Exam-Oriented Daily Current Affairs – 16 December 2025

Current Affairs - Mobile First Material Design

Polity & Governance

Cabinet Approves Plan for Census of India 2027

Census Digital Governance National Statistics Cabinet Decisions
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) State PSC SSC, RRB, Group Exams
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Approved Cost: The Union Cabinet has approved a total cost of Rs 11,718.24 crores for the exercise.
  • Nature of Census: This will be India’s first fully digital census.
  • Data Collection Method: Data will be collected via a mobile application available on both Android and iOS platforms.
  • Timeline: The census will be conducted in two phases:
    ◦ Phase 1: Houselisting and Housing Census (April to September 2026).
    ◦ Phase 2: Population Enumeration (February 2027).
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
Questions on the Census are a staple in competitive exams. For Prelims, facts about the methodology, timelines, and its distinction as the first digital census are important. For Mains, the significance of a digital census, associated data governance challenges, and its implications for evidence-based policy-making are critical analytical topics.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Remember '27 Digital' – the year of the census and its key feature (first fully digital).
Question: Which of the following statements regarding the approved Census of India 2027 is incorrect?
✅ Correct Answer: d)
The Houselisting and Housing Census is scheduled for April to September 2026, not January.

Constitution, Bills & Acts

Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025

Rural Employment MGNREGA Replacement Government Schemes Legislative Bills
Useful for: UPSC (Mains GS-2 & GS-3) State PSC
🔹 KEY POINTS

In a landmark policy shift aimed at moving from a social safety net to a productivity-focused employment model, the government has proposed the VB-G RaM G Bill to replace the two-decade-old MGNREGA.

  • Employment Guarantee: Increases the guaranteed wage employment from 100 to 125 days per rural household annually.
  • Funding Pattern: Revises the Centre-State cost-sharing pattern for wages to 60:40 for most states and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
  • Funding Mechanism: Moves away from a demand-driven model to a 'Normative funding' framework, where state-wise fund allocations are pre-decided.
  • Seasonal Pause: Introduces a statutory pause of up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons to ensure labour availability for farming.
  • Asset Priorities: Public works are focused on four priorities: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure, and climate-resilience works.
  • Technology Mandate: Mandates the use of biometric attendance, Aadhaar-linked payments, and AI-based fraud detection to ensure transparency.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This Bill is a critical case study for Mains, touching upon social welfare policy shifts, rural economics, and fiscal federalism. The change to 'Normative funding' and the new 60:40 cost-sharing model raises important questions about the potential financial strain on poorer states, making it a prime topic for analytical questions.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
VB-GRAM: 125 days, 60:40 split, Normative funds.
Question: How does the proposed VB-G RaM G Bill, 2025 fundamentally differ from the MGNREGA, 2005 in its funding mechanism?
✅ Correct Answer: b)
The bill moves away from the demand-driven model of MGNREGA to a 'Normative funding' framework where allocations are pre-decided.

Economy & Banking

[Image of coal mining industry India]

‘CoalSETU Window’ Approved for Industrial Use and Export

Coal Sector CCEA Industrial Policy Energy Sector
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) State PSC Banking
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Purpose: The 'CoalSETU Window' facilitates the auction-based allocation of coal linkages for various industrial uses and for exports.
  • Policy Framework: It will be introduced as a new window under the existing Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Auction Policy, 2016.
  • Exclusions: Coking coal will not be offered under this window, and traders are not permitted to participate in the auctions.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This policy shift is crucial for understanding India's energy sector reforms. It reflects a move towards market-based mechanisms for resource allocation and is relevant for questions on industrial policy, energy security, and export promotion.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
CoalSETU = Seamless, Efficient & Transparent Utilisation. (No Coking, No Traders).
Question: Under the newly approved 'CoalSETU Window' policy, which of the following is explicitly excluded from participation or offering?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
Coking coal is not offered, and traders are not permitted to participate.

Department of Posts Signs MoU with BSE for Mutual Fund Access

Financial Inclusion Capital Markets India Post BSE MoU
Useful for: Banking SSC UPSC (Prelims)
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Objective: To enhance financial inclusion and broaden access to Mutual Fund (MF) investments.
  • Distribution Network: India Post will utilize its vast postal network to distribute MF products.
  • Technology Platform: The initiative will use the BSE StAR MF platform, India's largest MF distribution platform.
  • Capacity Building: BSE will support the training and NISM certification of postal staff to qualify them as MF distributors.
  • Distributor Identification: Certified postal employees will be assigned an Employee Unique Identification Number (EUIN).
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This MoU is a key example of leveraging existing public infrastructure (India Post) to deepen financial inclusion. It's relevant for Prelims questions on capital markets, government initiatives, and the evolving role of public sector entities in financial services.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Post Office + BSE = Mutual Funds for All.
Question: The Department of Posts has partnered with BSE to expand mutual fund access. Which platform will be primarily used for this initiative?
✅ Correct Answer: b)
The initiative will use the BSE StAR MF platform.

ADB Approves Over $450 Million in Loans for Key Projects in India

ADB International Finance Infrastructure Healthcare MSME
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) State PSC Banking
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Chennai Metro Expansion Phase 2:
    ◦ Loan Amount: USD 240 million.
    ◦ Purpose: To promote clean, safe, and reliable urban mobility in Chennai, TN.
  • Mizoram Public Healthcare Strengthening:
    ◦ Loan Amount: USD 108 million.
    ◦ Purpose: To support the strengthening of the public healthcare system and achieve universal health coverage.
  • MSME Finance for Women Borrowers:
    ◦ Loan Amount: USD 100 million.
    ◦ Recipient: Five-Star Business Finance Limited.
    ◦ Purpose: To expand MSME loan access for women entrepreneurs from lower-income groups.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This news highlights a key trend of multilateral financing targeting sub-national projects in crucial development sectors. For Mains, these loans serve as specific examples for answers on infrastructure development (Chennai Metro), social sector strengthening (Mizoram healthcare), and financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs (MSME Finance).
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
ADB's 3M's in India: Metro (Chennai), Mizoram (Health), MSME (Women).
Question: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently approved a USD 100 million loan for MSME finance in India. What is the specific focus of this loan?
✅ Correct Answer: b)
The loan targets expanding MSME loan access specifically for women entrepreneurs from lower-income groups.

India's Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply in November 2025

Balance of Trade Exports Imports Indian Economy Current Account Deficit
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) Banking State PSC
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Deficit Figure: India's merchandise trade deficit fell sharply to $6.6 billion in November 2025.
  • Key Drivers: The decline was attributed to a strong rise in merchandise exports and a decline in merchandise imports.
  • Contributing Factor: A key factor in the lower import bill was a significant reduction in gold imports.
  • Definition: A trade deficit occurs when the value of a country's imports exceeds the value of its exports.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
The trade deficit is a fundamental economic indicator. Its narrowing is significant for understanding the health of India's external sector, its impact on the Current Account Deficit (CAD), and currency stability.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Nov '25 Deficit Down = Exports Up, Gold Down.
Question: A trade deficit occurs when a country's imports are greater than its exports. What was a significant contributing factor to the sharp fall in India's trade deficit in November 2025?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
A key factor in the lower import bill was a significant reduction in gold imports.

Agriculture & Rural Development

Cabinet Approves MSP for Copra for 2026 Season

MSP Agriculture CCEA NAFED Copra
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC Banking RRB
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Season Covered: The approval is for the 2026 marketing season.
  • Approved MSP:
    ◦ Milling Copra: Rs 12,027 per quintal (an increase of Rs 445).
    ◦ Ball Copra: Rs 12,500 per quintal (an increase of Rs 400).
  • Nodal Agencies: The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) will act as Central Nodal Agencies for procurement.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
MSP is a perpetually important topic. Questions frequently test not just the figures but also the institutional framework: the recommending body (CACP), the approving body (CCEA), and the procurement agencies (NAFED, NCCF).
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Copra MSP '26: Ball is bigger, price is higher (12.5k).
Question: Which two organizations will act as Central Nodal Agencies for the procurement of copra under the Price Support Scheme for the 2026 season?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
NAFED and NCCF will act as the Central Nodal Agencies.

Environment, Ecology & Climate Change

7th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) Concludes in Nairobi

UNEA UNEP International Conventions Environment Climate Change
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains) State PSC (Environment)
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Location: The assembly was held at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Theme: “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”.
  • Outcomes: Member States adopted 11 resolutions, three decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration.
  • Indian Honouree: Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, was honoured with the 2025 Champions of the Earth Award.
  • New President: Matthew Samuda of Jamaica was elected President of the next assembly, UNEA-8.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
As the world's highest decision-making body on environmental matters, UNEA meetings are highly significant. Outcomes, themes, resolutions, and associated Indian achievements (like the Champions of the Earth Award) are prime content for Prelims and can be cited in Mains answers on global environmental governance.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
UNEA-7 in Nairobi: 11 resolutions and an Indian Champion (Supriya Sahu).
Question: Who from India was honored with the prestigious UNEP's 2025 Champions of the Earth Award during the 7th UN Environment Assembly?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
Supriya Sahu was honored with the award.

Two New Wetlands in India Designated as Ramsar Sites

Ramsar Convention Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC Forest Officer Exams
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Total Count: The total number of Ramsar Sites in India has now reached 96.
  • 95th Site: Siliserh Lake
    ◦ Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan.
    ◦ Significance: This is the 5th Ramsar site in Rajasthan.
  • 96th Site: Kopra Jalashay
    ◦ Location: Near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
    ◦ Significance: This is the first-ever Ramsar site in Chhattisgarh.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
Newly designated Ramsar Sites, National Parks, and Tiger Reserves are high-probability topics for Prelims. Questions almost always focus on the location (state) and unique facts, such as a state getting its first site.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Sili-Raj, Kopra-Chat (Siliserh in Rajasthan, Kopra in Chhattisgarh).
Question: With the recent designation of Kopra Jalashay as a Ramsar site, which state has received its first-ever Wetland of International Importance?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
Chhattisgarh received its first-ever Ramsar site with Kopra Jalashay.

Science & Technology

India Launches Indigenous 64-bit Dual-Core Microprocessor ‘DHRUV64’

Indigenous Technology Microprocessor Aatmanirbhar Bharat Semiconductor Mission
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains GS-3) State PSC (S&T)
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Product Name: DHRUV64.
  • Specifications: India's first indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.
  • Significance: Marks a historic milestone in India's journey towards technological self-reliance in the critical semiconductor domain.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This launch is a landmark achievement for the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and the National Semiconductor Mission. It's crucial for Mains (GS-3) answers on self-reliance in critical technologies, national security, and India's growing role in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
DHRUV64 = Dhruv Tara (Pole Star) of Indian processors.
Question: What are the key specifications of the recently launched indigenous microprocessor, DHRUV64?
✅ Correct Answer: b)
It is a 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.
[Image of satellites orbiting earth]

Google's Project Suncatcher: AI Data Centres in Space

Space Technology Artificial Intelligence Data Centres Google
Useful for: UPSC (Mains GS-3) S&T
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Objective: To deploy solar-powered data centres in space for large-scale machine learning computations.
  • Technology: The system will use satellite constellations with Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) connected via laser-based optical links.
  • Timeline: Aims to launch two prototype satellites by early 2027.
  • Rationale: To overcome the environmental costs of terrestrial data centres, such as high water consumption and rising electricity demand.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This project is at the intersection of several key GS-3 topics: emerging technologies (AI), space technology commercialization, and the environmental impact of the digital economy. It serves as a futuristic case study for questions on sustainable technological development.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Suncatcher = Catching sun in space for AI.
Question: Google's Project Suncatcher plans to use which core technologies to enable AI computation in space?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
It uses solar-powered satellites with TPUs and laser-based optical links.

International Relations

Overview of Italy’s Deputy PM Antonio Tajani’s Visit to India

Bilateral Relations India-Italy Diplomacy JCEC
Useful for: UPSC (Mains GS-2) State PSC
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Dignitary: Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
  • Purpose: To strengthen the India‑Italy Strategic Partnership.
  • Key Engagements: Held bilateral meetings with PM Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval; co-chaired the Italy-India Business Forum 2025.
  • Major Agreement: Signed the Agreed Minutes of the 22nd session of the India-Italy Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC) with Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
High-level bilateral visits are a core component of International Relations. Exam questions typically focus on the key outcomes, such as the signing of the JCEC minutes, which provide a concrete roadmap for future cooperation and are more significant than general discussions.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Italy's Tajani in India: Business Forum + JCEC signed.
Question: During the visit of Italy's Deputy PM Antonio Tajani to India, what key protocol was signed with Union Minister Piyush Goyal to provide a roadmap for economic collaboration?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
The Agreed Minutes of the JCEC were signed.

Security, Defence & Disaster Management

India to Manufacture HAMMER Precision-Guided Bombs

Defence Manufacturing Aatmanirbhar Bharat India-France DRDO BEL
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains GS-3) Defence Exams
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Weapon System: HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), also known as AASM, is a precision-guided air-to-ground weapon.
  • Origin: Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense (France).
  • Indian Partnership: To be jointly manufactured in India by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran through a 50:50 joint venture.
  • Function: Consists of guidance and range-extension kits that convert conventional bombs into high-accuracy "smart" weapons.
  • Platform Integration: Already used on India's Rafale jets and planned for integration with the Tejas aircraft.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This development is significant for three key areas: defence technology (precision-guided munitions), indigenization of defence production ('Make in India'), and strategic partnerships (India-France). It demonstrates a shift from simple procurement to co-development and manufacturing.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
HAMMER = France + BEL make bombs smart for Rafale & Tejas.
Question: India has signed a pact with France's Safran to jointly manufacture the HAMMER precision-guided weapon. Which Indian Defence PSU is the partner in this 50:50 joint venture?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the partner.

History & Culture (Current-linked)

Commemorative Postage Stamp for Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II

Ancient History Tamil Nadu History Commemorative Stamps Art & Culture
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC (History)
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Release: The stamp was released by Vice President C.P Radhakrishnan.
  • Dynasty: He was a prominent ruler of the Mutharaiyar dynasty.
  • Reign: The dynasty ruled central Tamil Nadu from the 7th to 9th centuries CE.
  • Territory: He ruled from Thanjavur and surrounding regions.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
Current events often bring historical figures and dynasties back into focus for exams. The release of a commemorative stamp makes the Mutharaiyar dynasty, their time period, and their region of influence a probable topic for the Prelims history and culture section.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Mutharaiyar of Thanjavur - Remembered with a Stamp.
Question: A commemorative postage stamp was recently released to honor Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II. He was a prominent ruler of which dynasty that controlled the Thanjavur region in the 7th-9th centuries CE?
✅ Correct Answer: d)
He belonged to the Mutharaiyar Dynasty.

Reports, Indices & Rankings

[Image of artificial intelligence brain concept]

India Ranks Third in Stanford’s ‘AI Vibrancy’ Index 2025

AI Global Rankings Technology Index Stanford University
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims, Mains GS-3) S&T section in other exams
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Publishing Body: The index is part of the 'Global AI Vibrancy Tool' released by Stanford University.
  • India's Rank: India has been ranked Third globally.
  • Top Performers: The United States ranked first, followed by China in second place.
  • Assessment Pillars: The index assesses countries on seven pillars, including Research & Development, Economy, Talent, and Policy & Governance.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
India's rank in major global indices, particularly in critical technology sectors like AI, is a very important topic for Prelims. This data point, along with indigenous developments like the DHRUV64 chip, can be quoted in Mains answers to substantiate arguments about India's growing technological capabilities and global competitiveness.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
AI Vibrancy: USA-China-India (Top 3).
Question: According to the 2025 'Global AI Vibrancy Tool' released by Stanford University, what is India's global rank in terms of AI preparedness and vibrancy?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
India is ranked Third.

Government Schemes & Policies

Nationwide 'Chaupal' Program Launched for Handicraft Artisans

Handicrafts MSME Ministry of Textiles Skill Development
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) State PSC SSC
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Implementing Body: Launched by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), under the Ministry of Textiles.
  • Objective: To empower handicraft artisans, strengthen the handicrafts ecosystem, and promote entrepreneurship.
  • Format: Chaupals will be permanent, district-level engagement hubs.
  • Coverage: To be established across 100 identified handicraft aspirational districts.
  • Policy Alignment: The initiative aligns with the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP).
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
Government schemes focusing on artisans, MSMEs, and traditional crafts are staple topics for questions on inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and rural development. Understanding the objective and format of such programs is key for both Prelims and Mains.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
Chaupal for Crafts = Hubs for Handicraft artisans.
Question: The nationwide 'Chaupal' program to empower handicraft artisans was launched by which entity?
✅ Correct Answer: d)
Launched by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.

Appointments, Awards & Important Days

Vijay Diwas 2025 – December 16

Important Days Defence Modern Indian History India-Bangladesh Relations
Useful for: UPSC (Prelims) SSC RRB Defence Exams
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Date Observed: Annually on December 16.
  • Commemoration: Marks the victory of Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
  • Historical Significance: Led to the surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka and the creation of Bangladesh.
  • 2025 Observance: Marks the 54th Vijay Diwas.
  • War Duration: The conflict lasted for 13 days (December 3 to December 16, 1971).
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
Vijay Diwas is significant beyond just being an 'Important Day'. It's deeply linked to Modern Indian History (1971 War), military strategy, and the geopolitical evolution of South Asia, making it a multi-dimensional topic for competitive exams.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
16 Dec '71 Victory = Birth of Bangladesh.
Question: Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16th, marks the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 war, which directly led to which major geopolitical event?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
It led to the creation of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh.

State Current Affairs

Maharashtra Launches ‘MahaCrimeOS AI’ for Cybercrime Investigation

State Governance Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security E-Governance
Useful for: State PSC (Maharashtra) UPSC (Mains GS-3)
🔹 KEY POINTS
  • Platform: An Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform to strengthen cybercrime investigations.
  • Pioneering State: Maharashtra is the first Indian state to launch such a platform.
  • Technology Used: Built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Microsoft Foundry.
  • Developers: A collaboration between Maharashtra Govt's SPV MARVEL, Microsoft India, and cybersecurity startup CyberEye.
  • Pilot Phase: Piloted in 23 police stations in Nagpur.
🔹 WHY USEFUL FOR EXAMS
This initiative is a prime case study for Mains answers on the use of AI in governance, internal security, and modernizing law enforcement. It exemplifies state-level innovation in leveraging technology to tackle complex challenges like cybercrime.
🔹 HOW TO REMEMBER
MahaCrimeOS = Maharashtra's AI for Cyber Cops.
Question: The MahaCrimeOS AI platform was developed through a collaboration between the Maharashtra Government, Microsoft India, and which other entity?
✅ Correct Answer: c)
It was developed in collaboration with cybersecurity startup CyberEye.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.