Q. According to the IMF and ACI Worldwide reports, why is India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) considered the world’s leading real-time payment system?
A. It is used only for government transactions
B. It has the highest number of registered banks
C. It accounts for around 49% of global real-time payment transactions
D. It operates only in metropolitan cities
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has been recognized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the world’s largest retail fast-payment (real-time) system by transaction volume, according to the IMF report “Growing Retail Digital Payments (The Value of Interoperability)” released in June 2025. Additionally, as per the ACI Worldwide report “Prime Time for Real-Time” 2024, UPI accounts for around 49% of global real-time payment transactions, underscoring India’s leadership in digital payments.
In terms of global comparison, India recorded 129.3 billion transactions, far ahead of other countries such as Brazil (14%), Thailand (8%), China (6%), and South Korea (3%), out of a total 266.2 billion global real-time transactions.
To accelerate adoption, especially among small and micro merchants, the Government of India, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) have implemented targeted initiatives. These include incentives for low-value BHIM-UPI transactions and the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), which supports deployment of POS terminals and QR codes in tier-3 to tier-6 areas. As of 31 October 2025, about 5.45 crore digital touchpoints were deployed through PIDF, and 56.86 crore QR codes were issued to nearly 6.5 crore merchants by FY 2024–25.
UPI and RuPay are also being expanded across public services, transport, and e-commerce, further deepening digital transactions nationwide. This information was shared by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 8 Dec 2025.
Q. Who won the men’s title at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship?
a) Arjun Erigaisi
b) Hans Moke Niemann
c) Magnus Carlsen
d) Vladislav Artemiev
Q. What is the name of the Long Range Guided Rocket tested by DRDO at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in December 2025?
a) Agni-Prime
b) Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket
c) Pralay Missile
d) BrahMos-II
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, on 29 December 2025. The rocket was tested to its maximum range of 120 km, performing all planned in-flight manoeuvres and striking the target with high accuracy.
The rocket system was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), and supported by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI). It was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating its versatility and compatibility to fire different range variants from the same platform.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO on the successful test, calling it a major technological boost for the Armed Forces and a potential game-changer in India’s defence capabilities.
At the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Women’s World Rapid Chess Championships held in Doha, Qatar, on 28 December 2025, India secured two bronze medals. Arjun Erigaisi won bronze in the men’s section, finishing third with 9.5 points, while Koneru Humpy secured bronze in the women’s section, adding to her previous rapid chess gold titles from 2019 and 2024.
Magnus Carlsen won the men’s title with 10.5 points, claiming his sixth World Rapid Chess Championship, and Alexandra Goryachkina won the women’s title.
Q. President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic submarine sortie in December 2025 onboard which submarine?
A. INS Arihant
B. INS Kalvari
C. INS Vaghsheer
D. INS Chakra
On 28 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, undertook a rare dived operational sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer, an indigenous Kalvari-class submarine, on the Western Seaboard. She embarked the submarine from Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka, accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and spent over two hours at sea interacting with the crew and observing live operational demonstrations.
President Murmu became only the second President of India to undertake a submarine sortie, after Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Describing the experience as special and memorable, she praised the successful firings, demanding operations, and the crew’s exceptional preparedness and dedication, reflecting the submarine’s motto “Veerta Varchasva Vijaya.”
She expressed confidence that the Indian Navy’s submarine arm is fully combat-ready to meet any threat. The sortie follows her earlier operational engagement with the Navy in November 2024 aboard INS Vikrant, highlighting her continued engagement with the Armed Forces.
Q. Which country became the first in the world to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025?
A. Egypt
B. United States
C. Israel
D. United Kingdom
Q. Who received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 26 December 2025 for achievements in cricket?
A. Shubman Gill
B. Sarfaraz Khan
C. Vaibhav Suryavanshi
D. Yashasvi Jaiswal
On 26 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 14-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his exceptional achievements in domestic and U-19 cricket. The ceremony recognised outstanding children across fields such as sports, bravery, social service, environment, art & culture, and science & technology.
Vaibhav has quickly risen as one of India’s most exciting young talents, breaking multiple records. He became the youngest centurion in List A cricket, smashing 190 off 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and surpassing AB de Villiers’ record for fastest 150. He also became the youngest batter to score a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and holds the highest U-19 Asia Cup score by an Indian (171).
Internationally, he scored a century against Australia U-19 and hit 144 off 42 balls for India A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, with a 32-ball hundred making him the youngest male cricketer to score a century at senior representative level.
In the IPL, he debuted for Rajasthan Royals at 14 years and 23 days, becoming the youngest player in tournament history. Nine days later, he became the youngest IPL centurion, scoring a stunning 35-ball hundred, the fastest by an Indian in IPL history.
Vaibhav’s achievements have earned him national recognition, marking him as one of India’s brightest future prospects in cricket.
Israel has officially become the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, marking a historic diplomatic shift. The move has drawn sharp reactions from Somalia and the African Union, who warn it could destabilise the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland has operated with its own government, military, and currency since 1991 but lacked international recognition. Israel’s step could encourage other nations to reconsider their stance, though it risks heightening tensions in East Africa.
Q. Veer Baal Diwas, observed every year on 26 December, commemorates the martyrdom of which Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji?
A. Ajit Singh & Jujhar Singh
B. Ajit Singh & Zorawar Singh
C. Zorawar Singh & Fateh Singh
D. Jujhar Singh & Fateh Singh
Veer Baal Diwas is observed every year on 26 December to honour the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, who refused to abandon their faith and chose sacrifice over submission at a very tender age. The day commemorates their unparalleled courage, devotion, and commitment to righteousness.
The younger Sahibzadas—Zorawar Singh (9) and Fateh Singh (7)—were captured by Mughal forces and pressured to renounce Sikhism. They stood firm and were bricked alive at Sirhind Fort, a defining moment of bravery in Sikh history. Veer Baal Diwas serves as a tribute to their sacrifice and inspires the nation with values of truth, resilience, and moral strength.
Observed nationwide, the day includes prayers, educational programmes, exhibitions, and cultural events, keeping their legacy alive among youth. The day also sees discussions around renaming it as Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas, emphasizing martyrdom. Veer Baal Diwas stands as a reminder that even children can become eternal symbols of courage and faith.
Q. Good Governance Day is observed annually on 25 December to mark the birth anniversary of which former Prime Minister of India?
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Lal Bahadur Shastri
(c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(d) Morarji Desai
Q. Who has been nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2025?
(a) Gagan Narang
(b) Hardik Singh
(c) MM Somaya
(d) Treesa Jolly
Two-time Olympic medallist and Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has been nominated for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour. The nominations for the National Sports Awards 2025 were finalised on 24 December 2025 by a selection panel comprising IOA vice-president Gagan Narang, former hockey player MM Somaya, and former badminton player Aparna Popat.
Hardik Singh was an integral member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and followed it up with another Olympic medal at Paris 2024, making him a two-time Olympic medallist.
The panel also recommended 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award, including yogasana athlete Aarti Pal. Other notable nominees include rifle shooter Mehuli Ghosh, gymnast Pranati Nayak, and the women’s badminton pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. The awards are conferred annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and presented by the President of India.
Good Governance Day is observed every year on 25 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India’s most respected statesmen, poets, and visionary leaders. Declared by the Government of India in 2014, the day underscores the principles of accountability, transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance, values that defined Vajpayee’s political and administrative philosophy.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born on 25 December 1924, served as Prime Minister of India three times and played a pivotal role in shaping modern India through inclusive governance, democratic values, and institutional strengthening. His leadership witnessed landmark initiatives such as the Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998), the Golden Quadrilateral highway project, and major economic and telecom reforms, reflecting his commitment to national security and development.
Q. The United States’ AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite was launched in December 2025 through which commercial arm of ISRO?
A. Antrix Corporation
B. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
C. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center
D. Bharat Electronics Limited
Q. National Farmers Day (Kisan Diwas) is celebrated every year on which date in India?
A. 26 January
B. 15 August
C. 23 December
D. 2 October
Q. Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is the highest recognition in India for contributions in which fields?
A. Literature and arts
B. Sports and culture
C. Science, technology and innovation
D. Public administration
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 on 23 December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, recognising exceptional contributions in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. The awards, in their second edition, are India’s highest scientific honour and were presented under four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shree, Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and Vigyan Team.
The Vigyan Ratna Award was conferred posthumously on Padma Vibhushan Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar for his pioneering work in astrophysics and cosmology, including the development of the Hoyle–Narlikar theory. The Vigyan Shree Award was presented to eight distinguished scientists, while fourteen young researchers received the Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. The Vigyan Team Award was conferred on the CSIR Aroma Mission, recognising its impactful science-led innovation.
National Farmers Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is observed annually on 23 December in India to recognise the vital contribution of farmers to the country’s economy, food security, and rural development. The day marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who is remembered for his strong advocacy of farmers’ rights and pro-rural policies.
The observance highlights farmers as the backbone of the nation and reflects on Charan Singh’s legacy, including his opposition to exploitative land policies and efforts toward equitable land reforms, better agricultural pricing, and improved rural credit systems.
India successfully carried out another significant space mission as ISRO, through its commercial arm NewSpace India Limited, launched the United States’ AST SpaceMobile BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite on 24 December 2025 at 8:55 AM from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The satellite was placed into Low Earth Orbit by ISRO’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3, marking its sixth operational flight and reinforcing ISRO’s reliable launch capabilities. The mission was particularly notable as BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communication satellite deployed in Low Earth Orbit and also the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.
Owned by AST SpaceMobile (USA), BlueBird Block-2 is part of a global LEO constellation designed to enable direct-to-mobile connectivity, supporting 4G and 5G calls, messaging, video, and data services worldwide.
India–Bangladesh relations have come under significant strain in late 2025 due to diplomatic, political, and security challenges. In December 2025, Bangladesh suspended consular and visa services in New Delhi, while India closed its visa centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, citing security concerns. These steps mark the sharpest diplomatic downturn in recent years, disrupting people-to-people contact.
Political instability in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in 2024 has contributed to the tensions. The killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi triggered widespread protests, many of which featured anti-India slogans, accusing New Delhi of interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
Economically, bilateral trade stood at USD 13.46 billion in 2024–25, but the trade imbalance in India’s favour has been a recurring concern for Dhaka. Strategically, uncertainty now surrounds connectivity projects linked to India’s Act East policy, including transport and energy initiatives. India is also worried about border security, illegal migration, and militancy along the 864-km largely unfenced border.
Q. Who has been appointed captain of India’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
A. Hardik Pandya
B. Rohit Sharma
C. Suryakumar Yadav
D. Jasprit Bumrah
Q. National Mathematics Day is observed on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of which mathematician?
A. Aryabhata
B. Bhaskara I
C. Srinivasa Ramanujan
D. C.V. Raman
Q. The ex-Agniveer quota in Border Security Force (BSF) constable recruitment was increased by the Ministry of Home Affairs in December 2025 from 10% to:
A. 25%
B. 40%
C. 50%
D. 60%
The Union Home Ministry has increased the quota for ex-Agniveers in constable recruitment of the Border Security Force (BSF) from 10% to 50%, according to a gazette notification dated 21 December 2025.
The notification provides age-limit relaxation for ex-Agniveers:
Additionally, ex-Agniveers will be exempted from the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), easing their recruitment process.
These changes have been made by amending the Border Security Force, General Duty Cadre (Non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2015. As per the revised rules, 50% of vacancies in every recruitment year will be reserved for ex-Agniveers, 10% for ex-servicemen, and up to 3% for Combatised Constable (Tradesmen) through absorption of annual vacancies.
The move aims to provide greater employment opportunities to Agnipath scheme recruits and strengthen manpower in the BSF.
National Mathematics Day is observed every year on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s greatest and most influential mathematicians. The day highlights the importance of mathematics in scientific advancement, innovation, and everyday life.
The observance was instituted by the Government of India in December 2011, officially designating 22 December as National Mathematics Day in recognition of Ramanujan’s extraordinary contributions to number theory, mathematical analysis, and infinite series. To further promote mathematical learning and research, 2012 was celebrated nationwide as the National Mathematics Year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member Indian squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav has been named captain of the Indian team. Shubman Gill has been removed from the vice-captaincy and dropped from the squad due to fitness and form concerns. Axar Patel returns as vice-captain, strengthening the leadership group.
The squad sees the return of Ishan Kishan as a second wicketkeeper-batter. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are set to open the innings, while Rinku Singh makes a comeback, adding depth to the middle order alongside Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel.
In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. The spin department features Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.