Daily Current Affairs 16th December 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

By Ameena Ameena - Dec 16 2025

Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs December 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs 16th December 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs 16th December 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited signs ₹1,685 crore long-term loan pact with NABARD to boost Odisha power transmission infrastructure

  • Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) signed a long-term loan agreement worth ₹1,685.27 crore with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to strengthen Odisha’s power transmission infrastructure.
  • This agreement marks NABARD’s first-ever project financing to a State Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in Odisha.
  • The loan carries an interest rate of 7.75% with a 15-year repayment period, including a three-year moratorium.
  • Of the total amount, ₹900 crore is allocated for new transmission projects, while the remaining funds will be used to refinance high-cost existing loans, reducing OPTCL’s financial burden and consumer electricity tariffs.
  • A major project funded is the 400/200 KV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) at Erasama in Jagatsinghpur district, with a total project cost of ₹850 crore, of which ₹600 crore is financed through the NABARD loan.
  • The loan also supports construction of 132/33 KV digital substations at Agalpur-Rampur (Balangir) and Athamallik (Angul), and a 220/33 KV GIS substation at Madanpur-Rampur (Kalahandi).
  • Funds are allocated for the 400 KV Talcher–Meramandali transmission line, costing ₹77 crore, to evacuate power from NTPC’s Talcher Thermal Power Station Stage-III (2×660 MW).
  • The investment will strengthen Odisha’s transmission network, ensure reliable electricity supply, and support industrial growth and economic development across the state.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Union Cabinet Approves Atomic Energy Bill to Open Civil Nuclear Sector

  • The Union Cabinet approved the Atomic Energy Bill, marking a significant shift in India’s civil nuclear policy.
  • The Bill proposes amendments to existing laws to allow private sector participation in nuclear power generation, which is currently restricted under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
  • The reform supports India’s long-term vision of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
  • India’s civil nuclear sector has traditionally remained under complete government control, with nuclear plant operations limited to central government entities and public sector undertakings.
  • A high-level panel report (June) highlighted that achieving the 100 GW target would require substantial financial investment, advanced technology, and broader participation.
  • The Bill proposes amendments to two major legislations:
    • Atomic Energy Act, 1962: To permit private companies and potentially state governments to set up and operate nuclear power plants.
    • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: To address liability concerns that have discouraged private and foreign investors.
  • Current restrictions have slowed nuclear capacity expansion due to high capital costs, complex technology requirements, and dependence on limited operators such as the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
  • The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 has been a major deterrent for private firms because of uncertainty over liability exposure, particularly the right of recourse clause, and lack of alignment with international nuclear liability frameworks like the Convention on Supplementary Compensation.
  • Opening the sector to private participation is expected to:
    • Improve capital availability for large nuclear projects
    • Enable faster project execution and efficiency through private expertise
    • Encourage entry of global nuclear technology suppliers
    • Accelerate progress towards the 100 GW nuclear power target by 2047
    • Support growth of related sectors such as critical mineral mining and nuclear fuel fabrication
  • Aligning India’s nuclear liability regime with global standards is seen as crucial for attracting international investment and technology partnerships.

Commemorative Postage Stamp Issued in Honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II

  • A commemorative postage stamp was released by the Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan.
  • The stamp was issued in memory of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran.
  • The release ceremony was held at the Vice-President Enclave, New Delhi.
  • The event aligns with the Central Government’s initiative to recognise unsung rulers and cultural icons of Tamil Nadu and to preserve India’s historical and cultural legacy.
  • Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which ruled central Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 9th centuries CE.
  • He ruled from Tiruchirappalli for nearly four decades and is regarded as one of the most distinguished rulers of early medieval South India.
  • His administrative achievements included maintaining stability, territorial expansion, and demonstrating military strength to consolidate regional authority.
  • He was a strong patron of temples, religious institutions, Tamil literature, and cultural activities, contributing to the preservation of Tamil identity and heritage.
  • He initiated and supported irrigation and public works, vital for agrarian development, with inscriptions across Tamil Nadu attesting to his role in water management.
  • The commemorative stamp symbolises official recognition of a historically underrepresented ruler.
  • It aims to popularise regional history, promote heritage awareness, support cultural diplomacy, and reinforce an inclusive historical narrative beyond widely known dynasties.

Union Cabinet Approves Census of India 2027

  • Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to conduct the Census of India 2027 at a total cost of Rs 11,718.24 crore.
  • Census 2027 will be India’s 16th national census and the 8th census since Independence.
  • It will be India’s first completely digital census, marking a major shift in data collection, storage, and dissemination.
  • The objective is to generate faster, cleaner, and more accessible data to support evidence-based policy-making.
  • Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases:
    • Houselisting and Housing Census: From April to September 2026
    • Population Enumeration: In February 2027
  • For snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, Population Enumeration will be conducted earlier in September 2026.
  • Nearly 30 lakh field workers will participate in this nationwide exercise, making it the world’s largest administrative and statistical operation.
  • The Census is the most comprehensive source of primary data at the village, town, and ward level.
  • It provides information on household conditions, amenities and assets, demographics, religion, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population, language and literacy, migration, economic activity, fertility, and social trends.
  • The legal framework for Census 2027 is provided by the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990.
  • The implementation strategy includes door-to-door enumeration using separate questionnaires for each phase.
  • Enumerators, largely government school teachers, will carry out fieldwork along with supervisors and district-level officers.
  • About 30 lakh census workers will handle field operations, supported by nearly 3 million personnel, including supervisors and master trainers.
  • All personnel will be paid an honorarium, as census duties are performed in addition to their regular responsibilities.
  • Census 2027 introduces several first-time digital features:
    • India’s first Digital Census, with data collection through a mobile application on Android and iOS platforms
    • A Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) for real-time tracking and monitoring of the entire operation
    • A Houselisting Block Creator Web Map Application to assist officers in mapping and organizing enumeration areas
    • A Self-Enumeration facility, allowing citizens to provide their own details digitally for the first time
    • Advanced digital security measures to ensure protection of personal data
    • A National Awareness Campaign to promote participation and ensure accurate data submission
  • Caste enumeration will be included in Census 2027.
  • The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decided in April 2025 to collect caste-related data, which will be gathered electronically during the Population Enumeration phase.
  • Census 2027 will cover the entire population of India.
  • Digital data collection will ensure machine-readable, high-quality datasets.
  • Through Census as a Service (CAAS), ministries will receive actionable data formats for improved governance and planning.
  • Data dissemination will be faster and more user-friendly, enabling access down to the village and ward level.
  • Census 2027 will have a significant employment and economic impact.
  • Around 18,600 technical personnel will be deployed for nearly 550 days.
  • The exercise will generate approximately 10.2 million man-days of employment.
  • Personnel involved will gain hands-on experience in digital data handling, monitoring, and coordination, strengthening digital capacity at district and state levels and improving future employment prospects.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India, France to modernise 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in line with global tax transparency norms

  • India and France have agreed to revise the 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to modernise the treaty in line with global tax transparency standards.
  • Under the revised DTAA, the dividend tax rate on Indian subsidiaries paying dividends to French parent companies will be reduced from 10% to 5% where shareholding exceeds 10%.
  • For minority shareholdings below 10%, the dividend tax rate will increase to 15%, ensuring equitable tax treatment.
  • In return, India will obtain expanded rights to tax capital gains arising from share sales by French investors, with the earlier 10% shareholding threshold removed.
  • The revised agreement also eliminates the “Most Favoured Nation (MFN)” clause for France, addressing long-standing tax disputes and reducing uncertainty following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling.

About DTAA :

  • The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is a bilateral tax treaty applicable when a person resides in one country and earns income in another country.
  • The main objective of DTAA is to prevent double taxation, ensuring that the same income is not taxed twice in two different countries.
  • DTAA promotes international trade and investment by facilitating the exchange of goods, services, and capital between signatory countries.
  • India has signed DTAA with over 80 countries (currently around 88–94 effective treaties), including UAE, United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), New Zealand, and Canada.

World Inequality Report 2026: Top 10% Indians capture 58% of country’s total income

  • The World Inequality Lab (WIL) released the 3rd edition of the World Inequality Report (WIR 2026), analysing global income and wealth disparities.

Key Highlights :

India’s Inequality

  • In India, the top 10% of earners capture 58% of total income, while the bottom 50% receive only 15%, indicating extreme income inequality.
  • The top 10% in India own about 65% of total wealth, and the top 1% alone hold nearly 40% of total wealth.
  • India’s average per capita income is about €6,200 (PPP), and average wealth is around €28,000.
  • Women in India earn only 18% of labour income, with workforce participation below global averages of 34% income share and 51% employment.

About World Inequality Report (WIR)

  • The World Inequality Report is a global assessment of income and wealth inequality, produced by the World Inequality Lab (WIL).
  • The report is published approximately every four years, with the first edition released in 2018.
  • It uses the world database, based on tax records, national accounts, and survey data, to generate harmonised global estimates.
  • WIR 2026 is compiled by over 200 researchers and covers income, wealth, gender, climate inequality, taxation, politics, and access to opportunities.

Highlights of WIR 2026

  • Global inequality remains extremely high, with multiple forms of inequality reinforcing each other and weakening democratic systems.
  • Globally, the top 10% earn more than the bottom 90% combined and own about 75% of global wealth, while the bottom 50% hold just 2%.
  • The top 0.001% (around 60,000 people) own three times more wealth than the entire bottom 50% of the world’s population.

Climate Inequality

  • The poorest 50% contribute only 3% of emissions from private capital and 10% from consumption, while the richest 10% produce 77% of private capital emissions and 47% of consumption-based emissions.
  • The top 1% alone account for 41% of private capital emissions, nearly double that of the bottom 90% combined.
  • Low-income countries, despite contributing least to emissions, face the highest risks from climate disasters such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

Gender Inequality

  • Globally, women receive just over 25% of total labour income.
  • Regional shares include MENA (16%), South & Southeast Asia (20%), Sub-Saharan Africa (28%), East Asia (34%), and Europe, North America & Oceania (40%).
  • Women earn only 32% of men’s earnings per hour when paid and unpaid work are included, and 61% when unpaid work is excluded.

Regional Inequality

  • North America & Oceania have incomes 13 times higher than Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The USA, Latin America, Southern Africa, and MENA regions show the highest inequality levels.
  • In all regions, the top 10% capture significantly more income and wealth than the bottom 50%.

Redistribution, Taxation & Global Finance

  • Progressive taxation and welfare transfers reduce income inequality by around 30% in Europe and North America.
  • Education spending inequality is stark, with €220 per child in Sub-Saharan Africa compared to €7,430–9,020 in Europe and North America.
  • The global financial system structurally favours rich countries, allowing them to borrow cheaply, earn more on investments, and attract global capital.

About World Inequality Lab (WIL)

  • Established: 2016
  • Headquarters: Paris, France
  • Scientific Co-Director: Facundo Alvaredo

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty becomes first woman President of Press Club of India

  • Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty has been elected as the first woman President of the Press Club of India (PCI), marking a historic milestone in India’s media institutions.
  • Her election reflects a significant shift in leadership representation within the journalist fraternity in New Delhi.
  • Pisharoty’s panel achieved a clean sweep, winning all office-bearers and managing committee posts with a 21–0 mandate in the Press Club elections.
  • Along with her election as President, Afzal Imam was elected Secretary General and Jatin Gandhi became Vice-President.
  • Aditi Rajput was elected Treasurer and R. Sunil as Joint Secretary, both elected unopposed.
  • The Managing Committee consists of 16 members from print, digital, and broadcast media, ensuring diverse representation.
  • Members of the Managing Committee include Niraj Kumar, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Jahanvi Sen, Ashok Kaushik, Kallol Bhattacharjee, Praveen Jain, Agraj Pratap Singh, Manoj Sharma, Nyanima Basu, P. B. Suresh, V. P. Pandey, Prem Bahukhandi, Sneha Bhura, Javed Akhtar, Rezaul Hasan Laskar, and Sunil Kumar.
  • The election is widely seen as a landmark for gender representation in Indian media leadership.
  • The new executive is expected to focus on press freedom, journalist welfare, institutional transparency, member engagement, and advocacy for journalistic rights.

Jose Antonio Kast elected Chile President in sharpest right-wing shift since 1990

  • Chile has elected Jose Antonio Kast as its new President, marking the most right-wing leadership shift since the return to democracy in 1990.
  • Jose Antonio Kast, leader of the Republican Party, defeated left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara in the second-round (runoff) election.
  • The election followed a highly polarised campaign centred on crime, migration, and economic stagnation.
  • Although Jeannette Jara led the first round, the combined strength of right-wing candidates indicated a broader conservative shift in voter sentiment.
  • The election saw high voter turnout due to the reinstatement of compulsory voting for the first time in over a decade.
  • Since 2010, Chile has alternated between left and right governments, and Kast’s victory follows this political cycle.
  • He has expressed support for aspects of Augusto Pinochet’s military regime, which ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990.
  • Kast assumes office amid economic uncertainty, institutional fatigue, and unresolved constitutional reform debates.
  • His presidency will be closely watched for how it balances strict security policies with civil liberties and manages deep social divisions revealed during the campaign.

About Chile : 

  • Capital : Santiago
  • Currency : Chilean peso

PNB Housing Finance appoints Ajai Kumar Shukla as MD & CEO, subject to shareholder approval

  • PNB Housing Finance Limited has appointed Ajai Kumar Shukla as its Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel, subject to shareholder approval.
  • The appointment was approved by the Board of Directors on 12 December 2025.
  • The tenure of Ajai Kumar Shukla is five years, effective from 18 December 2025 to 17 December 2030.
  • Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Business Officer at Tata Capital Housing Finance Limited, where he worked for 16 years.
  • At Tata Capital, he headed key functions such as Credit, Risk Management, Valuation, Digital Transformation, and Affordable Housing Finance.
  • Before joining Tata Capital, he worked with ICICI Bank for over 7 years in the mortgage business, handling diverse roles across multiple regions.
  • He began his professional career at LIC Housing Finance Limited, where he served for 7 years.
  • The leadership change is expected to strengthen PNB Housing Finance’s growth strategy, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term expansion in India’s housing finance market.

Meta India names Aman Jain as Head of Public Policy to lead regulatory and policy engagement

  • Meta India has appointed Aman Jain as the new Head of Public Policy, entrusting him with policy strategy and regulatory engagement in one of Meta’s most strategic global markets.
  • Aman Jain will be a member of Meta India’s leadership team and will join the company in early 2026.
  • He will report to Simon Milner, Vice President of Policy, Asia Pacific (APAC) at Meta.
  • Aman Jain brings over 20 years of experience in public policy and business strategy, with prior roles at Amazon, Google, the Government of India, and international organisations.
  • Before joining Meta, he served as Director of Public Policy at Amazon, leading policy strategy across marketplace, operations, competition, and technology.
  • Earlier, he held senior positions at Google India, including Country Head for Government Affairs and Public Policy.
  • Jain’s appointment also strengthens Meta’s APAC Policy leadership team amid recent leadership transitions at Meta India.
  • Earlier in 2025, Shivnath Thukral stepped down as Vice President of Public Policy at Meta India and joined PhonePe as Vice President for Public Policy and Government Affairs.
  • In July 2025, Meta appointed Arun Srinivas as Managing Director and Head of India Operations, following Sandhya Devanathan’s expanded role overseeing India and Southeast Asia.
  • Recently, a DPIIT-appointed committee proposed a mandatory blanket licence for AI developers to use legally accessed copyright-protected works for training AI systems.
  • The committee recommended that such a licence be accompanied by a statutory remuneration right for copyright holders, balancing innovation and intellectual property protection.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Navy to commission second MH-60R helicopter squadron INAS 335 at INS Hansa

  • The Indian Navy will commission its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on 17 December 2025 at INS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff.
  • The commissioning marks a significant milestone in naval modernisation and capability enhancement of the Indian Navy’s aviation arm.
  • The MH-60R helicopter is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and avionics, making it a multi-role and versatile platform.
  • The helicopter enhances the Navy’s ability to counter both conventional threats and asymmetric threats, including maritime security challenges.
  • The aircraft has been fully integrated with fleet operations and has demonstrated operational effectiveness on multiple occasions.
  • The induction of INAS 335 will provide a major boost to the Indian Navy’s integral aviation and maritime combat capabilities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

National Aeronautics and Space Administration loses contact with decade-old MAVEN spacecraft orbiting Mars

  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars for over a decade.
  • The communication blackout occurred after MAVEN passed behind Mars, a routine orbital phase during which contact is temporarily unavailable.
  • While MAVEN was functioning normally before the blackout, it failed to re-establish communication after re-emerging from behind the planet.
  • NASA engineers are conducting detailed investigations to determine whether the issue involves onboard systems, power supply, or external factors.

Key Highlights :

About the MAVEN Mission

  • MAVEN was launched in 2013 and entered Mars orbit in 2014 to study the upper atmosphere of Mars and its interaction with the solar wind.
  • The mission provided crucial evidence explaining how Mars lost most of its atmosphere over billions of years.
  • MAVEN’s findings showed that intense solar activity stripped atmospheric gases, transforming Mars from a warm, wet planet into a cold and arid world.

Role in Mars Exploration

  • In addition to science objectives, MAVEN has served as a key communication relay for NASA’s surface missions.
  • It has supported data transmission for the Curiosity rover and the Perseverance rover, enabling images and scientific data to reach Earth.
  • The potential loss of MAVEN may reduce communication redundancy for Mars missions, though NASA confirmed other orbiters remain operational.

Other Active Mars Orbiters

  • Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), launched in 2005, continues to provide high-resolution imaging and communication relay support.
  • Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001, is the longest-serving spacecraft at Mars, supporting scientific observations and data relay.
  • These spacecraft are expected to ensure continuity of Mars exploration while efforts continue to restore contact with MAVEN.

Google launches Disco, an experimental AI-driven browser positioned as a new web discovery tool

  • Google Disco is an experimental AI-powered web browser launched through Google Labs, described by Google as a new “discovery vehicle” for web exploration.
  • Disco is built on Chromium, similar to Google Chrome, but with deeply integrated AI tools embedded into the browsing experience.

Key Highlights :

  • The core feature of Google Disco is GenTabs, which is powered by Google’s Gemini 3 model.
  • GenTabs analyses the browsing context, including open tabs, search activity, and user prompts, to deliver AI-assisted discovery and navigation.
  • Opera has opened public access to its AI-powered browser Opera Neon, removing the earlier waitlist system.
  • Opera Neon targets users interested in early experimentation with advanced AI technologies, offering weekly feature updates.
  • Opera Neon is an agentic AI browser, where AI agents automate tasks, execute workflows, and create or modify web applications.
  • The browser integrates multiple AI models within a single workspace, including Gemini 3 Pro, GPT-5.1, Veo 3.1, and Nano Banana Pro.
  • Opera Neon uses an LLM-agnostic engine, allowing it to seamlessly switch between different large language models (LLMs).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Supriya Sahu Conferred 2025 Champions of the Earth Award

  • Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, was honoured with the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award, the highest environmental recognition of the United Nations.
  • The award was announced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) during the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi.
  • She received the award under the Inspiration and Action category, which recognises individuals delivering measurable and transformative environmental benefits.
  • According to UNEP, her initiatives have:
    • Created 2.5 million green jobs
    • Expanded forest cover in Tamil Nadu
    • Integrated heat-adaptation measures into public spaces and infrastructure
    • Improved climate resilience for nearly 12 million people
    • Positioned Tamil Nadu as a global leader in climate adaptation and sustainable cooling
  • Under her leadership, Tamil Nadu implemented sustainable cooling innovations, including tree-lined urban corridors, nature-based shading systems, and heat action plans for vulnerable communities.
  • Other 2025 Champions of the Earth Award laureates include:
    • A Pacific Islands youth group for securing an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on climate justice
    • Mariam Issoufou (Sahel) for climate-resilient architectural design
    • Imazon (Brazil) for artificial intelligence-based deforestation monitoring
    • Manfredi Caltagirone (Posthumous) for lifetime contribution to methane reduction research
  • The Champions of the Earth Award, established in 2005, is now in its 20th year and honours leadership across policy, entrepreneurship, inspiration and action, science, and innovation.
  • UNEP highlighted that the 2025 awardees reflect urgent global action as adaptation costs for developing countries may reach USD 365 billion annually by 2035.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Global AI Vibrancy Index 2024: India Ranks 3rd Globally

  • India ranked 3rd globally in the Global AI Vibrancy Index 2024, published by Stanford University, behind only the United States and China.
  • India made a significant jump from 7th position in 2023 to 3rd position in 2024, marking a major milestone in the country’s artificial intelligence development journey.
  • The Global AI Vibrancy Index measures how competitive countries are in the AI ecosystem using a weighted scoring framework.
  • The index evaluates countries across multiple pillars including research and development, talent, economic activity, infrastructure, governance, and public opinion.
  • Top Global AI Rankings 2024:
    • United States – Rank 1, Score 78.60, leading in AI research and development, economic impact, infrastructure, AI model production, private investment, and compute capacity, with models such as Gemini 2.0 Pro, o1, and Llama 3.1.
    • China – Rank 2, Score 36.95, strong in AI research output, publications, citations, patents, and AI model launches such as Deepseek, supported by a state-driven AI strategy.
    • India – Rank 3, Score 21.59, reflecting rapid strengthening of the AI ecosystem, policy support, and talent development.
    • South Korea – Rank 4, Score 17.24.
    • United Kingdom – Rank 5, Score 16.64.

Passport Index 2025: UAE Retains World’s Strongest Passport, India Ranks 67th

  • The Passport Index 2025, published by Arton Capital, ranks global passports based on their mobility score, which measures access to countries through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) entry.
  • A higher mobility score indicates greater global travel freedom.
  • In 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) retained its position as the world’s strongest passport.
  • The Top 10 strongest passports in 2025 are:
    • 1st: United Arab Emirates
    • 2nd: Singapore, Spain
    • 3rd: Belgium, France, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Luxembourg, Italy, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Greece, Austria, Malaysia, Norway, Ireland, South Korea, Japan
    • 4th: Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia
    • 5th: Malta, Romania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Latvia, New Zealand
    • 6th: Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Australia
    • 7th: Cyprus, Iceland
    • 8th: United Kingdom, Canada
    • 9th: United States of America
    • 10th: Monaco
  • India ranked 67th in the Passport Index 2025, indicating limited visa-free access compared to many developed and emerging economies.
  • India’s ranking affects tourism, business travel, education opportunities, and global workforce mobility for Indian citizens.
  • The UAE’s top position is attributed to its strong diplomatic engagement, visa-waiver agreements, strategic global partnerships, and proactive mobility-focused foreign policy.
  • The rankings show a decline of traditional passport powerhouses, with the United Kingdom and Canada placed at 8th, and the United States slipping to 9th position.
  • For India, improving passport strength can enhance trade, investment flows, and people-to-people connections in an increasingly globalised world.

Asia Power Index 2025: India Emerges as a Major Power

  • The Asia Power Index (API) 2025 is published annually by the Lowy Institute, an Australia-based international policy think tank.
  • The index assesses how effectively countries in the Indo-Pacific region influence their external environment.
  • It evaluates 27 countries and territories using 131 quantitative and qualitative indicators across eight thematic areas.
  • In API 2025, India ranked 3rd overall with a comprehensive power score of 40.0 out of 100, behind only the United States and China.
  • India crossed the 40-point threshold for the first time, officially entering the category of a “Major Power” in Asia.
  • Top five countries in API 2025:
    • United States – Superpower
    • China – Superpower
    • India – Major Power
    • Japan – Middle Power
    • Russia – Middle Power
  • India’s elevation marks a historic shift towards a three-tier power structure in Asia, with the United States and China as superpowers and India as a leading major power.
  • India recorded strong gains in economic capability, ranking third globally, ahead of Japan, reflecting post-pandemic recovery, rising foreign investment, and deeper global supply-chain integration.
  • Improvements in military capability and strategic experience, including Operation Sindoor (May 2025), contributed to higher defence readiness and operational confidence.
  • India performed well in future resources, supported by a young demographic profile, expanding technology ecosystem, and strong innovation capacity.
  • Strengthened diplomatic engagement through platforms such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the Group of Twenty (G20) boosted India’s influence.
  • The Asia Power Index evaluates countries across eight dimensions:
    • Military Capability
    • Economic Capability
    • Resilience
    • Future Resources
    • Economic Relationships
    • Defence Networks
    • Diplomatic Influence
    • Cultural Influence
  • The United States retained its position as the most powerful country in the Indo-Pacific, while China remained second with strong military and economic assets.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Department of Posts and BSE Sign MoU to Expand Mutual Fund Access

  • The Department of Posts (DoP) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), Asia’s oldest stock exchange, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand mutual fund services across India.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion by leveraging India Post’s extensive rural and semi-urban network to provide access to formal investment products.
  • The partnership will enable last-mile delivery of mutual fund services, especially in Tier-2, Tier-3, and remote areas with limited financial access.
  • Under the MoU, selected postal employees will be trained and certified as mutual fund distributors.
  • BSE will support postal employees in obtaining the National Institute of Securities Markets Mutual Fund Distributor Certification.
  • Employee Unique Identification Numbers (EUINs) will be generated for authorised postal staff to ensure accountability and compliance.
  • Certified postal employees will assist customers in investment transactions, investor services, and informed decision-making.
  • Mutual fund distribution will be carried out through BSE StAR MF, India’s largest mutual fund transaction platform.
  • The MoU is valid for three years, from 12 December 2025 to 11 December 2028.
  • The collaboration is expected to reduce reliance on informal investment channels, promote financial literacy, and support the goal of building a financially empowered population by bringing regulated investment opportunities closer to citizens.

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Signs MoU with Amazon to Strengthen Logistics and Warehousing Education

  • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s specialised university for the transport and logistics sector, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon, a global e-commerce major.
  • The MoU aims to strengthen learning, research, and innovation in the areas of logistics and warehousing.
  • The collaboration focuses on knowledge sharing between academia and industry.
  • Both institutions will jointly work on developing new academic courses, updating existing curricula, and undertaking collaborative research projects.
  • A key feature of the agreement is the establishment of an Amazon Chair Professorship at GSV, dedicated to data-driven research in modern warehousing systems.
  • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya was established as a Central University through an Act of Parliament in 2022.
  • The university functions under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
  • GSV focuses on all modes of transportation, including Railways, Highways, Ports, Aviation, Maritime, Shipping, Inland Waterways, Urban Transport, and the logistics and supply chain sector.
  • The institution is headed by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology, who serves as the Chancellor.
  • The MoU is expected to enhance practical learning opportunities, promote advanced research, and support India’s objective of improving logistics efficiency and infrastructure.
  • By combining academic expertise with Amazon’s industry experience, the partnership aims to develop innovative solutions for India’s future transportation and warehousing sectors.

Ministry of MSME Signs MoU with Amazon Seller Services to Support PM Vishwakarma Artisans

  • The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon Seller Services in New Delhi to support artisans enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
  • The partnership aims to improve online market access for artisans and enable them to reach customers across India through digital platforms.
  • The collaboration also focuses on promoting traditional crafts and handmade products using e-commerce channels.
  • The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched in September 2023, is designed to support artisans engaged in traditional trades.
  • Beneficiary trades include carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, tailors, toy makers, basket makers, and several other traditional occupations.
  • The scheme provides skill training, modern toolkits, financial assistance, and market linkages to improve the livelihood of artisans.
  • Many artisans face challenges such as limited market access and difficulty in adapting to online selling, which restricts income growth.
  • The MoU with Amazon aims to address these challenges by directly connecting skilled artisans with customers through digital marketplaces.
  • Under the agreement, Amazon will support Vishwakarma artisans by:
    • Onboarding eligible artisans onto its e-commerce platform
    • Providing product visibility through the Amazon Karigar initiative
    • Offering digital tools and guidance for online selling
    • Assisting in product listing, packaging, and delivery management
  • The Ministry of MSME will help artisans with approvals, registrations, documentation, and other required formalities to enable smooth onboarding.
  • India has a strong heritage of handmade crafts, but reliance on physical markets limits reach and income potential.
  • The partnership supports the modernisation of traditional trades, expansion from local to national markets, and enhancement of rural entrepreneurship.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

R. Praggnanandhaa Wins FIDE Circuit 2025, Qualifies for Candidates Tournament 2026

  • Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa won the FIDE Circuit 2025 with 115.17 points, topping a year-long global leaderboard in December 2025.
  • With this achievement, he became the only male player worldwide to qualify for the Candidates Tournament 2026 through the FIDE Circuit route.
  • The qualification secures his place in the Candidates Tournament 2026, which determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship 2026.
  • This marks Praggnanandhaa’s second consecutive appearance in the Candidates Tournament, underlining his consistency at the elite level of world chess.
  • The FIDE Circuit 2025, organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), was a year-long qualification pathway from January to December 2025, with rankings based on a player’s best seven tournament results.
  • Praggnanandhaa finished well ahead of leading global players, with the Top 5 standings as follows:
    • 1st: Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (India) – 115.17 points
    • 2nd: Anish Giri (Netherlands) – 81.18 points
    • 3rd: Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) – 71.61 points
    • 4th: Fabiano Caruana (USA) – 65.55 points
    • 5th: Matthias Blübaum (Germany) – 63.94 points
  • His qualification strengthens India’s growing dominance in global chess, following the rise of D. Gukesh and earlier legends like Viswanathan Anand.
  • The Candidates Tournament 2026 will be held in Pegeia, Cyprus, from 28 March to 16 April 2026.
  • It will feature an eight-player double round-robin format and will decide the challenger for the World Chess Championship 2026, where Indian GM D. Gukesh will defend his world title.
  • Seven confirmed participants include Anish Giri, Fabiano Caruana, Matthias Blübaum, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, Andrey Esipenko, and R. Praggnanandhaa.
  • The 8th slot will be awarded to the player with the highest six-month average FIDE rating (August 2025–January 2026) with at least 40 rated games played.
  • India will also have a strong presence in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, with Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and Vaishali Rameshbabu qualifying.

About FIDE

  • FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) was established in 1924, is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is currently headed by President Arkady Dvorkovich.

Amul Renews Partnership with Argentina Football Association as Regional Sponsor

  • Amul renewed its partnership with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) as the Official Regional Sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.
  • The renewed agreement will continue through the FIFA World Cup 2026.
  • Amul became the first Indian regional sponsor in the history of Argentine football in 2022, making this extension a significant milestone.
  • AFA President Claudio Fabián Tapia stated that the partnership reflects the growing connection between Argentine football and India, driven by shared passion and growth.
  • The partnership highlights the link between sports and nutrition, underlining the role of milk and healthy nutrition in enhancing performance, passion, and dedication.
  • By associating with the FIFA World Cup 2022 champions Argentina, Amul strengthens its image as a global sports brand.
  • The renewed sponsorship enhances Amul’s international presence and aims to inspire millions of fans in India and globally.
  • With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, the collaboration is expected to feature fan engagement initiatives and global campaigns celebrating football and nutrition.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Ex-Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil Passed away in Maharashtra at age 91

  • Senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader and former Union Minister Shivraj Vishwanath Patil Chakurkar passed away at the age of 90 in Latur, Maharashtra.

About Shivraj Vishwanath Patil Chakurkar :

  • He was born on 12 October 1935 in Chakur, then part of Hyderabad State, British India (present-day Maharashtra).
  • Shivraj Patil was widely respected for his constitutional expertise, disciplined political conduct, and fluency in Marathi, Hindi, and English.
  • He began his political career as Municipal Council Chief of Latur, marking his entry into grassroots politics.
  • He served two terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (1972–1979) and held key roles including Chairman of the Public Undertakings Committee.
  • During his state legislative career, he also served as Deputy Speaker and later as Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
  • He entered national politics by winning the 7th Lok Sabha election from Latur in 1980.
  • He served seven consecutive terms in the Lok Sabha (1980–2004), reflecting his long parliamentary career.
  • He chaired the Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament (MPs).
  • Shivraj Patil served as the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha (1991–1996).
  • He held several Minister of State (MoS) portfolios including Defence, Commerce, Science & Technology, Atomic Energy, Personnel & Training, Civil Aviation, and Tourism.
  • He later served as the Union Home Minister under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) from 2004 to 2008.
  • He also served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Vijay Diwas 2025 Observed on 16 December

  • Vijay Diwas 2025 is observed on 16 December every year to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
  • The day marks the success of Operation Vijay, during which Indian forces decisively defeated Pakistani troops.
  • Tributes are paid to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the war.
  • The India–Pakistan War of 1971 officially began on 3 December 1971, when Pakistani forces attacked 11 Indian airfields.
  • At the time of the war, Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.
  • The war lasted only 13 days, making it one of the shortest wars in world history.
  • A major outcome of the war was the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
  • The independent flag of Bangladesh was first hoisted on 23 March.

Daily CA One- Liner: December 16

  • The Union Cabinet approved the Atomic Energy Bill, marking a significant shift in India’s civil nuclear policy
  • A commemorative postage stamp was released by the Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan
  • Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal to conduct the Census of India 2027 at a total cost of Rs 11,718.24 crore
  • Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, was honoured with the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award, the highest environmental recognition of the United Nations
  • India ranked 3rd globally in the Global AI Vibrancy Index 2024, published by Stanford University, behind only the United States and China
  • The Passport Index 2025, published by Arton Capital, ranks global passports based on their mobility score, which measures access to countries through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) entry
  • The Asia Power Index (API) 2025 is published annually by the Lowy Institute, an Australia-based international policy think tank.
  • The Department of Posts (DoP) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), Asia’s oldest stock exchange, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand mutual fund services across India
  • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s specialised university for the transport and logistics sector, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon, a global e-commerce major
  • The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amazon Seller Services in New Delhi to support artisans enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
  • Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa won the FIDE Circuit 2025 with 115.17 points, topping a year-long global leaderboard in December 2025
  • Amul renewed its partnership with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) as the Official Regional Sponsor for the fourth consecutive year
  • Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) signed a long-term loan agreement worth ₹1,685.27 crore with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to strengthen Odisha’s power transmission infrastructure.
  • India and France have agreed to revise the 1992 Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to modernise the treaty in line with global tax transparency standards.
  • The World Inequality Lab (WIL) released the 3rd edition of the World Inequality Report (WIR 2026), analysing global income and wealth disparities.
  • Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty has been elected as the first woman President of the Press Club of India (PCI), marking a historic milestone in India’s media institutions.
  • Chile has elected Jose Antonio Kast as its new President, marking the most right-wing leadership shift since the return to democracy in 1990.
  • PNB Housing Finance Limited has appointed Ajai Kumar Shukla as its Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel, subject to shareholder approval.
  • Meta India has appointed Aman Jain as the new Head of Public Policy, entrusting him with policy strategy and regulatory engagement in one of Meta’s most strategic global markets.
  • The Indian Navy will commission its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on 17 December 2025 at INS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff.
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars for over a decade.
  • Google Disco is an experimental AI-powered web browser launched through Google Labs, described by Google as a new “discovery vehicle” for web exploration.
  • Senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader and former Union Minister Shivraj Vishwanath Patil Chakurkar passed away at the age of 90 in Latur, Maharashtra.
  • Vijay Diwas 2025 is observed on 16 December every year to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 war

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