Current Affairs MCQs : 20 December 2025
Q. A special discussion during the Winter Session of Parliament 2025 marked the 150th anniversary of which song?
A. Jana Gana Mana
B. Sare Jahan Se Achha
C. Vande Mataram
D. Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon
Winter Session of Parliament 2025 Concludes with Passage of Landmark Bills
Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die on 19 December 2025, marking the conclusion of the 19-day Winter Session, which began on 1 December 2025.
In his valedictory address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the Lower House held 15 sittings and recorded 111% productivity, thanking members for their cooperation. Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan noted that the Upper House functioned for about 92 hours with 121% productivity, highlighting high-quality debates on issues of democratic and historical importance. Special discussions were held on the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram and electoral reforms, with wide participation by members.
Key legislations passed included the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Bill 2025, the SHANTI Bill, and major insurance and health-related bills. The session also witnessed the first-ever dedicated discussion on electoral reforms in Parliament.
Current Affairs MCQs : 19 December 2025
Q. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Oman (First Class) by which leader in December 2025?
A. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
B. Sultan Qaboos bin Said
C. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik
D. King Salman bin Abdulaziz
Q. Which digital platform was launched by PM Narendra Modi during the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (2025)?
A. Ayushman Bharat Portal
B. eSanjeevani
C. My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP)
D. National Digital Health Mission
Q. The SHANTI Bill, passed by Parliament in December 2025, is related to reforms in which sector?
A. Coal energy
B. Renewable energy
C. Oil and gas
D. Nuclear energy
SHANTI Bill 2025: Major Reform in India’s Civil Nuclear Energy Sector
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (SHANTI Bill) represents a major reform in India’s civil nuclear sector, positioning nuclear power as a key component of the country’s clean energy transition. Passed by both Houses of Parliament in December 2025, the bill replaces outdated laws such as the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
Despite India’s nuclear power capacity doubling since 2014, it still forms a small share of the overall energy mix. The SHANTI Bill aims to scale up nuclear energy to meet climate commitments and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
A landmark feature of the bill is the opening of the nuclear sector to private participation, allowing private companies and joint ventures to construct, own, operate, and decommission nuclear power plants. It grants statutory authority to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to strengthen safety oversight and licensing.
The bill also consolidates safety, liability, and compensation provisions into a single legal framework, reforms liability rules to attract investment while ensuring public safety, and encourages research and innovation by easing licensing for certain R&D activities.
Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine 2025 Held in New Delhi
The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine was held in New Delhi from 17 to 19 December 2025, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and India’s Ministry of Ayush. The summit focused on the evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into global health systems under the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.”
Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the event was supported by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Jamnagar. Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need to mainstream traditional medicine through research, standardisation, and global collaboration. He launched the My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP), the Ayush Mark for quality assurance, and released WHO’s technical report on Yoga training.
PM Narendra Modi Conferred Order of Oman (First Class)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Oman (First Class) on 18 December 2025 by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his leadership and efforts to strengthen India–Oman relations.
The conferment coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Oman and took place during PM Modi’s official visit to Muscat, highlighting the depth of their strategic partnership.
Instituted in 1970 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Order of Oman is one of the Sultanate’s highest civilian honours, awarded to select global leaders for outstanding contributions to public life and bilateral relations.
Current Affairs MCQs : 18 December 2025
Q. The specially designed wildlife-safe stretch of NH-45, launched in December 2025, passes through which Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh?
A. Kanha Tiger Reserve
B. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
C. Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
D. Pench Tiger Reserve
Q. Which of the following attack helicopters has been inducted into the Indian Army’s 451 Army Aviation Squadron, completing its fleet in December 2025?
A. Mi-35 Hind
B. LCH Prachand
C. AH-1Z Viper
D. AH-64E Apache
Indian Army Completes Induction of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
The Indian Army received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing on December 16–17, 2025, completing its contracted fleet of six helicopters. The deal, signed with the United States in February 2020 for about $600 million, marks a major milestone for the Army Aviation Corps.
The helicopters arrived at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, and will be inducted into the 451 Army Aviation Squadron at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, after assembly and technical checks. This is the first time the Indian Army has its own Apache fleet (the IAF already operates Apaches).
The AH-64E Apache is equipped with advanced sensors, night-fighting capability, Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30mm chain gun, making it ideal for precision strikes, reconnaissance, desert warfare, and border operations. The induction significantly enhances India’s strike capability and combat readiness, especially along the western frontiers, and reflects the strengthening India–US defence partnership.
India Launches First Wildlife-Safe Highway on NH-45
India launched its first wildlife-safe highway on National Highway-45 (Bhopal–Jabalpur stretch) in Madhya Pradesh in December 2025, marking a major step toward eco-sensitive infrastructure development. The highway passes through the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and near the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, making wildlife protection a critical concern. A 2 km ghat section of the 11.9 km stretch has been specially redesigned to reduce animal–vehicle collisions.
Key safety features include 5 mm thick thermoplastic red road markings that visually and physically slow vehicles, 25 animal underpasses supported by fencing to guide wildlife toward safe crossings, and speed detection and monitoring systems to enforce limits. The project balances road expansion with conservation needs through an eco-friendly design.
The initiative gained urgency after recent wildlife fatalities on highways, including a cheetah cub death near Kuno National Park. By adopting global best practices, this project sets a first-of-its-kind model in India for highways passing through forest corridors.
Overall, the NH-45 wildlife-safe highway demonstrates how infrastructure growth and biodiversity conservation can coexist, offering a scalable model for future projects across India.
VB-G RAM G Bill 2025: New Law to Replace MGNREGA
The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Bill) was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 16 December 2025. It proposes to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), marking the biggest reform in India’s rural employment framework in over two decades.
About MGNREGA
MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. It has been one of India’s largest social security schemes, providing livelihood support, reducing rural distress, and creating basic rural assets.
What the New Bill Proposes
- Guaranteed Employment: Increases assured work from 100 days (MGNREGA) to 125 days annually.
- Infrastructure Focus: Shifts from temporary works to durable rural infrastructure like roads and irrigation.
- Digital & Transparent System: Real-time wage payments, digital tracking, and stricter audits.
- Skill Development: Training for rural workers to meet modern economic needs.
- Funding Change: Revises the Centre–State funding ratio, raising concerns among states.
Current Affairs MCQs : 17 December 2025
Q. Which is the highest civilian award of Ethiopia conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2025?
A. Order of Solomon
B. Star of Ethiopia
C. The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia
D. Lion of Addis Ababa
Q. Which Indian film has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category?
A. Laapataa Ladies
B. The Lunchbox
C. Homebound
D. Court
Q. The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Bill) seeks to replace which scheme?
A. PM Garib Kalyan Yojana
B. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
C. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
D. PM Awas Yojana
Indian Film Homebound Shortlisted for Oscars 2026
The Indian film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, has been shortlisted for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) in the Best International Feature Film category.
Homebound is among 15 films that have become eligible for final nominations in this category, which highlights outstanding cinema from around the world. Being shortlisted marks a significant achievement for Indian cinema on the global stage.
The final nominations in the shortlisted categories will be announced on 22 January 2026, while the 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 15 March 2026.
PM Narendra Modi Conferred Ethiopia’s Highest Civilian Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia during his visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025. He became the first global Head of State or Government to receive this prestigious honour, marking a historic moment in India–Ethiopia relations.
The award was bestowed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at a special ceremony, recognising PM Modi’s visionary leadership and his role in strengthening Ethiopia’s global partnerships, particularly with India. It reflects Ethiopia’s appreciation of India’s growing influence in Africa and its long-standing cooperation with the country.
Who is Who GK : List with PDF
Who is Who GK 2026– updated for Competitive Exams. Who, What, Where List of Heads of Important Offices in India and World, latest General Knowledge with PDF for free download.
Constitutional Head
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Smt. Droupadi Murmu (15th) |
| Vice President | CP Radhakrishnan |
| Prime Minister | Shri Narendra Modi (15th) |
Judicial Head
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice, Supreme Court | Justice Suryakant |
| Attomey General of India | R. Vankataramani (16th) |
| Solicitor General of India | Tushar Mehta |
| Chairperson, National Green Tribunal | Justice Prakash Shrivastava |
Parliamentary Head
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Speaker, Rajya Sabha | CP Radhakrishnan- (Vice President of India ) |
| Deputy Speaker, Rajya Sabha | Harivansh Narayan Singh |
| Secretary General, Rajya Sabha | Pramod Chandra Mody |
| Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha | Mallikarjun Kharge |
| Leader of ruling party, Rajya Sabha | J.P Nadda |
| Speaker, Lok Sabha (18th) | Om Birla (18th) |
| Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha | Rahul Gandhi |
| Secretary General, Lok Sabha | Utpal Kumar Singh |
Election Commission
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief Election Commissioner | Gyanesh Kumar (26th) |
| Election Commissioners | Vivek Joshi, Sukhbir Sandhu |
Comptroller and Auditor General
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) | K. Sanjay Murthy |
| Comptroller General of Accounts (CGA) | Ms TCA Kalyani |
Armed Forces Head
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces | President Smt. Droupadi Murmu |
| Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) | Lt. General Anil Chauhan (2nd) |
| Chief of Air Staff | Amar Preet Singh (28th) |
| Chief of Naval Staff | Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (26th) |
| Chief of Army Staff | Upendra Dwivedi (30th) |
| DG, Military Operations (DGMO) | Rajiv Ghai |
Secretaries and Advisors
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Secretary | T.V Somnathan |
| Adviser, Prime Minister | Traun kapoor, Amit Khare |
| Principal Secretary, Prime Minister | Pramod Kumar Mishra, Shaktikanta Das |
| Defence Finance Secretary | Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh |
| Foreign Secretary | Vikram Misri (35th) |
| Home Secretary | Givind Mohan |
| Finance Secretary | Ajay Seth |
| Defence Secretary | Rajesh Kumar Singh |
| Revenue Secretary | Shri Arvind Shrivastava |
| National Security Adviser (NSA) | Ajit Doval |
| Chief Economic Advisor | Anantha Nageswaram |
| Principal Scientific Adviser | Ajay kumar Sood |
Intelligence and Investigation Organizations Head
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Central Vigilance Commissioner, CVC | Praveen kumar Srivastava |
| Director, CBI | Praveen Sood |
| Chief Information Commissioner | Raj Kumar Goyal |
| Head, Intelligence Bureau (IB) | Tapan kumar Deka |
| Head, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) | Parag Jain |
| DG, National Investigation Agency (NIA) | Rakesh Agarwal |
| Director, Enforcement Directorate (ED) | Rahul Navin |
| DG, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) | Anurag Garg |
Paramilitary Forces Head
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| DG, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | Shri Sanjay Singhal, IPS |
| DG, Border Security Force (BSF) | Parveen Kumar |
| DG, CRPF | Shri G P Singh |
| DG, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | Praveer Ranjan |
| DG, National Security Guard (NSG) | B. Srinivasan |
| Director, Special Protection Group (SPG) | Alok Sharma |
| Additional Director General, ITBP | Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor |
| DG, National Cadet Crops (NCC) | Lt Gen Virendra Vats |
| Director General, Indian Coast Gurad (ICG) | S. Paramesh |
| DG, National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) | Piyush Anand |
| DG, Assam Rifles | Vikas Lakhera |
| DG, Railway Protection Force (RPF) | Ms. Sonali Mishra |
Chairman and Secretary of Commissions
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman, NITI Ayog | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Deputy Chairman, NITI Ayog | Suman Kumar Bery |
| CEO, NITI Ayog | B. V. R. Subrahmanyam |
| Chairperson, UPSC | Ajay Kumar |
| Chairman, 22nd Law Commission | Rituraj Awasthi |
| Chairperson, National Commission for women | Vijaya Rahatkar |
| Chairman, National Backward Classes Commission | Hansraj Gangaram Ahir |
| Chairman, Staff Selection Commission | S. Gopalakrishnan |
| Chairman, 7th Pay Commission | Ashok Kumar Mathur |
| Chairperson, Lokpal | Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar |
| Chairman, 16th Finance Commission | Arvind Panagariya |
| Chairman, Competition Commission of India | Ravneet Kaur |
| Chairman, National Commission for ST | Antar Singh Arya |
| Chairman, National Commission for SC | Kishor Makwana |
| Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) | V. Ramasubramanian (9th) |
| Chairman, National Commission for Minorities | Iqbal Singh Lalpura |
Indian Boards/ Committees/Authorities and Chairman
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board | Satish Kumar |
| Chairman, SEBI | Tuhin Kanata Pandey |
| CEO, Central Board of Films Certification | Ravindra Bhakar |
| Chairman, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security | Rajesh Nirwan |
| Chairman, CBDT | Ravi Agarwal |
| Chairman, Central Board of Indirect taxes and Customs (CBIC) | Vivek Chaturvedi |
| Chairman, National Dairy Development Board | Meenesh Shah |
| DG, Border Roads Organisation | Raghu Srinivasan |
| Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board | Anil Kumar Jain |
| Chairman, TRAI | Anil Kumar Lahoti |
| CEO, UIDAI | Bhuvnesh Kumar |
| Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India | MK Narayan |
| Chairman, Public Accounts Committee | K.C. Venugopal |
| Chairman, Estimates Committee | Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal |
| Chairman, National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) | Santosh Kumar Yadav |
Head of Educational and Academic Institutions
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman, UGC | Vineet Joshi |
| VC, University of Delhi | Yogesh Singh |
| Vice Chancellor, JNU | Shantisree Dulipudi Pandit |
| Vice Chancellor, BHU | Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi |
| Chancellor, Nalanda University | Arvind Pangariya |
| Chancellor, Gatishakti University | Ashwini Vaishnav |
| Director, NCERT | Dinesh Prasad Saklani |
| Chairman, CBSE | Rahul Singh |
| President, Sahitya Akademi | Madhav Kaushik |
| President, Sangeet Natak Akademi | Dr. Sandhya Purecha |
| President, Lalit Kala Akademi | Prof. V. Nagdas |
Head of Scientific Research Organizations
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman, ISRO | Dr. V. Narayanan |
| Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) | A.K Mohanty |
| Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) | Vivek Bhasin |
| Chairman, Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) | Samir V. Kamat |
| Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | Nallathamby Kalasielvi |
| Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Center | Shri Rajarajan A |
Head of the Sports Organizations
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman, ICC | Jay Shah (India) |
| President, Olympic Council of Asia (IOC) | Kirsty Coventry – Zimbabwe |
| President, International Athletic Federation | Sebastian Coe (UK) |
| President, Indian Weightlifting Federation | Sahdev Yadav |
| President, International Hockey Federation (FIH) | Mohammad Tayyab Ikram |
| President, FIFA | Gianni Infantino (Italy-Switzerland) |
| President, BCCI | Mithun Manhas |
| Test Captain, Board of Control for Cricket in India | Shubman Gill |
| Head Coach, Indian Cricket Men Team | Gautam Gambhir |
| Director General, Sports Authority of India | Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya |
| President, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) | Sanjay Singh |
| Chief, All India Football Confederation (AIFF) | Kalyan Chaubey |
| President, Hockey India | Dilip Tirkey |
| President, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) | PT Usha |
Officials of Banks
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) | Sanjay Malhotra (26th) |
| Deputy Governor, RBI | Poonam Gupta, Swaminathan Janakiraman, T Rabi Shankar, M. Rajeshwar Rao |
| State Bank of India (Chairman) | Challa Srinivasulu Setty |
| Punjab National Bank Chairman | Ashok Chandra |
| ICICI Bank (MD) | Sandeep Bakshi |
| HDFC Bank (MD & CEO) | Shashidhar Jagdisha |
Head of International Organizations
| Secretary-General, United Nations | Antonio Guterres (Portugal) |
| 14th President, World Bank (IBRD) | Ajay Banga |
| Director General, UNESCO | Audre Azoulay (France) |
World’s leading companies (CEOs)
| Post | Name |
|---|---|
| Google CEO | Sunder Pichai |
| Apple | Tim Cook |
| Microsoft (CEO) | Satya Nadella |
| Tata Sons/Trust CEO | Natarajan Chandrasekaran/Siddharth Sharma |
| TCS | K. Krittivasan |
| Infosys | Salil Parekh |
| Open AI CEO | Sam Altman |
| SpaceX | Elon Musk |
| YouTube CEO | Neil Mohan |
| Instagram CEO | Kevin Systrom |
| Facebook CEO | Mark Zuckerberg |
| Linda Yaccarino | |
| Flipkart | Kalyan Krishnamurthy |
Download: Who is Who GK PDF
Current Affairs MCQs : 16 December 2025
Q. Vijay Diwas (16 December) commemorates India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the creation of which country?
A. Nepal
B. Sri Lanka
C. Bangladesh
D. Myanmar
Q. India won its maiden Squash World Cup title in December 2025 after defeating which team 3–0 in the final?
A. England
B. Egypt
C. Australia
D. Hong Kong
Q. Who was appointed as India’s new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) on 15 December 2025?
A. Jitendra Singh
B. Amit Shah
C. Raj Kumar Goyal
D. C.P. Radhakrishnan
Raj Kumar Goyal Appointed as Chief Information Commissioner of India
Raj Kumar Goyal, a retired 1990-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, was sworn in as India’s new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) on 15 December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of senior dignitaries.
Before his appointment, Goyal served as Secretary, Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice and earlier as Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs. With over three decades of experience in public administration, he brings extensive expertise in governance, justice, and internal security.
His name was recommended by a high-level selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as members.
Goyal’s appointment is significant as it restores the Central Information Commission to full operational strength after nine years. His leadership is expected to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005, enhancing transparency and accountability in Indian governance.
India Wins Maiden Squash World Cup 2025 – Creates Sporting History
India created history by winning its maiden Squash World Cup title in December 2025, defeating top-seeded Hong Kong 3–0 in the final held at Chennai. With this victory, India became the first Asian nation to lift the prestigious mixed-team Squash World Cup trophy.
The final, played on 14 December 2025 at the Express Avenue Mall, saw a dominant all-round performance by the Indian team. Joshna Chinappa’s experience, Abhay Singh’s composure, Anahat Singh’s fearless play, and Velavan Senthilkumar’s consistency were key to India’s unbeaten run in the tournament. Entering as the second seed, India did not drop a single tie throughout the competition, upgrading its bronze medal from 2023 to gold.
The victory is a major milestone for Indian sports and significantly boosts the country’s profile in squash ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Vijay Diwas : India’s Historic Victory in the 1971 War
Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 16 December to mark India’s historic victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The war began on 3 December 1971 and lasted only 13 days, making it one of the shortest and most decisive wars in history.
The conflict arose from a severe humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, where atrocities forced millions of refugees to flee into India. Responding to this crisis, India intervened. On 16 December 1971, Pakistan’s Eastern Command, led by General A.A.K. Niazi, surrendered unconditionally along with 93,000 troops to the Indian Armed Forces and the Mukti Bahini—one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.
The victory resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and significantly altered South Asian geopolitics. Vijay Diwas symbolizes India’s military strength, strategic leadership, and humanitarian commitment.
Current Affairs MCQs : 15 December 2025
Q: Harimau Shakti 2025, a joint military exercise between India and Malaysia, was conducted at which location in India?
A. Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
B. Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
C. Babina Field Firing Range, Uttar Pradesh
D. Deolali Training Area, Maharashtra
Q : Lionel Messi’s “GOAT India Tour 2025” in December 2025 was conducted across which of the following cities?
A. Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi
B. Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi
C. Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi
D. Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur
Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour 2025: A Historic Moment for Indian Football
Lionel Messi’s “GOAT India Tour 2025” was a landmark event for Indian football, held from 13 to 15 December 2025 across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi. The three-day visit generated massive fan enthusiasm and placed India firmly on the global football map. Messi was accompanied by fellow football stars Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, adding to the excitement and international attention.
The tour began in Kolkata, widely regarded as India’s football capital, where thousands of fans gathered to welcome Messi, reflecting the city’s deep football culture. In Hyderabad, the focus shifted to grassroots football, with fan interactions and youth-oriented activities highlighting the sport’s growing popularity among young Indians. Mumbai witnessed one of the most memorable moments of the tour when Messi met Sachin Tendulkar and exchanged jerseys with Sunil Chhetri, symbolizing unity between cricket and football—India’s two major sporting passions. The overwhelming crowd response in Mumbai underlined Messi’s unmatched global appeal.
The tour concluded in New Delhi, where Messi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giving the visit a strong diplomatic and cultural dimension. Overall, the GOAT India Tour 2025 was more than a fan event; it promoted football, inspired young athletes, strengthened cultural exchange, and showcased India as an emerging hub for global sports engagement.
Harimau Shakti 2025: India–Malaysia Joint Military Exercise
Harimau Shakti 2025 is the 5th India–Malaysia joint military exercise, held from 5–18 December 2025 at Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. It involved the Dogra Regiment (India) and the 25th Battalion, Royal Malaysian Army.
The exercise focused on counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and UN peacekeeping operations, aiming to enhance interoperability, operational readiness, and bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
Current Affairs MCQs : 13 December 2025
Q: The CoalSETU policy approved by Govt in December 2025 aims to:
A) Fix coal prices for regulated sectors
B) Provide free coal to power plants
C) Ensure seamless, efficient and transparent auction of coal linkages
D) Ban export of coal from India
Q : What is a key feature that makes Census 2027 unique compared to previous Censuses in India?
A) It will cover only urban population
B) It will be the first Census conducted after Independence
C) It will be India’s first fully digital Census using mobile applications
D) It will be conducted in a single phase
Govt Approves ₹11,718 Crore Budget for India’s First Digital Census 2027
On 12 December 2025, the Union Cabinet approved a budget of ₹11,718 crore for conducting Census 2027.
Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases—Phase I (Houselisting and Housing Census) and Phase II (Population Enumeration). It will be India’s 16th Census overall and the 8th Census since Independence. India’s Census is regarded as the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world.
A major highlight is that Caste Enumeration will be included in Census 2027. It will also be India’s first-ever digital Census, with data collection carried out through mobile applications available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Around 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed for the exercise. Census 2027 will cover the entire population of the country, involving door-to-door visits to every household using separate questionnaires for housing and population data.
Government Approves CoalSETU Policy for Transparent Coal Linkage Auctions
On 12 December 2025, the Government of India approved the CoalSETU policy to ensure seamless, efficient, and transparent utilisation of coal resources. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under this policy, a new auction window called ‘CoalSETU’ has been introduced within the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Coal Linkage Auction Policy, 2016. The policy enables long-term auction of coal linkages for any industrial use and exports, ensuring fair access to coal.
Any domestic buyer can participate in the auction irrespective of end use. Coal linkages obtained under CoalSETU can be used for own consumption, exports, or other purposes such as coal washing, but resale within the country is not permitted.
Additionally, linkage holders are allowed to export up to 50% of the allocated coal and can flexibly utilise coal among group companies, improving operational efficiency and optimal resource utilisation.
Current Affairs MCQs : 12 December 2025
Q. What was the primary focus of the phone conversation between PM Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump on 11 December 2025?
A. Finalising a defence pact
B. Strengthening bilateral trade and strategic cooperation
C. Launching a joint space mission
D. Discussing UN Security Council reforms
Q. Supriya Sahu received the UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 award for which major contribution?
A. Developing India’s first carbon trading market
B. Advancing sustainable cooling, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience initiatives in Tamil Nadu
C. Leading India’s national climate finance programme
D. Launching a global biodiversity monitoring network
Supriya Sahu Wins UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 Award
Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu, has been awarded the UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 in the Inspiration and Action category. This is the United Nations’ highest environmental honour.
⭐ Why She Received the Award
- Recognised for sustainable cooling initiatives, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience projects in Tamil Nadu.
- Demonstrated how integrated governance and nature-based solutions can protect vulnerable communities.
- Promoted climate action that created around 2.5 million green jobs.
- Strengthened campaigns against single-use plastics and improved wildlife conservation efforts.
- Advocated a model combining low-tech + high-tech solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
🏛️ Global Stage
- Award announced during the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi.
- Highlights Tamil Nadu as a global leader in climate mitigation, adaptation, and heat-resilience planning.
Modi–Trump Phone Call: India–U.S. Trade Progress and Strategic Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation on 11 December 2025 to review bilateral ties and ongoing trade negotiations. The discussion focused on strengthening the India–U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, with emphasis on trade, defence, energy, and emerging technologies.
Both leaders assessed progress in resolving tariff disputes and improving market access as negotiations between Indian and U.S. trade officials continue. They also discussed Indo-Pacific security, highlighting the need for maritime cooperation and regional stability.
The call came soon after the India–Russia summit, reflecting India’s balanced and multi-alignment foreign policy.
Current Affairs MCQs : 11 December 2025
Q. Which Indian festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session held at the Red Fort, New Delhi in December 2025?
A. Holi
B. Garba
C. Deepavali (Diwali)
D. Durga Puja
Q. Which team won the 2025 FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup held in Chennai in December 2025?
A. Spain
B. Germany
C. India
D. Argentina
Germany Wins 2025 FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup; India Secures Bronze
Germany won the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 in Chennai on 10 December 2025, defeating Spain 3–2 in a shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, securing their eighth title. Justus Warweg scored for Germany, while Nicolas Mustaros equalised for Spain before the match went to penalties.
India claimed their first-ever bronze medal in the Junior World Cup with a brilliant 4–2 comeback win against Argentina, scoring four goals in eleven minutes through Ankit Pal, Manmeet Singh, Shardanand Tiwari, and Anmol Ekka.
Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List as India’s 16th Element
Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee session held at the Red Fort, New Delhi (8–13 December 2025). This makes Deepavali the 16th Indian element on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list. The announcement was celebrated in Nepal with bhajan gatherings and lamp-lighting at the Pashupati Temple, where community members expressed pride in the global recognition of their tradition.
UNESCO delegates from 194 member states adopted the inscription, acknowledging Deepavali as a living tradition symbolising light over darkness and good over evil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the recognition, noting that Deepavali reflects the soul of India’s civilisation.
The festival’s practices—lighting oil lamps, fireworks, community gatherings, and home-cleaning rituals—promote social bonding, cultural continuity, and hygiene. The inscription honours the millions who celebrate the festival, the artisans who preserve its traditions, and the enduring cultural values it represents.
India’s list of intangible heritage elements already includes Garba, Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, and several other iconic cultural traditions.