Exam-Oriented Daily Current Affairs – 15 December 2025

Current Affairs - Material 3 Expressive

Polity & Governance

Supreme Court Orders Stringent Ban on Manual Scavenging

Judicial Intervention for Social Justice

Polity Judiciary Social Justice Fundamental Rights
Useful for: UPSC (Mains) State PSC Group 1 Exams
🔹 Key Points
  • In January 2025, the Supreme Court ordered a stringent ban on manual scavenging and manual sewer cleaning.
  • The order specifically targets the six metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
  • The judgment recognized the state's persistent failure to protect workers, even though the practice was criminalized under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and has been illegal since 1993.
  • The ruling re-asserts the fundamental right to life and dignity for workers engaged in this hazardous practice.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
This topic is crucial for GS Paper 2 (Social Justice, Governance) and essays. It directly links fundamental rights (Article 21), systemic caste issues, and the concept of judicial activism in upholding the rights of marginalized communities.
🔹 How to Remember
Use the mnemonic "DMK-BCH" (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata - Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad) and link it to the "SC Ban on Manual Scavenging" to recall the six cities.
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: The Supreme Court's January 2025 order for a stringent ban on manual scavenging specifically targeted which group of cities?

✅ Correct Answer: b) The six metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad

Maternity Leave Reaffirmed as a Fundamental Right

K. Umadevi v. Government of Tamil Nadu

Polity Fundamental Rights Women's Rights Labor Laws
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) State PSC SSC Banking
🔹 Key Points
  • In the K. Umadevi v. Government of Tamil Nadu case (May 2025), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that maternity leave is a fundamental right.
  • The Court held that this right flows from Articles 21 (Right to Life) and 42 (Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief) of the Constitution.
  • The case involved a government teacher who was denied maternity leave for her third child under a two-child norm, even though her first two children lived with her ex-husband.
  • The Court reasoned that denying maternity leave violates a woman's dignity and India’s commitment under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
This is a landmark judgment that connects fundamental rights (Art. 21, 42) with women's labor rights and international conventions (CEDAW). It is an important topic for Polity, Social Issues, and Governance sections.
🔹 How to Remember
Use the memory key: "Umadevi Case = Maternity Leave = Article 21/42".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: In the K. Umadevi v. Government of Tamil Nadu case, the Supreme Court linked the denial of maternity leave to a violation of India's commitment under which international convention?

✅ Correct Answer: c) The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Constitution, Bills & Acts

Private Member’s Bill to Criminalise Marital Rape Introduced in Lok Sabha

Legislative Move for Women's Autonomy

Constitution Legislature Bills & Acts Women's Rights
Useful for: UPSC (Mains) State PSC (Mains) Law Exams
🔹 Key Points
  • On December 5, 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor introduced a Private Member's Bill in the Lok Sabha.
  • The primary purpose of the bill is to criminalise marital rape.
  • This legislative move comes in the context of a regressive judgment from the Chhattisgarh High Court on the same issue, which entrenched marital immunity and removed non-consensual marital sex from criminal scrutiny.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
This topic is significant for understanding the legislative process (Private Member's Bills), ongoing social reforms, and crucial debates around women's autonomy and fundamental rights within marriage. It is a key topic for GS Paper 1 (Society) and GS Paper 2 (Polity).
🔹 How to Remember
Use the memory trick: "Tharoor Bill (Dec 5) -> Against Chhattisgarh HC -> Criminalise Marital Rape".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: On December 5, 2025, who introduced a Private Member's Bill in the Lok Sabha to criminalise marital rape?

✅ Correct Answer: d) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

Economy & Banking

RBI Monetary Policy Committee Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25%

Fourth Consecutive Rate Cut in 2025

Economy Banking RBI Monetary Policy
Useful for: Banking (PO, Clerk) RBI Grade B UPSC (Prelims) SSC CGL
🔹 Key Points
  • The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced the repo rate to 5.25% on December 5, 2025.
  • The rate was cut by 25 basis points.
  • This marked the fourth consecutive rate cut in the calendar year 2025.
  • The total reduction in the repo rate during 2025 now stands at 125 basis points.
  • Alongside the rate cut, the MPC maintained a neutral stance on its policy.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
The repo rate is a fundamental tool of monetary policy that influences inflation, economic growth, and lending rates. Questions on the current repo rate and MPC decisions are common in all banking, finance, and economy-related exams.
🔹 How to Remember
Use the short phrase: "RBI Dec 2025: Repo down to 5.25%".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: Including the 25 basis point cut in December 2025, what was the total reduction in the repo rate by the RBI during the calendar year 2025?

✅ Correct Answer: c) 125 basis points

RBI Upgrades India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY 2025-26

Revised Forecast: 7.3%

[Image of Indian economy growth chart]
Economy GDP RBI Growth Forecast
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC Banking SSC
🔹 Key Points
  • The RBI has upgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for the financial year 2025-26 to 7.3%.
  • This is a revision from the earlier forecast of 6.8%.
  • The reasons cited by the RBI Governor for the upgrade include strong domestic demand, a recovery in rural areas, and expansion in the manufacturing sector.
  • The RBI also projected growth for Q3 and Q4 of the current fiscal year at 7% and 6.5% respectively.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
Official GDP forecasts from institutions like the RBI are crucial indicators of the economy's health and are frequently asked in objective-type questions in exams like UPSC Prelims, State PSC, and Banking.
🔹 How to Remember
Use a simple key: "RBI FY26 GDP: 6.8% -> 7.3%".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: According to the RBI's revised forecast, which of the following was NOT cited as a primary reason for upgrading the GDP growth to 7.3% for FY 2025-26?

✅ Correct Answer: b) A surge in foreign direct investment

Environment, Ecology & Climate Change

Two New Wetlands in India Designated as Ramsar Sites

Siliserh Lake & Kopra Reservoir

Environment Biodiversity Wetlands Ramsar Convention
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC Forest Officer Exams
🔹 Key Points
  • Two new wetlands in India have been designated as Ramsar sites, or wetlands of international importance.
  • The new sites are:
    • Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan
    • Kopra Reservoir (Jalashay) in Chhattisgarh
  • Kopra Reservoir is notable for being the first Ramsar site in the state of Chhattisgarh.
  • Siliserh Lake is located in the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, supports 149 bird species, and provides habitat for the endangered tiger.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
Ramsar sites are a very important topic for the Environment and Ecology sections in Prelims. Questions often ask for the location, state, or unique features of newly designated sites.
🔹 How to Remember
Create a mnemonic: "Sili-Raja Kopra-Chat" (Siliserh-Rajasthan, Kopra-Chhattisgarh).
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: Which of the following statements about the newly designated Siliserh Lake Ramsar site is correct according to the provided information?

✅ Correct Answer: d) It is located in the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve and supports species like the tiger.

Science & Technology

ISRO Announces Plan for Seven Launches by March 2026

Focus on Gaganyaan and Vyommitra

Science & Tech Space ISRO Gaganyaan
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC SSC RRB
🔹 Key Points
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced an ambitious plan to conduct seven launch missions by March 2026.
  • A key highlight of this plan is the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1), scheduled for December 2025.
  • The G1 mission will carry the humanoid robot named Vyommitra into orbit to test life support and other critical systems.
  • Other planned activities include commercial satellite launches, the deployment of the Oceansat satellite, and the launch of the first industry-built PSLV.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
ISRO's missions, especially flagship programs like Gaganyaan, are a high-priority topic for Science & Technology in all competitive exams. Details like the name of the humanoid robot are potential MCQ questions.
🔹 How to Remember
Create a short phrase: "ISRO 7 by March '26: Gaganyaan (Vyommitra) + Oceansat + Industry PSLV".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: What is the name of the humanoid robot scheduled to be carried on the first uncrewed Gaganyaan (G1) mission in December 2025?

✅ Correct Answer: c) Vyommitra

International Relations

India Rejects Bangladesh's Allegations of Election Interference

Diplomatic Response from MEA

International Relations India-Bangladesh Diplomacy MEA
Useful for: UPSC (Mains) State PSC
🔹 Key Points
  • India has "categorically rejected" allegations made by the interim government of Bangladesh.
  • The claim was that India had interfered in Bangladesh's elections.
  • The official statement was issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
  • In its response, the MEA stated that India has consistently supported free and fair elections and has never permitted its territory to be used for activities hostile to its neighbors.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
India's relations with its neighbors are a core topic in the International Relations syllabus. Official statements from the MEA on sensitive issues are important for understanding India's foreign policy positions and diplomatic responses.
🔹 How to Remember
Use keywords: "MEA rejects Bangladesh claim -> supports free elections".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: In response to allegations of election interference from Bangladesh's interim government, what was the official position stated by India's Ministry of External Affairs?

✅ Correct Answer: b) India stated it has always supported free elections and does not allow its territory to be used for hostile acts.

Security, Defence & Disaster Management

Indian Navy to Commission Second MH-60R Helicopter Squadron INAS 335

The 'Ospreys' to be Based in Goa

Defence Indian Navy Naval Aviation Defence Acquisition
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) CDS AFCAT State PSC
🔹 Key Points
  • The Indian Navy is set to commission its second squadron of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, named INAS 335 and also known as the 'Ospreys'.
  • The commissioning ceremony will take place at INS Hansa in Goa on 17 December 2025.
  • The MH-60R helicopters are multi-role aircraft with advanced sensors, weapons, and avionics.
  • Their primary capabilities include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), and maritime surveillance.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
This topic is important for the Defence section of current affairs. Questions on new military inductions, squadron names, aircraft capabilities, and their base locations are common in defence-related and general competitive exams.
🔹 How to Remember
Create a memory key: "INAS 335 'Ospreys' = MH-60R Seahawks in Goa".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: The Indian Navy's new squadron INAS 335, equipped with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, is primarily intended for which of the following roles?

✅ Correct Answer: c) Anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance

History & Culture (Current-linked)

Pakistan’s Boreendo Instrument Added to UNESCO’s Urgent Safeguarding List

Indus Valley Civilization Heritage

Culture UNESCO Intangible Heritage Indus Valley Civilization
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC SSC
🔹 Key Points
  • The ancient Pakistani musical instrument Boreendo (also known as Bhorindo or Bareendo) has been added to a prestigious UNESCO list.
  • The Boreendo is a spherical terracotta vessel-flute from the Sindh region of Pakistan.
  • It is believed to have a history of over 5,000 years, with its origins tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly sites like Mohenjo-Daro.
  • It has been inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
  • The 'Urgent Safeguarding' status was granted because the tradition is at severe risk of extinction, with only two known master practitioners remaining: musician Ustaad Faqeer Zulfiqar and master potter Allah Jurio.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
UNESCO heritage listings are a key topic for Art & Culture. The direct link of the Boreendo to the Indus Valley Civilization makes this particularly relevant for Ancient History as well.
🔹 How to Remember
Create a keyword association: "Boreendo (Sindh Flute) -> Indus Valley -> UNESCO Urgent".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: The ancient musical instrument 'Boreendo' from Pakistan, recently added to a UNESCO list, is believed to have its origins in which historical period/civilization?

✅ Correct Answer: c) The Indus Valley Civilization

Reports, Indices & Rankings

UAE Has World's Strongest Passport in 2025, India Ranks 67th

Arton Capital's 2025 Passport Index

Reports & Indices International Passport Index
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) Banking SSC RRB
🔹 Key Points
  • According to the 2025 Passport Index by Arton Capital, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the world's strongest passport.
  • The UAE passport achieved a mobility score of 179, signifying the number of countries its holders can enter without a prior visa.
  • India's passport was ranked 67th globally in the same index.
  • The ranking is based on the access a passport provides to visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
Questions based on important global indices and India's rank in them are a staple of the current affairs section in most competitive exams.
🔹 How to Remember
Use a simple phrase: "Passport Index '25: #1 UAE, #67 India".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: According to the 2025 Passport Index by Arton Capital, which country's passport was ranked the strongest globally?

✅ Correct Answer: d) United Arab Emirates

Government Schemes & Policies

MGNREGS Renamed to Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana; Workdays Increased

Major Revamp of Rural Employment Guarantee

Govt Schemes Rural Development MGNREGA Legislation
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) State PSC Banking NABARD
🔹 Key Points
  • The Union Cabinet has approved significant changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
  • The scheme has been renamed the Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana.
  • The number of guaranteed employment days per rural household per financial year has been increased from 100 days to 125 days.
  • These changes were enabled through an amendment to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
MGNREGS is a flagship social security scheme, and any major change to its name, scope, or provisions is extremely important for exams. It's a key topic for Economy, Social Justice, and Governance papers.
🔹 How to Remember
Create a memory key: "MGNREGS -> Poojya Bapu Yojana + 25 days (100 -> 125)".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: The recent Union Cabinet decision to rename MGNREGS and enhance its provisions includes which specific change to the number of guaranteed workdays?

✅ Correct Answer: b) An increase from 100 to 125 days

Appointments, Awards & Important Days

"Architects of AI" Named TIME Magazine's Person of the Year 2025

Honoring the Leaders of the AI Revolution

Awards Technology AI Important Personalities
Useful for: SSC Banking RRB Group Exams
🔹 Key Points
  • TIME Magazine has named the "Architects of Artificial Intelligence" as its Person of the Year for 2025.
  • The recognition honors the individuals who designed, built, and accelerated AI into the center of global life, transforming industries, politics, and society.
  • One of the covers featured key AI leaders such as Sam Altman (OpenAI), Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind), Jensen Huang (NVIDIA), and Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), among others.
  • This selection continues TIME's tradition of occasionally honoring influential groups or concepts, such as when it named The Personal Computer its "Machine of the Year" in 1982.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
TIME's Person of the Year is a globally recognized award and is frequently asked in the general awareness sections of exams like SSC, Banking, and RRB.
🔹 How to Remember
Use a simple phrase: "TIME Person of Year 2025 = AI Architects".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: Which of the following concepts was previously named as a "Machine of the Year" or "Person of the Year" by TIME, similar to the 2025 selection of "Architects of AI"?

✅ Correct Answer: c) The Personal Computer

State Current Affairs

Andhra Pradesh Approves ₹478 Crore City Roads Improvement Program (CRIP)

Visakhapatnam & Vijayawada to Benefit

State-AP Infrastructure PPP Model Urban Development
Useful for: APPSC TGPSC State PSC
🔹 Key Points
  • The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the first phase of the City Roads Improvement Program (CRIP) with an outlay of ₹478 crore.
  • The program will be piloted in two cities: Visakhapatnam (₹306.95 crore) and Vijayawada (₹171.14 crore).
  • The project will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model known as the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) Hybrid Annuity Model.
  • Under this model, contractors will receive 40% of the project cost during the construction phase. The remaining 60% will be paid through semi-annual annuity payments during the subsequent 10-year maintenance period.
🔹 Why Useful for Exams
This is a key infrastructure project for Andhra Pradesh and is highly relevant for state-specific exams like APPSC. The details of the PPP model (DBFOT Hybrid Annuity) and the financial structure are particularly important for objective questions.
🔹 How to Remember
Use a mnemonic: "AP CRIP (V&V) -> DBFOT -> 40/60 split".
🔹 Expected MCQ (Tricky)

Question: Under the Hybrid Annuity Model adopted for Andhra Pradesh's CRIP, what is the payment structure for the contractors?

✅ Correct Answer: c) 40% during construction and 60% through semi-annual payments over the maintenance period.
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