Daily Current Affairs 19th December 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Common Logo Unveiled for Regional Rural Banks to Establish Unified National Brand Identity

• On the principle of “One State One RRB”, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance consolidated 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across 11 States/UTs, effective from 01 May 2025.
• The RRB consolidation reform aims to create stronger, more efficient, and financially sustainable RRBs.

Key Highlights :

• After the amalgamation, 28 RRBs continue to operate across India.
• These 28 RRBs serve rural areas through an extensive network of over 22,000 branches in more than 700 districts.
• To create a single and unified brand identity, the Government unveiled a common logo for all 28 RRBs.
• The common RRB logo strengthens institutional identity, visibility, and recognition of RRBs nationwide.
• The logo reflects themes of progress, growth, and development in rural and remote areas.
• Upward Arrow (Symbol of Progress): Represents growth, development and advancement in rural economies.
• Hands (Symbol of Nurturing): Conveys care, support and a helping hand to rural communities.
• Flame (Symbol of Enlightenment) : Signifies warmth, knowledge and empowering rural populations.
• The dark blue colour in the logo represents finance, stability, and trust.
• The green colour in the logo signifies life, sustainability, and growth, reflecting service to rural India.
• The common branding initiative is expected to give RRBs a modern, distinct, and easily recognizable identity across the country.
• The initiative symbolizes the collective commitment of RRBs towards financial inclusion and rural development.
• The reform aligns with the Government’s objective of strengthening rural banking infrastructure and deepening last-mile financial access.

About Ministry of Finance:

• Cabinet Minister: Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Notifies National Pension System Exit and Withdrawal Rule Amendments, 2025

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has amended National Pension System (NPS) rules to enhance flexibility for non-government subscribers, especially at the withdrawal and exit stages.
• Partial withdrawals have been increased to four times, up from three earlier, during the tenure before retirement under NPS.

Key Highlights :

• Each partial withdrawal can be up to 25% of the subscriber’s own contribution, strictly excluding the employer’s contribution.
• A minimum gap of 4 years is now mandatory between two withdrawals before age 60 or retirement, while a 3-year gap applies for those continuing after 60 years.
• Permitted purposes for partial withdrawal include children’s higher education or marriage, purchase/construction of a house, and treatment of critical illness.
• A one-time withdrawal is now allowed specifically for the purchase or construction of a residential house/flat in the subscriber’s or joint spouse’s name.
• This one-time house withdrawal rule applies at normal exit (age 60) as well as for those choosing to exit between 60 and 85 years.
• Compulsory annuity purchase under NPS is now linked to Accumulated Pension Wealth (APW) instead of a single uniform rule for all.
• If the APW is up to ₹8 lakh, subscribers can withdraw 100% as a lump sum, with an optional annuity purchase of at least 20%.
• If the APW exceeds ₹8 lakh but is below ₹12 lakh, subscribers may withdraw ₹6 lakh as a lump sum.
• The remaining corpus in this slab must be utilized for annuity purchase or through Systematic Unit Redemption (SUR) for a minimum period of 6 years.
• When the APW exceeds ₹12 lakh, it is mandatory to purchase an annuity with at least 20% of the corpus, allowing a lump-sum withdrawal of up to 80%.

Reserve Bank of India Releases 10th Edition of “Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25” for States and UTs

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 10th edition of the “Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25”, providing a consolidated and comparable statistical database for States and Union Territories (UTs).
• The Handbook was first published in 2016 and offers a long-term socio-economic time series from 1951 onwards.
• It is prepared by the Regional Economy Monitoring Division (REMD) of the Department of Economic & Policy Research (DEPR), with inputs from RBI Regional Offices.

Key Highlights :

• The publication draws data from State government submissions, RBI surveys, and third-party agencies, ensuring data reliability and comprehensiveness.
• The Handbook covers 1951 to 2024-25, enabling analysis of trends, structural changes, and regional disparities, following a “one indicator–one table” approach.
• It provides detailed data on socio-demographics & health, State Domestic Product (SDP), agriculture & environment, prices & wages, industry & infrastructure, banking & fiscal indicators, social security & pensions, tourism, and exports.
• Outdated data series with old base years (e.g., 2004-05 SDP) have been phased out and replaced with the 2011-12 base year series to improve accuracy and relevance.
• A major enhancement in this edition is the introduction of a new External Sector section along with 11 new state-wise statistical tables.

Coverage of New Tables:

1. State-wise Domestic Tourist Visits
2. Net State Value Added (Current Prices)
3. Net State Value Added (Constant Prices)
4. State-wise Status of Groundwater Extraction in India
5. State-wise Revenue Expenditure
6. State-wise Capital Receipts
7. Market Borrowings of State Governments
8. State-wise Gender-wise Subscribers of National Pension System (NPS) – All Citizens
9. State-wise Gender-wise Enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
10. State-wise Exports
11. State-wise Foreign Tourist Visits.

About RBI :

• Established : 1st April, 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

Securities and Exchange Board of India Clears Initial Public Offerings  of Seven Firms Aiming to Mobilise Over ₹6,000 Crore

• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has approved the Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of 7 companies, with total fund mobilisation expected to exceed ₹6,000 crore.
• The approved companies include

1. Yashoda Healthcare Services
2. Fusion CX
3. Orient Cables (India) Limited
4. Turtlemint Fintech Solutions
5. RSB Retail India
6. SFC Environmental Technologies
7. Lohia Corp.

• SEBI clearance was granted through the issuance of observations between December 8–12, 2025, which is mandatory for any company before launching an Initial Public Offering.
• The IPO proceeds will be utilised by these firms for capital expenditure, debt reduction, business expansion, and general corporate purposes.
• An Initial Public Offering (IPO) allows a company to raise capital from the public for the first time by issuing new shares.
• An Offer for Sale (OFS) enables existing shareholders to sell their shares to the public, without generating fresh capital for the company’s own use.

11 States Projected to Have Debt-to-Gross State Domestic Product Ratio Above 35% in FY26

• 11 States are projected to record a debt-to-GSDP(Gross State Domestic Product) ratio of 35% or more in FY 2025–26, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha.
• Arunachal Pradesh has the highest debt–GSDP ratio (projected at 57%), followed by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, while Odisha has the lowest ratio (approximately 1%) among States.
• Although the Government of India did not officially cite reasons, high debt levels are generally linked to low own tax revenue and rising revenue expenditure (such as salaries, pensions, and subsidies) by States.
• Since FY 2021–22, borrowings by State PSUs, SPVs or similar entities, when serviced from State budgets, are treated as State borrowings for Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC)
• All States have enacted the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, and compliance is monitored by respective State legislatures.
• The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, follows Finance Commission recommendations while approving State borrowings under Article 293(3) of the Constitution of India.
• The Normal Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) for each State is fixed annually by the Union Government, and any over-borrowing in previous years is adjusted in subsequent years’ borrowing limits.

State Bank of India Inks €150 Million Deal with KfW to Fund Climate-Friendly Energy Projects

• State Bank of India (SBI) signed a €150 million Line of Credit (LoC) (≈ ₹1,360 crore) with KfW Development Bank, Germany, to finance climate-friendly energy generation projects in India.
• The agreement was signed at KfW Headquarters, Frankfurt (Germany), reinforcing Indo-German cooperation in sustainable development finance.
• The €150 million LoC continues the long-standing SBI–KfW collaboration focused on renewable energy and green infrastructure.
• The facility enables financing for a broader range of climate-oriented projects, including advanced and innovative renewable technologies.
• The initiative supports accelerated renewable energy adoption, low-carbon infrastructure, and India’s clean energy transition.
• It leverages international expertise and low-cost funding, strengthening India’s green energy ecosystem.

About KfW Development Bank :

• It is a German promotional and development bank supporting economic, social, and ecological development on behalf of the German federal and state governments.
• KfW CEO : Stefan B. Wintels
• Headquarters : Frankfurt, Germany.

About State Bank of India (SBI) :

• Established : 1 July 1955
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Shri Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
• Tagline : “Pure Banking, Nothing Else.”

IDFC First Bank Introduces USD & EUR Global Savings Account for Non-Resident Indians

• IDFC First Bank, a private sector bank, launched the ‘IDFC First Global Savings Account’ for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to hold foreign currency earnings in USD and EUR.
• The account is offered through the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar (Gujarat), strengthening India’s offshore banking ecosystem.
• It allows NRIs to maintain savings in United States Dollar (USD) and Euro (EUR) without mandatory conversion into Indian Rupees.
• Key benefits include zero fees on overseas transfers and 100% repatriation of both principal and interest to overseas accounts.
• The account offers an interest rate of around 4.75% per annum on USD balances, making it attractive compared to regular NRI savings options.
• There is no minimum balance requirement, increasing accessibility for global Indian customers.
• Interest earned enjoys Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) exemption, enhancing post-tax returns for NRIs.
• The account can be opened and operated digitally, eliminating the need for branch visits or physical paperwork.
• NRIs can also invest in foreign currency Fixed Deposits (FDs) in USD or EUR through the same account.

About IDFC First Bank:

• Founded: 2015
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: V. Vaidyanathan
• Tagline : Always You First
• Merger: IDFC Bank merged with Capital First in 2018

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Ponduru Khadi from Andhra Pradesh Receives Geographical Indication Tag

• Ponduru Khadi, a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The recognition comes nearly 100 years after Mahatma Gandhi praised Ponduru Khadi for its exceptional fineness and craftsmanship, highlighting its historical importance during the freedom movement.
• Ponduru Khadi is known for its extremely fine texture, strength, and durability.
• It is produced using locally grown cotton and traditional spinning techniques, including a special wooden charkha and the use of rice starch to strengthen the yarn.
• The fabric gained prominence during India’s freedom struggle, when Mahatma Gandhi promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi.
• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an intellectual property right granted to products originating from a specific geographical area and having distinct qualities or reputation linked to that region.
• Ponduru Khadi joins other GI-tagged Indian textiles such as Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, Pochampally Ikat, and Chanderi fabric.
• Its inclusion further strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s cultural and artisanal identity and promotes the preservation of indigenous crafts.

RECENT NEWS

• The government of Andhra Pradesh has approved the creation of three additional districts, increasing the total number of districts in the state from 26 to 29.

President of India Inaugurates Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas

• On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• The initiative aims to honour India’s bravest soldiers and preserve the legacy of supreme military valour, reinforcing national pride and remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
• Param Vir Dirgha is a dedicated gallery at Rashtrapati Bhavan showcasing the portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.
• The gallery has been designed to educate visitors about India’s national heroes who displayed extraordinary courage and unwavering resolve in the defence of the country.
• It functions both as a memorial and a public awareness space, highlighting India’s highest traditions of military bravery.
• The corridors where the Param Vir Dirgha has been established earlier displayed portraits of British Aides-de-Camp (ADCs) from the colonial era.
• Replacing them with portraits of Indian gallantry awardees symbolises a conscious shift away from colonial legacy towards celebrating India’s own heroes.
• This move reflects India’s broader effort to shed colonial symbols and embrace its cultural heritage, values, and indigenous traditions.
• The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for the most exceptional acts of bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice during wartime.
• Instituted in 1950, the award has been conferred only 21 times, underlining its rare and prestigious nature.
• Several recipients were honoured posthumously, highlighting the supreme sacrifice made in service of the nation.

RECENT NEWS

• The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the My Bharat – National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for the year 2022‑23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This ceremony honoured students, programme officers, and institutions for their exceptional contributions in voluntary service and nation‑building.

CURRENT AFAFIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Film Homebound Shortlisted for Oscars 2026

• Indian cinema achieved a major international milestone as Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound was shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026).
• The film has advanced to the next round of voting, placing it among the final 15 shortlisted films selected from entries submitted by 86 countries and regions.
• Shortlisting by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) makes the film eligible for the final nomination round, after which only five films will be officially nominated.
• Homebound is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles, with Janhvi Kapoor in a significant supporting role.
• The film narrates the story of two childhood friends, Shoaib and Chandan, whose shared ambition of joining the police force shapes their lives amid social pressures, friendship, duty, and personal responsibility.
• The narrative explores themes related to young India, including aspiration, emotional resilience, and societal expectations.
• The film has received strong international critical acclaim. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
• At TIFF, Homebound won the Second Runner-Up award for the International Audience Choice Award, helping build global momentum for its Oscar campaign.
• Homebound is produced by Dharma Productions, with Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta as producers, and Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier as co-producers.
• Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar are credited as Executive Producers, adding international stature to the project.
• The International Feature Film category at the Oscars honours feature-length films produced outside the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue, with each country allowed only one official submission, making shortlisting to the final 15 a significant global achievement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conferred Ethiopia’s Highest National Honour

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his official visit to Addis Ababa.
• With this, PM Modi became the first global Head of State or Head of Government to receive this prestigious award.
• This honour is the 28th international State award conferred upon PM Modi, reflecting India’s growing global stature, especially in Africa and the Global South.
• The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia is awarded for exceptional contributions towards strengthening Ethiopia’s international partnerships and global standing.
• The award was formally conferred by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, who hosted PM Modi and led the ceremonial proceedings.
• With this recognition, PM Modi became the first global leader to receive Ethiopia’s highest honour and joined the list of most internationally recognised Indian leaders.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India–Ethiopia Sign Three MoUs to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

• India and Ethiopia signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Addis Ababa, marking his first-ever official visit to Ethiopia.
• The visit highlights India’s growing diplomatic engagement with Africa, especially the Horn of Africa region.
• One MoU was signed on cooperation in customs administration, aimed at improving information sharing, preventing customs-related offences, facilitating smoother trade and logistics, and enhancing transparency in cross-border trade, thereby boosting bilateral trade efficiency.
• The second MoU provides for the establishment of a data centre at the Embassy of Ethiopia, which will strengthen digital infrastructure, improve data security and management, and support e-governance and diplomatic communication, aligning with India’s expertise in digital public infrastructure.
• The third MoU focuses on cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, seeking to enhance coordination and training, share best practices, and strengthen global peace and security, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to multilateralism.
• India and Ethiopia share long-standing historical relations, marked by people-to-people contacts, educational exchanges, and development cooperation in areas such as education, health, and capacity building.
• The strong personal rapport between PM Narendra Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed Ali has provided fresh momentum to bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sai Jadhav Becomes First Woman Officer to Graduate from Indian Military Academy

• Sai Jadhav (23 years) from Kolhapur, Maharashtra created history by becoming the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
• Her achievement ended a 93-year-old male-only tradition at IMA, which was established in 1932.
• Since its inception, over 67,000 cadets have graduated from IMA, and Sai Jadhav is the first woman among them.
• She has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army (TA), becoming the first woman officer from IMA to join the TA.
• At present, 8 women officer cadets are undergoing training at IMA as part of the first women batch selected through the National Defence Academy (NDA) in 2022.
• Sai Jadhav joined IMA with special permission and successfully completed six months of rigorous training, meeting the same standards as male cadets.
• She will participate in the Passing-Out Parade in June 2026 at the Chetwode Building, an honour reserved for IMA graduates.
• Following her commissioning into the Indian Army (IA), she became the fourth generation in her family to serve the nation, after her great-grandfather (British Army), grandfather (Indian Army) and father Sandeep Jadhav (currently serving).

About Indian Military Academy (IMA) :

• Established : 1932
• Location : Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Headed by : Commandant Lt. General Nagendra Singh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti visits Maldives for closing ceremony of Exercise Ekatha 2025

• Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, visited Maldives from 15–17 December 2025 to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Ekatha 2025.
• Exercise Ekatha, established in 2017, is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
• The 8th edition of Ex Ekatha 2025 focused on enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between the two navies.
• Key activities included technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics, and heli-borne special operations.
• During the visit, VAdm Tarun Sobti met Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force (CDF), MNDF, in Malé.
• Discussions covered regional maritime security challenges, training cooperation, counter–drug trafficking efforts, and review of ongoing defence projects.
• The DCNS handed over operational spares for MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee onboard INS Sharda at Malé on 15 December 2025.
• The engagement aligns with India’s strategic vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for all in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Government to Divest Up to 3% Stake in Indian Overseas Bank via Offer for Sale

• Government of India announced an Offer for Sale (OFS) to divest up to 3% stake in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).
• The OFS floor price has been fixed at ₹34 per share, which is approximately 7.6% lower than the previous closing price of ₹36.57.
• The Government holding in IOB currently stands at 61%, reflecting a very high concentration of promoter ownership.
• The divestment is primarily aimed at meeting SEBI’s Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norm, which requires listed companies to have a public float of at least 25%.
• SEBI has granted forbearance until August 2026 for CPSEs and Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to comply with these MPS requirements.
• Other PSBs with government stakes significantly above the 75% threshold include Punjab & Sind Bank (93.9%), UCO Bank (91%), and Central Bank of India (89.3%).

About Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) :

• Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Managing Director & CEO : Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava.

India Holds London Roadshows to Gauge Investor Interest in GIC Minority Stake Sale

• The Indian government conducted roadshows in London in December 2025 to assess investor interest for selling a minority stake in the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC).
• The move is part of the plan to sell a total 10% stake in tranches to comply with SEBI’s minimum public shareholding norm of 25% for listed companies.
• The government had previously offloaded a 3.4% stake in September 2024 and currently holds 82.4% equity in GIC.
• Minority stake sales are a key component of the government’s divestment strategy, with receipts of ₹175 billion so far in FY26.
• The government aims to raise around ₹47,000 crore in FY26 through stake sales and asset monetisation by March 31, 2026.

About General Insurance Corporation (GIC) :

• It is an Indian public sector reinsurance company
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
• Incorporated : 22 November 1972 under the Companies Act, 1956.
• Interim Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GIC Re : Hitesh Ramesh Chandra Joshi

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

MY Bharat Introduces Special Web Portal for Republic Day 2026 Youth Competitions

• As part of the Republic Day Celebrations–2026 (RDC-26), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a dedicated webpage on the MY Bharat Portal.
• The initiative aims to conduct national-level youth competitions across India.
• The competitions include Essay Writing, Painting, and Slogan/Signature Competitions.
• The programme is designed to promote patriotism, creativity, and civic engagement among the youth of the country.
• Interested participants can register and participate online through the MY Bharat Portal.
• The official participation portal is https://mybharat.gov.in/pages/republic_day_2026.
• Prize money has been provisioned for top-performing participants.
• Selected youth will receive an opportunity to participate in the Republic Day Celebrations–2026 Parade.
• The initiative strengthens youth participation in national celebrations and fosters a sense of national pride and responsibility.

About Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports :

• Cabinet Minister : Mansukh Mandaviya
• Minister of State : Raksha Khadse

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

Hurun Global 1000 Report 2025 Released

• The Hurun Global 1000 Report 2025 ranks the 1,000 most valuable companies worldwide, expanded from the earlier list of 500 companies.
• The report highlights the continued dominance of multinational corporations in the global economy.
• The cut-off date for valuation was 14 November 2025.
• The top 10 companies together are valued at USD 26 trillion, roughly equal to the combined stock market value of mainland China and Hong Kong.
• Listed companies account for 90% of the rankings based on market capitalisation, while unlisted companies such as OpenAI, ByteDance, and SpaceX make up the remaining 10%, ranked by valuation.
• Nvidia emerged as the world’s most valuable company in 2025, overtaking Apple and Microsoft, with a market capitalisation of USD 4.63 trillion.
• Nvidia’s rise was driven by a 49% surge in demand for AI chips, its leadership in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), and its role as a key supplier for AI data centres and machine learning platforms.
• Apple retained the 2nd position with a valuation of USD 4.03 trillion, recording 23% growth.
• Microsoft slipped to 3rd place, valued at USD 3.79 trillion, despite registering 13% growth.
• The Top 10 most valuable companies in 2025 are:

• 1. Nvidia (USD 4,631 billion) – USA

2. Apple (USD 4,034 billion) – USA
3. Microsoft (USD 3,792 billion) – USA
4. Alphabet (Google) (USD 3,365 billion) – USA
5. Amazon (USD 2,540 billion) – USA
6. Saudi Aramco (USD 1,668 billion) – Saudi Arabia
7. Broadcom (USD 1,618 billion) – USA (new entry)
8. Meta Platforms (USD 1,538 billion) – USA
9. TSMC (USD 1,481 billion) – China
10. Tesla (USD 1,345 billion) – USA (re-entry)

• Eight out of the top ten companies are US-based, highlighting US dominance in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms.
• The rankings underline a strong semiconductor boom, with companies like Nvidia, Broadcom, and TSMC gaining prominence.
• Broadcom entered the top 10 with a 118% valuation growth, while Tesla re-entered after a 115% surge, indicating renewed investor confidence.
• India’s position in the Hurun Global 1000 shows that no Indian company is present in the global top 10.
• India’s most valuable company ranks 74th globally by market capitalisation.
• The report reflects a valuation gap between Indian companies and global giants, particularly in high-technology sectors such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025 Released

• The Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025 was released by Henley & Partners in collaboration with AlphaGeo.
• The index assesses how countries perform amid geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, technological disruption, and climate risks.
• It evaluates countries on two core dimensions:
  • Total Risk Score (lower is better), covering political, economic, legal, regulatory, and climate-related risks.
  • Total Resilience Score (higher is better), measuring governance strength, innovation capacity, institutional quality, and social stability.
• A higher overall score indicates a safer and more resilient investment destination.
• Top 10 most resilient countries in 2025 are dominated by European and Nordic nations known for stable governance and strong institutions:
  • Switzerland ranked 1st with a score of 88.42, emerging as the world’s most resilient country for investors, driven by low risk, strong innovation, and governance.
  • Denmark ranked 2nd with a score of 85.09, supported by robust institutions and welfare systems.
  • Norway ranked 3rd with 83.54, combining resource wealth with strong governance.
  • Singapore ranked 4th with 83.37, the only Asian country in the top 10, and recorded the lowest legal and regulatory risk globally.
  • Other countries in the top 10 include Sweden, Luxembourg, Finland, Netherlands, Germany, and Iceland.
• Key insights from top performers include:
  • Nordic countries excel due to equitable growth models and forward-looking social policies.
  • Switzerland leads with exceptionally low risk and world-class innovation.
  • Singapore’s ranking highlights Asia’s strongest regulatory and legal framework.
• Bottom 10 most fragile countries in 2025 face high risk and low resilience, marked by instability and weak institutions:
  • Countries include Egypt, Mali, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Pakistan, Haiti, and Lebanon.
  • Lebanon ranked last with a score of 26.57, reflecting extreme political instability, economic stress, and weak institutional capacity.
• Common reasons for low rankings include severe political instability, weak legal and regulatory frameworks, high exposure to economic and climate shocks, and limited recovery capacity.
• India’s position in the index:
  • Rank: 104th
  • Overall Score: 54.42
  • Total Resilience Score: 49.76
  • India faces challenges such as elevated political and regulatory risks and high exposure to climate hazards, which reduce its attractiveness as a low-risk investment destination, despite strong long-term growth potential.
• Among major economies:
  • The United States ranked 24th, supported by strong institutions and adaptive capacity.
  • China ranked 37th, balancing moderate risk with strong innovation and investment capacity.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association Best Football Awards 2025 Held in Doha, Qatar

• The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Best Football Awards 2025 were held in Doha, Qatar, honouring outstanding performances in men’s and women’s football during the year.
• The awards recognised excellence among players, coaches, goalkeepers, fans, and sportsmanship contributions at the global level.
• Ousmane Dembélé (France / Paris Saint-Germain Football Club) won the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year 2025 award.
  • He also won the Ballon d’Or, the highest individual honour in football.
  • Played a decisive role in Paris Saint-Germain Football Club’s historic treble-winning season, including their maiden Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League title.
  • Recognised for his speed, creativity, and decisive match-winning performances.
  • Finished ahead of Lamine Yamal (Football Club Barcelona, Spain) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, France).
  • The award was decided through voting by national team captains, national team coaches, journalists, and fans worldwide.
• Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / Football Club Barcelona) won the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year 2025 award for the third consecutive year.
  • Honoured for consistent excellence at both club and international levels.
  • Finished ahead of Mariona Caldentey (Spain) and Alexia Putellas (Spain).
  • Her achievement highlights the growing dominance of Spain and Football Club Barcelona in women’s football.
• Men’s Awards Winners
  • FIFA Men’s Player of the Year: Ousmane Dembélé (France / Paris Saint-Germain Football Club)
  • Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain Football Club)
  • Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain Football Club)
  • Puskás Award (Best Goal): Santiago Montiel (Argentina)
  • Best Men’s Eleven:
    • Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
    • Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, William Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes
    • Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri
    • Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal
• Women’s Awards Winners
  • FIFA Women’s Player of the Year: Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / Football Club Barcelona)
  • Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Hannah Hampton (England / Chelsea Football Club)
  • Women’s Coach of the Year: Sarina Wiegman
  • Marta Award (Best Goal in Women’s Football): Lizbeth Ovalle (Mexico / Liga MX Femenil)
• Special Awards
  • FIFA Fair Play Award: Dr Andreas Harlass-Neuking (Germany)
  • FIFA Fan Award: Zakho Sports Club supporters

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Shri Awardee and Veteran Journalist Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passed away

• Prafulla Govinda Baruah, veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee (2018), passed away at the age of 93 in Guwahati, Assam.

About Prafulla Govinda Baruah :

• He was born on 26 July 1932 in Dibrugarh, Assam Province (British India).
• He was the Chairman Emeritus and Editor of The Assam Tribune, one of Northeast India’s leading English newspapers.
• He formally entered the journalism profession in 1962, marking the beginning of a distinguished media career.
• He became Managing Director (MD) of The Assam Tribune Group in 1966 and later served as Editor from 1997.
• He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018 for his contributions to Literature and Education, particularly in Assam.
• He promoted Assamese literature through the publishing house ‘Sahitya Prakash’ and founded the monthly literary magazine ‘Goriyasi’.
• He established the socio-cultural organisation ‘Jyotirupa’ to nurture talent in drama and performing arts.
• He played a key role in establishing Radha Govinda (RG) Baruah College in Guwahati, contributing to higher education in Assam.
• He organised Assam Prakalpa seminars to encourage dialogue on economic development and policy issues of the state.
• He was felicitated by Asam Sahitya Sabha and honoured by the Kamala Saikia Trust for ethical and principled journalism.
• He also received an appreciation citation from Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute for his efforts in cancer awareness initiatives.

Daily CA One- Liner: December 19

• Ponduru Khadi, a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• On the principle of “One State One RRB”, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance consolidated 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across 11 States/UTs, effective from 01 May 2025.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the 10th edition of the “Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2024-25”, providing a consolidated and comparable statistical database for States and Union Territories (UTs).
• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has approved the Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of 7 companies, with total fund mobilisation expected to exceed ₹6,000 crore.
• 11 States are projected to record a debt-to-GSDP(Gross State Domestic Product) ratio of 35% or more in FY 2025–26, according to data presented in the Rajya Sabha.
• State Bank of India (SBI) signed a €150 million Line of Credit (LoC) (≈ ₹1,360 crore) with KfW Development Bank, Germany, to finance climate-friendly energy generation projects in India.
• IDFC First Bank, a private sector bank, launched the ‘IDFC First Global Savings Account’ for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to hold foreign currency earnings in USD and EUR.
• Sai Jadhav (23 years) from Kolhapur, Maharashtra created history by becoming the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
• Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, visited Maldives from 15–17 December 2025 to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Ekatha 2025.
• Government of India announced an Offer for Sale (OFS) to divest up to 3% stake in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).
• The Indian government conducted roadshows in London in December 2025 to assess investor interest for selling a minority stake in the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC).
• As part of the Republic Day Celebrations–2026 (RDC-26), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched a dedicated webpage on the MY Bharat Portal.
• Prafulla Govinda Baruah, veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee (2018), passed away at the age of 93 in Guwahati, Assam.
• On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced significant reforms in the National Pension System (NPS) to provide greater retirement flexibility to non-government subscribers
• Indian cinema achieved a major international milestone as Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound was shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his official visit to Addis Ababa
• India and Ethiopia signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Addis Ababa, marking his first-ever official visit to Ethiopia
• The Hurun Global 1000 Report 2025 ranks the 1,000 most valuable companies worldwide, expanded from the earlier list of 500 companies
• The Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025 was released by Henley & Partners in collaboration with AlphaGeo
• The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Best Football Awards 2025 were held in Doha, Qatar, honouring outstanding performances in men’s and women’s football during the year

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