Exam-Oriented Daily Current Affairs – 12 December 2025

Current Affairs - EdTech Blog

Polity & Governance

Supreme Court Expands Scope of POSH Act

Judiciary, Women's Rights, Workplace Safety

Tags
Judiciary Women's Rights Workplace Safety
Useful For
UPSC (Mains) State PSC Group 1-2 Exams
Key Points
  • The Supreme Court has expanded the jurisdiction of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act).
  • Complaints of sexual harassment can now be filed not only at the workplace of the accused but also at the complainant's workplace or any other site related to their employment.
  • The POSH Act originated from the landmark Supreme Court judgment in the Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan case (1997), which established binding guidelines to address the legislative gap on workplace sexual harassment.
  • The Act mandates an institutional framework: an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for organizations with 10 or more employees, and Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) for workplaces with fewer than 10 employees.
  • An ICC must have a presiding officer and at least half its members must be women, including an external expert from an NGO.
Why Useful for Exams
  • This ruling is a significant judicial interpretation of a key piece of legislation concerning women's rights and workplace governance.
  • It is highly relevant for Mains exam questions related to judicial activism, social justice, and the evolution of laws protecting women.
How to Remember
  • POSH Place: A complaint can be filed at any place of work related to employment, not just one specific location.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: According to the recent Supreme Court ruling, under the POSH Act 2013, where can a complaint of sexual harassment be filed?

Union Cabinet Approves ₹11,718 Crore for Census 2027

Census, Governance, National Data

Tags
Census Governance National Data
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims) SSC RRB State PSC
Key Points
  • The Union Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹11,718 crore for the Census 2027.
  • The Census 2027 will be the 16th census in the series since the process began.
  • The exercise will be conducted in two phases.
Why Useful for Exams
  • Census data is a fundamental source for policy-making and socio-economic analysis, making it a frequently tested topic in Prelims.
  • Key factual points like the budget allocation and the edition number are high-probability questions for objective-type exams.
How to Remember
  • Census 16-27: The 16th Census is scheduled for the year 2027.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: The Union Cabinet has approved the budget for the upcoming Census 2027. Which edition of the census will this be?

Economy & Banking

PFRDA Issues New Investment Rules For Government-Sector Pension Schemes

PFRDA, Pension Schemes, Investment Guidelines, NPS

Tags
PFRDA Pension Schemes Investment Guidelines NPS
Useful For
Banking (PO, Clerk) RBI Grade B UPSC (Prelims) SSC
Key Points
  • The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has released a 'Master Circular' with new investment guidelines for government-sector pension schemes, including the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), National Pension System (NPS) for Central/State Government subscribers, Corporate Government (CG) NPS, NPS Lite, Atal Pension Yojana (APY), and APY Fund Scheme.
  • The investment cap for Government Securities (G-secs) is set at a maximum of 65%.
  • Investment in corporate bonds and other debt instruments is capped at a maximum of 45%.
  • Investment in short-term debt instruments is capped at a maximum of 10%.
  • The maximum permissible exposure to equity and related instruments is capped at 25%.
  • A maximum of 5% can be invested in Asset Backed, Trust Structured, and Miscellaneous Investments.
  • Newly allowed investment options include Gold & Silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and AAA-rated Municipal Bonds.
Why Useful for Exams
  • Regulatory changes by bodies like PFRDA are core topics for the Banking and Economy sections of various exams.
  • The specific percentage caps for different asset classes are high-probability questions in objective exams.
How to Remember
  • PFRDA G-65, E-25: Pension funds can invest up to 65% in G-secs and 25% in Equity.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: As per the new PFRDA investment guidelines for government-sector pension schemes, what is the maximum permissible exposure to equity?

ADB Raises India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 7.2%

ADB, GDP Forecast, Indian Economy, ADO Report

Tags
ADB GDP Forecast Indian Economy ADO Report
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims) State PSC Banking SSC CGL
Key Points
  • In its 'Asian Development Outlook (ADO) December 2025' report, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.2%, up from the previous estimate of 6.5%.
  • The upward revision is attributed to stronger-than-expected growth of 8.2% in the second quarter (Q2) of FY26, driven by robust domestic consumption.
  • The GDP growth forecast for India for FY27 has been retained at 6.5%.
  • The ADB has also revised its inflation projection for India for FY26 downwards to 2.6%, from its previous estimate of 3.1%.
  • The growth forecast for Developing Asia for the calendar year 2025 has been upgraded to 5.1%.
Why Useful for Exams
  • GDP forecasts by major international bodies like the ADB are a staple of current affairs questions in almost all competitive exams.
  • Knowing both the revised forecast and the specific reason for the revision is crucial for answering analytical questions.
How to Remember
  • ADB 7.2: ADB adds up to 7.2% growth for India.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.2%. What reason did the ADO report cite for this upward revision?

Environment, Ecology & Climate Change

CITES CoP20 Concludes in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

CITES, CoP20, Wildlife Conservation, Biodiversity

Tags
CITES CoP20 Wildlife Conservation Biodiversity
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims & Mains) State PSC Forest Officer Exams
Key Points
  • The 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking the 50th anniversary of the convention.
  • Member states added 77 new species to the CITES Appendices for protection.
  • India successfully opposed a proposal by the European Union to place guggul (Commiphora wightii) in Appendix-II.
  • A key decision was the uplisting of the Galapagos marine iguana from Appendix-II (where trade is controlled) to Appendix-I (granting it the highest level of protection, including a ban on commercial trade).
  • The conference approved a 6.98% increase in the CITES budget for the 2026-28 period.
Why Useful for Exams
  • Outcomes of major international environmental conventions like CITES are critical for the Environment & Ecology syllabus.
  • India's specific role in negotiations, along with status changes of important flora and fauna, are potential exam questions.
How to Remember
  • CITES in SamarKand: Added 77 species.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: At the CITES CoP20 in Samarkand, which of the following species was successfully moved from Appendix-II to Appendix-I, granting it a higher level of protection?

Science & Technology

National Hub for Quantum Communication Inaugurated at IIT-Madras

Quantum Mission, Quantum Communication, IIT Madras, C-DOT

Tags
Quantum Mission Quantum Communication IIT Madras C-DOT
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims & Mains) State PSC Group-1
Key Points
  • The IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation was inaugurated at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, TN.
  • The hub has been established under the Government of India's National Quantum Mission (NQM).
  • It will serve as India's National Hub for Quantum communication.
  • Its key focus areas are Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Networks, and Satellite-based Quantum Communication.
  • It is one of four thematic hubs established under the NQM.
Why Useful for Exams
  • The National Quantum Mission is a flagship government initiative in a frontier technology area, making it a highly important topic for Science & Technology questions.
  • The names of the institutions involved and their specific roles under the mission are key facts for preliminary exams.
How to Remember
  • Quantum Samgnya @ Madras: India's Quantum hub signals (Samgnya) from IIT Madras.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: The IITM C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation, India's National Hub for Quantum communication, is one of four thematic hubs under the National Quantum Mission. Where are the other three hubs for Quantum Computing, Sensing & Metrology, and Materials & Devices located respectively?

Bose Institute Develops ‘GlowCas9’ CRISPR Protein

CRISPR, Gene Editing, Biotechnology, GlowCas9

[Image of CRISPR Cas9 gene editing mechanism]
Tags
CRISPR Gene Editing Biotechnology GlowCas9
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims) State PSC (S&T)
Key Points
  • Scientists at the Bose Institute, Kolkata, have developed 'GlowCas9', a novel CRISPR protein that glows during the gene-editing process.
  • The technology was created by fusing the Cas9 protein with a split nano-luciferase enzyme derived from deep-sea shrimp proteins.
  • This innovation allows for real-time, non-harmful tracking of gene editing within cells, tissues, and plants.
  • GlowCas9 has significant potential in improving the precision of Homology-Directed Repair (HDR), a key process for treating genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia.
Why Useful for Exams
  • CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology, and any indigenous development or innovation in this field is highly significant for S&T current affairs.
  • The name of the developing institute and the technology's potential applications are important factual points for exams.
How to Remember
  • Bose Glows: The Bose Institute made a CRISPR protein that glows.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: Scientists at which institute have developed GlowCas9, a bioluminescent CRISPR protein for real-time tracking of gene editing?

International Relations

India and Sweden Launch 7 Green Tech Projects

India-Sweden, Decarbonisation, Green Technology, Net-Zero

Tags
India-Sweden Decarbonisation Green Technology Net-Zero
Useful For
UPSC (Mains) State PSC
Key Points
  • India and Sweden have launched seven collaborative projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the heavy-industry sectors of steel and cement.
  • The initiative aligns with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • The projects are supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Swedish Energy Agency.
  • They are structured under the LeadIT Industry Transition Partnership framework, which is co-led by India and Sweden.
  • Key Indian companies participating include Tata Steel and Ambuja Cements.
Why Useful for Exams
  • This is a prime example of bilateral technological cooperation to address climate change, a key topic in the International Relations and Environment sections of Mains exams.
  • The 'LeadIT' initiative is an important international platform co-led by India, making it a relevant point for exam preparation.
How to Remember
  • Sweden Steels the Green Deal: Sweden helps India make Steel & Cement Green.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: The seven green tech projects launched by India and Sweden for decarbonisation are structured under which partnership framework?

Security, Defence & Disaster Management

First Indigenous Diving Support Craft ‘DSC A20’ to be Commissioned

Indian Navy, Indigenous Defence, Make in India, DSC A20

Tags
Indian Navy Indigenous Defence Make in India DSC A20
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims) SSC Defence Exams (NDA, CDS)
Key Points
  • DSC A20, the first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Craft, is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in Kochi under the Southern Naval Command.
  • The vessel was built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) in Kolkata.
  • It is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built for the Navy.
  • The vessel features a catamaran hull form, which provides superior stability, improved seakeeping, and a larger deck area.
  • Its primary capabilities include supporting diving operations, conducting underwater inspections, and providing salvage assistance.
Why Useful for Exams
  • Indigenous defence manufacturing under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative is a crucial topic for security-related questions.
  • Specifics such as the vessel's name (DSC A20), its class, its builder, and its unique features are potential questions in objective exams.
How to Remember
  • DSC Dives Deep: The Diving Support Craft helps the Navy Dive Deep.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: The Indian Navy's new indigenous Diving Support Craft, DSC A20, features which type of hull form for enhanced stability and seakeeping?

Government Schemes & Policies

NITI Aayog’s AIM and HUL Launch Start-up Acceleration Programme

AIM, NITI Aayog, Circular Economy, Startups

[Image of Circular Economy cycle diagram]
Tags
AIM NITI Aayog Circular Economy Startups
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims) State PSC Banking
Key Points
  • The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog has partnered with Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) to launch a start-up acceleration programme.
  • The programme aims to accelerate India’s transition to a circular economy and will be implemented under HUL's 'Circular Bharat' project.
  • It targets the identification and support of 50 high-potential circular economy start-ups over the next three years.
  • Priority areas for the start-ups include plastic recycling, reuse/refill models, and the development of next-generation packaging materials.
Why Useful for Exams
  • Government initiatives that promote startups and focus on niche, high-impact areas like the circular economy are important exam topics.
  • The roles and collaborations of key bodies like NITI Aayog and its Atal Innovation Mission are frequently tested.
How to Remember
  • AIM for a Circle: AIM and HUL are making a Circular economy with startups.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: The start-up acceleration programme launched by NITI Aayog's AIM and HUL focuses on promoting a circular economy. What are the priority areas for startups under this programme?

Appointments, Awards & Important Days

Supriya Sahu wins UN Champions of the Earth Award

UN Award, Environment, Champions of the Earth

Tags
UN Award Environment Champions of the Earth
Useful For
UPSC (Prelims) State PSC SSC Banking
Key Points
  • Supriya Sahu, a senior IAS officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, has been honoured with the UN Environment Programme’s 2025 Champions of the Earth Award.
  • Launched in 2005, this award is the UN's highest environmental honour.
  • She was recognized in the 'Inspiration and Action' category for her significant environmental initiatives.
  • Her key projects include 'Operation Blue Mountain' against single-use plastics in the Nilgiris, the Cool Roof Project, and the creation of 65 new reserve forests.
Why Useful for Exams
  • Prestigious international awards from organizations like the UN, especially when conferred upon Indian personalities, are very important for all competitive exams.
  • The specific initiatives led by the winner are also potential topics for questions.
How to Remember
  • Sahu Saves the Earth: Supriya Sahu wins the Champions of the Earth award for her work.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: IAS officer Supriya Sahu was honoured with the 2025 UN Champions of the Earth Award. In which of the five categories was she recognized?

UNICEF Day 2025 – December 11

UNICEF, United Nations, Important Days, Child Rights

Tags
UNICEF United Nations Important Days Child Rights
Useful For
SSC RRB Banking State Group Exams
Key Points
  • UNICEF Day is observed annually on December 11.
  • The day commemorates the creation of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) by the UN General Assembly (resolution 57(I)) on December 11, 1946. The year 2025 marks its 79th anniversary.
  • It was originally named the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
  • UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 for its work.
  • The organization's current tagline, incorporated into its logo, is "For Every Child".
Why Useful for Exams
  • Important international days, especially those related to major UN bodies, are frequently asked in one-day exams.
  • Key facts like the founding year, original name, Nobel Prize recognition, and current tagline are common factual questions.
How to Remember
  • UNICEF's 11/12: For kids, on December 11.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: UNICEF, established on December 11, 1946, received a prestigious global honour for its work in child welfare. What was this honour?

State Current Affairs

Telangana & Google Launch ‘Google for Startups Hub’ in Hyderabad

Telangana, Startups, Google, T-Hub

Tags
Telangana Startups Google T-Hub
Useful For
State PSC (TGPSC) Banking Group Exams
Key Points
  • The Government of Telangana has partnered with Google to launch the ‘Google for Startups Hub’ at T-Hub in Hyderabad.
  • The hub aims to empower startups, with a special focus on AI-first ventures, by providing infrastructure, mentorship, and access to global markets.
  • To support this and the broader ecosystem, the Telangana Government has announced a Rs. 1,000 crore Startup Fund of Funds.
Why Useful for Exams
  • This represents a major development for the state's innovation and startup ecosystem, making it a key topic for TGPSC and other state-level exams.
  • The collaboration with a global technology giant like Google adds to its significance.
How to Remember
  • Google T-Hub: Google starts up at Telangana's T-Hub.
Expected MCQ (Tricky)
Question: To support the new 'Google for Startups Hub' and the broader startup ecosystem, the Government of Telangana has announced what financial measure?
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