets and $65 billion in gold reserves. Exam relevance: Forex reserves importance, balance of payments, external sector indicators.
Science, Technology & Environment (18 December 2025)
ISRO Satellite Launch Update
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the successful testing of semi-cryogenic engine technology at its Mahendragiri facility in Tamil Nadu, marking progress toward the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) program. The engine will increase payload capacity by 40%. Exam relevance: ISRO projects, rocket propulsion, space technology.
IIT Research Breakthrough
Researchers at IIT Bombay developed a low-cost water purification system using graphene-based filters that removes 99.9% of microplastics and heavy metals. The technology is being tested for rural deployment under Jal Jeevan Mission. Exam relevance: Scientific research, water purification, nanotechnology applications.
Renewable Energy Grid Integration
Power Grid Corporation of India commissioned a 765 kV Ultra High Voltage transmission line connecting renewable energy zones in Rajasthan to northern grid, with capacity to transmit 10,000 MW. The project supports India's 2030 renewable targets. Exam relevance: Power sector infrastructure, transmission systems, energy transition.
AI in Healthcare Initiative
The Ministry of Health launched an AI-powered diagnostic tool for early detection of tuberculosis through chest X-ray analysis, developed in partnership with IIT Delhi. The system will be deployed in 5,000 primary health centers initially. Exam relevance: Artificial intelligence applications, healthcare technology, TB control programs.
Wildlife Conservation Milestone
Project Tiger reported that India's tiger population estimate stands at 3,682 as per the latest census, showing a 7% increase from 2022. The number of tiger reserves increased to 55 covering 2.15% of India's geographical area. Exam relevance: Wildlife conservation, Project Tiger, biodiversity protection.
Sports & Important Days (18 December 2025)
FIFA Club World Cup Qualification
Indian football club Mumbai City FC secured qualification for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 through their AFC Champions League performance, becoming the first Indian club to qualify for the tournament's new format featuring 32 teams. Exam relevance: International sports tournaments, Indian football achievements.
International Migrants Day (18 December)
The United Nations observes International Migrants Day on 18 December annually to recognize the contributions of migrants worldwide and promote safe migration policies. The 2025 theme focuses on migration and climate change. Exam relevance: UN observances, migration issues, international days.
National Badminton Championship
Top-seeded Indian shuttlers advanced to the semifinals of the Senior National Badminton Championships being held in Bengaluru, with Olympic medalists showcasing strong performances. The tournament serves as selection for upcoming international events. Exam relevance: National sports tournaments, badminton in India.
Chess World Rankings
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh maintained his position in the world's top 10 chess players with an Elo rating of 2775, while India has a record 85 Grandmasters, second only to Russia. Exam relevance: Chess achievements, sports rankings, Indian sportspersons.
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