Daily Current Affairs December 16
Table of Contents
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December 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2025
Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 16
1. Which Indian cricketer was named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November 2025?
A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Jemimah Rodrigues
C) Shafali Verma
D) Harmanpreet Kaur
E) Deepti Sharma
Answer: C) Shafali Verma
Event and Location:
- Event: Shafali Verma named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November 2025
- Location: Global (Announced by ICC)
- Date: December 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded Indian cricketer Shafali Verma the Women’s Player of the Month title for November 2025, recognising her all-round match-winning performance in the Women’s Cricket World Cup Final.
- Objectives: The award aims to honour outstanding individual performances in international cricket and promote fan engagement through a global voting process involving both the public and an expert panel.
Important Terms Explained:
- ICC Player of the Month: A monthly award given by the International Cricket Council to recognize exceptional performances by male and female cricketers across formats. Winners are chosen via a mix of fan votes and a specialist panel.
- Women’s Cricket World Cup Final 2025: The decisive match of the women’s global cricket tournament in which India defeated South Africa. Shafali Verma’s 87 runs and 2 key wickets were instrumental in India’s title win.
- All-Round Performance: A term in cricket referring to a player contributing significantly with both bat and ball in the same match.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Shafali Verma wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month for November |
| Announcement date | December 2025 |
| Location | Global (ICC Headquarters in Dubai) |
| Issuing authority | International Cricket Council (ICC) |
| Policy/series name | ICC Player of the Month Awards |
| Key figures | Shafali Verma, Suné Luus, Marizanne Kapp |
| Purpose/reason | To recognize Shafali’s all-round performance in the World Cup Final |
| Feature details | Scored 87 off 78 balls and took 2 wickets in the final |
| Validity or status | Awarded for November 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | Enhances recognition of women’s cricket and India’s dominance in the World Cup |
2. Who was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November 2025?
A) Ravichandran Ashwin
B) Simon Harmer
C) Taijul Islam
D) Mohammad Nawaz
E) Keshav Maharaj
Answer: B) Simon Harmer
Event and Location:
- Event: Simon Harmer named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November 2025
- Location: India (Test series venues at Kolkata and Guwahati)
- Date: November 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded Simon Harmer, South Africa’s off-spinner, the Men’s Player of the Month title for November 2025 following his match-winning performances against India in the Test series.
- Objectives: The award aims to recognise exceptional individual performances in international cricket and promote global fan engagement through a transparent voting process involving experts and supporters.
Important Terms Explained:
- ICC Player of the Month: A monthly award instituted by the International Cricket Council to honour outstanding performances by male and female cricketers across international formats, selected through fan voting and an expert panel.
- ICC World Test Championship (WTC): A league competition organised by the ICC for Test-playing nations, where teams earn points across bilateral series to qualify for the WTC Final.
- Player of the Series: An award given to the most impactful player across an entire bilateral series, based on overall performance and match influence.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award |
| Announcement date | December 2025 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | International Cricket Council |
| Policy/series name | ICC Player of the Month |
| Key figures | Simon Harmer |
| Purpose/reason | To honour match-winning performance in Test cricket |
| Feature details | 17 wickets in two Tests against India |
| Validity or status | Awarded for November 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | Strengthened South Africa’s position in ICC World Test Championship standings |
Ranking – Daily Current Affairs December 16
3. Which air defence system ranks first in the Top 10 list globally for its capability to intercept hypersonic weapons and satellites?
A) THAAD
B) Barak-8
C) S-500 Prometheus
D) Iron Dome
E) Patriot PAC-3
Answer: C) S-500 Prometheus
Event and Location:
- Event: Release of Top 10 Air Defence Systems in the World (Ranked List)
- Location: Global military and defence overview
- Date: December 16, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: A ranked analysis of the Top 10 Air Defence Systems in the world was released, highlighting performance parameters such as range, altitude, and primary use cases of each system.
- Objectives: The purpose is to raise awareness on evolving air defence capabilities, evaluate system performance against modern threats (ballistic missiles, UAVs, hypersonic weapons), and enhance competitive exam preparation for defence aspirants.
Important Terms Explained:
- Air Defence System: A military system designed to detect, track, and intercept airborne threats such as aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles through a combination of radars, interceptor missiles, and command systems.
- S-500 Prometheus: Russia’s most advanced long-range air defence system capable of intercepting hypersonic weapons, satellites, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 600 km and altitudes up to 200 km.
- THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense): A US missile defence system that intercepts ballistic missiles during their terminal phase using high-altitude, kinetic-energy interception technology.
- Integrated Air Defence Systems (IADS): A multi-layered combination of surveillance radars, interceptor platforms, and battle management systems to provide coordinated air threat neutralisation.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Release of Top 10 Air Defence Systems in the World |
| Announcement date | December 16, 2025 |
| Location | Global |
| Issuing authority | Defence Analysts / International Defence Publications |
| Policy/series name | Global Air Defence System Rankings |
| Key figures | Systems: S-500, S-400, THAAD, Iron Dome, Barak-8, HQ-9, Aster-30 |
| Purpose/reason | To evaluate strategic and technical superiority of air defence systems |
| Feature details | Ranked list based on range, altitude, intercept capability, and deployment |
| Validity or status | Current as of 2025 with future relevance in military preparedness |
| Strategic/significant value | Supports defence decision-making, global security awareness, and exam readiness |
Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs December 16
4. What is the total value of loans signed by India with ADB in December 2025?
A) $1.5 billion
B) $2.2 billion
C) $3 billion
D) $2.8 billion
E) $1.8 billion
Answer: B) $2.2 billion
Event and Location:
- Event: India and ADB sign $2.2 billion worth of loan agreements for development projects
- Location: India (Pan-national, multi-state scope)
- Date: December 15, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Five loan agreements were signed between the Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) covering projects in skilling, rooftop solar, metro rail, healthcare, and ecotourism.
- Objectives: To support flagship programmes and state-level initiatives aligned with inclusive growth, clean energy, urban infrastructure, quality healthcare, and climate-smart livelihoods.
Important Terms Explained:
- Pradhan Mantri Skilling & Employability Transformation Programme: A national initiative to modernize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), promote advanced skill development, and boost employability among Indian youth.
- Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY): A government scheme promoting rooftop solar installations for free or subsidized electricity to households, targeting 10 million homes by 2027.
- Asian Development Bank (ADB): A multilateral development bank that supports projects for social and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region through loans, grants, and technical assistance.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India-ADB loan signing for development projects |
| Announcement date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | India (National and state-level) |
| Issuing authority | Asian Development Bank & Ministry of Finance, Government of India |
| Policy/series name | Five separate development loan projects |
| Key figures | Masatsugu Asakawa, Economic Affairs officials |
| Purpose/reason | To fund projects in skilling, energy, healthcare, transport, and rural development |
| Feature details | Loans for modernising ITIs, rooftop solar, metro rail, tertiary care, and ecotourism |
| Validity or status | Active as of December 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | Boosts inclusive development, climate resilience, and infrastructure growth |
Acquisitions and Mergers – Daily Current Affairs December 16
5. RBI has approved HDFC Bank to acquire up to what percentage stake in IndusInd Bank?
A) 5%
B) 7.5%
C) 9.5%
D) 10%
E) 6.25%
Answer: C) 9.5%
Event and Location:
- Event: RBI approves HDFC Bank to acquire up to 9.5% stake in IndusInd Bank
- Location: India
- Date: December 15, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed HDFC Bank and its group entities to acquire up to 9.5% of paid-up capital or voting rights in IndusInd Bank.
- Objectives:
- The aim is to enable strategic investment by HDFC Group in the Indian banking sector while maintaining compliance with RBI’s regulatory framework on ownership and promoter holding.
Important Terms Explained:
- HDFC Bank: One of India’s largest private sector banks offering retail and corporate banking services. It is the flagship entity of the HDFC Group.
- IndusInd Bank: A private sector bank in India known for retail and corporate banking services; founded in 1994.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The central bank of India that regulates banking operations, including approvals for significant shareholding in banks by other financial entities.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | HDFC Bank gets RBI nod to invest in IndusInd Bank |
| Announcement date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Reserve Bank of India (RBI) |
| Policy/series name | Banking Regulation Act (Ownership Norms) |
| Key figures | Shaktikanta Das (RBI Governor), Sashidhar Jagdishan (HDFC Bank CEO) |
| Purpose/reason | Strategic equity investment in another private bank |
| Feature details | Approval of up to 9.5% stake, valid for one year, applies to HDFC Bank and group firms |
| Validity or status | Valid till December 14, 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Expands HDFC Group’s footprint in Indian banking sector under regulatory compliance |
Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs December 16
6. What is the title of Shikhar Dhawan’s autobiography unveiled in December 2025?
A) The Journey: Cricket and Beyond
B) The One: Cricket, My Life and More
C) Boundaries of Life
D) Opening Shot: My Cricket Story
E) Off the Pitch
Answer: B) The One: Cricket, My Life and More
Event and Location:
- Event: Unveiling of Shikhar Dhawan’s autobiography
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Date: December 14, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan unveiled his autobiography titled “The One: Cricket, My Life and More”, published by HarperCollins India.
- Objectives: To share a personal and candid narrative of Dhawan’s cricketing journey, personal challenges, emotional setbacks, and triumphs, offering inspiration to readers and fans.
Important Terms Explained:
- Autobiography: A self-written life story. In this case, Shikhar Dhawan’s book shares first-hand experiences about his cricketing highs, personal lows, and life off the field.
- HarperCollins India: A major publishing house known for producing high-impact biographies, sports titles, and literary works across genres.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2013: A prestigious international tournament where Dhawan emerged as the top run-scorer, contributing significantly to India’s title win.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Shikhar Dhawan unveils autobiography |
| Announcement date | December 14, 2025 |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Issuing authority | HarperCollins India |
| Policy/series name | Sports Autobiography |
| Key figures | Shikhar Dhawan |
| Purpose/reason | To narrate Dhawan’s personal and professional cricket journey |
| Feature details | Covers early life, international career, IPL, personal challenges |
| Validity or status | Officially launched |
| Strategic/significant value | Inspires youth through a story of resilience and self-belief |
Appointments – Daily Current Affairs December 16
7. Under which legislation is the Chief Information Commissioner of India appointed?
A) Official Secrets Act 1923
B) Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013
C) RTI Rules 2019
D) Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003
E) Right to Information Act 2005
Answer: E) Right to Information Act 2005
Event and Location:
- Event: Appointment of Raj Kumar Goyal as Chief Information Commissioner of India
- Location: India (Swearing-in at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi)
- Date: December 15, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Raj Kumar Goyal, former Justice Secretary and 1990-batch IAS officer, was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- Objectives: The appointment aims to strengthen the transparency framework and fill the CIC post left vacant since September 2025 to reduce the RTI appeal and complaint backlog.
Important Terms Explained:
- Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005: A transparency law enacted to empower citizens to seek information from public authorities, ensuring accountability in governance. It mandates the establishment of Central and State Information Commissions.
- Chief Information Commissioner (CIC): The head of the Central Information Commission, appointed for a term of three years, responsible for adjudicating appeals and complaints filed under the RTI Act.
- Central Information Commission (CIC): A statutory body constituted under the RTI Act to enforce transparency across public offices. It comprises one CIC and up to 10 Information Commissioners.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Appointment of Chief Information Commissioner |
| Announcement date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | India (Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi) |
| Issuing authority | Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) |
| Policy/series name | Appointment under Right to Information Act, 2005 |
| Key figures | Raj Kumar Goyal, President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, Jitendra Singh |
| Purpose/reason | To fill the vacant post of CIC and ensure smooth functioning of the CIC |
| Feature details | Swearing-in ceremony, appointment notification issued by DoPT |
| Validity or status | Assumed office from December 15, 2025 for a tenure of 3 years |
| Strategic/significant value | Strengthening transparency and reducing RTI backlog |
8. Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the State Bank of India in December 2025?
A) Dinesh Kumar
B) Ravi Ranjan
C) Rajesh Goyal
D) Vinay M. Tonse
E) Sandeep Bakhshi
Answer: B) Ravi Ranjan
Event and Location:
- Event: Appointment of Ravi Ranjan as Managing Director of SBI
- Location: India
- Date: December 15, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Ravi Ranjan, former Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), has been appointed as the new Managing Director by the Government of India, with a tenure approved until September 30, 2028.
- Objectives: The appointment aims to ensure leadership continuity and support SBI’s strategic focus on digital banking, asset quality, and credit growth amid evolving financial sector challenges.
Important Terms Explained:
- State Bank of India (SBI): India’s largest public sector bank, responsible for delivering retail, corporate, and government banking services. It plays a critical role in financial inclusion and economic development.
- Managing Director (MD): A senior executive role at SBI responsible for overseeing key verticals such as retail, corporate banking, and digital operations. SBI has four MDs along with a Chairman to manage its vast banking network.
- Superannuation: The official retirement date of a government employee or bank official. Ravi Ranjan’s term is valid until his superannuation on 30 September 2028 or until further orders.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Appointment of SBI Managing Director |
| Announcement date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Government of India |
| Policy/series name | Leadership appointment at State Bank of India |
| Key figures | Ravi Ranjan, Vinay M. Tonse |
| Purpose/reason | Leadership continuity and support for SBI’s digital and credit strategy |
| Feature details | Ravi Ranjan took charge as MD, succeeding Vinay M. Tonse |
| Validity or status | Tenure till 30 September 2028 or until further orders |
| Strategic/significant value | Enhances operational stability and guides banking reforms at SBI |
9. Who has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Council of Applied Economic Research from January 2026?
A) Poonam Gupta
B) Suresh Goyal
C) Vinod Rai
D) Arvind Subramanian
E) Bibek Debroy
Answer: B) Suresh Goyal
Event and Location:
- Event: Appointment of Suresh Goyal as Director General of NCAER
- Location: India
- Date: January 5, 2026
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Suresh Goyal, former Managing Director and CEO of National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT), has been appointed as Director General of National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) with effect from January 5, 2026.
- Objectives: The mandate is to expand NCAER’s research capacity, establish new policy research centres, strengthen engagement with central and state governments, and promote evidence-based policymaking aligned with India’s long-term development goals.
Important Terms Explained:
- National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER): India’s oldest independent economic policy think tank that conducts applied research to support evidence-based policymaking at the central and state government levels.
- National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT): An infrastructure investment trust that supports the National Monetisation Pipeline under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHAI by monetising highway assets.
- Evidence-Based Policymaking: A governance approach that relies on data, empirical research, and analytical studies to design and evaluate public policies.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Appointment of Director General of NCAER |
| Announcement date | December 16, 2025 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | National Council of Applied Economic Research |
| Policy/series name | Leadership appointment |
| Key figures | Suresh Goyal, Poonam Gupta |
| Purpose/reason | To strengthen research-led economic policymaking |
| Feature details | Appointment effective from January 5, 2026 with focus on new policy domains |
| Validity or status | Tenure begins January 2026 |
| Strategic/significant value | Enhances institutional capacity for long-term economic planning |
10. Which government body recommended B. Sairam’s name for the CMD role of Coal India Limited?
A) Ministry of Power
B) Public Enterprises Selection Board
C) NITI Aayog
D) Ministry of Mines
E) Cabinet Secretariat
Answer: B) Public Enterprises Selection Board
Event and Location:
- Event: Appointment of B. Sairam as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited
- Location: India
- Date: December 15, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The Ministry of Coal appointed B. Sairam as Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited (CIL) following a recommendation by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB).
- Objectives: The appointment aims to provide experienced leadership to Coal India Limited to strengthen energy security, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure effective governance of the world’s largest coal-producing company.
Important Terms Explained:
- Coal India Limited (CIL): A central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal and the world’s largest coal producer, responsible for meeting a major share of India’s coal demand, especially for the power sector.
- Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB): A government body responsible for selecting and recommending candidates for top management positions in central public sector enterprises.
- Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD): The top executive position in a PSU, combining strategic oversight as Chairman with executive management responsibilities as Managing Director.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Appointment of CMD of Coal India Limited |
| Announcement date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Coal |
| Policy/series name | PSU leadership appointment |
| Key figures | B. Sairam, Sanoj Kumar Jha |
| Purpose/reason | To strengthen leadership at Coal India Limited |
| Feature details | PESB-recommended appointment with effect from December 15, 2025 |
| Validity or status | Appointment effective |
| Strategic/significant value | Supports India’s energy security and PSU governance |
Awards – Daily Current Affairs December 16
11. Which railway station won the National Energy Conservation Award 2025 for energy-saving initiatives?
A) Guna Junction
B) Miyana Railway Station
C) Bhopal Junction
D) Jabalpur Railway Station
E) Indore Junction
Answer: B) Miyana Railway Station
Event and Location:
- Event: Miyana Railway Station wins National Energy Conservation Award 2025
- Location: Guna district, Madhya Pradesh
- Date: December 14, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: Miyana Railway Station was awarded the National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2025 by the President of India for its outstanding energy-saving efforts, particularly the use of LED lighting, BLDC fans, and smart lighting systems.
- Objectives: The award aims to recognise and promote sustainable energy practices, encourage adoption of energy-efficient technologies, and reduce electricity consumption in public infrastructure.
Important Terms Explained:
- National Energy Conservation Award (NECA): An annual award presented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, recognising excellence in energy efficiency and innovation across sectors.
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): A statutory body under the Ministry of Power, responsible for promoting energy conservation and efficiency in India through policy, standards, and national programs.
- BLDC Fans (Brushless Direct Current Fans): Energy-efficient fans that consume 50–60% less electricity compared to conventional fans, offering cost-effective and sustainable ventilation solutions.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Miyana Railway Station wins National Energy Conservation Award 2025 |
| Announcement date | December 14, 2025 |
| Location | Guna, Madhya Pradesh |
| Issuing authority | Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power |
| Policy/series name | National Energy Conservation Day |
| Key figures | Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Smt. Shobhana Bandopadhyaya |
| Purpose/reason | Recognition of outstanding energy-saving efforts by a railway station |
| Feature details | Use of LED lights, BLDC fans, smart lighting circuits |
| Validity or status | Awarded in 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | Promotes sustainability, cost-efficiency, and energy conservation in Indian Railways |
Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs December 16
12. DHRUV64 has which of the following architecture?
A) 32-bit single core
B) 64-bit dual core
C) 128-bit quad core
D) 16-bit dual core
E) 64-bit single core
Answer: B) 64-bit dual core
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of India’s first indigenous 64-bit dual-core microprocessor DHRUV64
- Location: India
- Date: December 15, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: India launched DHRUV64, its first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP), with technical support from MeitY.
- Objectives: The initiative aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in semiconductor technology, support the India Semiconductor Mission, and enable secure, efficient processing across strategic and commercial sectors.
Important Terms Explained:
- DHRUV64: A high-performance, indigenous 64-bit dual-core microprocessor developed by C-DAC. It supports 1.0 GHz clock speed and is designed for applications in 5G, IoT, defence, industrial automation, and consumer electronics.
- Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP): A government initiative under MeitY aimed at designing and developing indigenous processors for various application domains to reduce import dependency and build national capability.
- India Semiconductor Mission: A flagship initiative by the Government of India to promote chip design, fabrication, and advanced electronics manufacturing within India as part of the country’s digital self-reliance strategy.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of DHRUV64 – India’s first indigenous 64-bit dual-core microprocessor |
| Announcement date | December 15, 2025 |
| Location | India |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
| Policy/series name | Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP) |
| Key figures | C-DAC, MeitY |
| Purpose/reason | To strengthen India’s domestic semiconductor design ecosystem |
| Feature details | 64-bit dual-core, 1.0 GHz, scalable architecture, high efficiency |
| Validity or status | Launched and available for strategic deployment |
| Strategic/significant value | Supports India Semiconductor Mission and promotes tech self-reliance |
13. Maitri II will replace which existing Indian Antarctic station?
A) Bharati
B) Dakshin Gangotri
C) Maitri I
D) Himadri
E) Maitri Base
Answer: C) Maitri I
Event and Location:
- Event: India announces Maitri II Antarctic Research Station
- Location: East Antarctica
- Date: December 16, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates:
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has approved ₹29.20 crore for pre-investment activities for Maitri II, India’s upcoming Antarctic research station.
- Objectives:
- To enhance India’s capabilities in multidisciplinary polar research including climate science, glaciology, biology, atmospheric sciences, and to support year-round operations in Antarctica.
Important Terms Explained:
- Maitri I: India’s second Antarctic research station, operational since 1989 in Schirmacher Oasis; to be replaced by Maitri II.
- Maitri II: A proposed state-of-the-art all-weather research station to support India’s long-term Antarctic presence and climate research.
- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): The nodal agency responsible for oceanic and atmospheric science initiatives, including polar research programmes.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Maitri II Antarctic Station Project |
| Announcement date | December 16, 2025 |
| Location | East Antarctica |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) |
| Policy/series name | Indian Antarctic Research Programme |
| Key figures | Dr Jitendra Singh |
| Purpose/reason | Strengthen scientific research infrastructure in Antarctica |
| Feature details | Modern labs, ice-core systems, biological and climate monitoring facilities |
| Validity or status | ₹29.20 crore sanctioned for pre-investment; expected completion by 2032 |
| Strategic/significant value | Enhances India’s global contribution to climate and polar science |
International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 16
14. The twinning agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jordan linked which two heritage sites?
A) Petra and Ajanta
B) Petra and Ellora
C) Jerash and Ajanta
D) Jerash and Ellora
E) Petra and Hampi
Answer: B) Petra and Ellora
Event and Location:
- Event: Signing of MoUs between India and Jordan during PM Modi’s official visit
- Location: Amman, Jordan
- Date: December 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: India and Jordan signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors including renewable energy, water resource management, digital transformation, and cultural cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jordan.
- Objectives: The objective is to deepen bilateral cooperation, strengthen sustainable development, promote cultural exchanges, enhance digital public infrastructure collaboration, and expand strategic engagement as both nations mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Important Terms Explained:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): A global initiative led by India to promote the deployment of solar energy technologies among member countries, particularly in tropical regions.
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): An Indian-led global partnership aimed at promoting resilient infrastructure systems to reduce disaster risks and climate vulnerabilities.
- Global Biofuel Alliance: An international initiative spearheaded by India to promote the adoption of biofuels for energy security and climate sustainability.
- Cultural Exchange Programme: A bilateral framework that facilitates cooperation in art, culture, heritage preservation, and people-to-people exchanges between countries.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | India–Jordan MoUs during PM Modi’s visit |
| Announcement date | December 2025 |
| Location | Amman, Jordan |
| Issuing authority | Governments of India and Jordan |
| Policy/series name | Bilateral cooperation agreements |
| Key figures | Narendra Modi, King Abdullah II |
| Purpose/reason | To enhance strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation |
| Feature details | MoUs on renewable energy, water, digital solutions, culture, Petra–Ellora twinning |
| Validity or status | Agreements signed and cooperation to be implemented |
| Strategic/significant value | Strengthens India’s engagement in West Asia and leadership in Global South initiatives |
15. Which country became the first in the world to receive UNESCO recognition for its entire national cuisine in December 2025?
A) France
B) Italy
C) Japan
D) Spain
E) Greece
Answer: B) Italy
Event and Location:
- Event: Italy becomes the first country to receive UNESCO recognition for its national cuisine
- Location: Delhi, India (UNESCO Assembly)
- Date: December 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: UNESCO has inscribed Italian cuisine as an element on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List, making Italy the first country to gain global cultural recognition for its entire national cuisine.
- Objectives: The move aims to preserve and promote culinary heritage as a living cultural expression, highlight food’s role in community bonding and identity, and acknowledge the intergenerational transmission of food traditions.
Important Terms Explained:
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List: A UNESCO initiative to safeguard cultural practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage, such as rituals, crafts, and traditional cuisines.
- Italian Cuisine: A globally celebrated culinary tradition encompassing regional food cultures, pasta, cheese, wine, and social rituals like shared meals, now officially recognized as a cultural asset by UNESCO.
- Cultural Assembly: An official gathering of UNESCO member states to discuss and decide on heritage-related recognitions, including additions to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Italy’s cuisine inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List |
| Announcement date | December 2025 |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Issuing authority | UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) |
| Policy/series name | Intangible Cultural Heritage List |
| Key figures | Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Director-General Audrey Azoulay |
| Purpose/reason | To recognize Italian cuisine as a living tradition and cultural expression |
| Feature details | Covers entire national cuisine including pasta, wine, desserts, and food rituals |
| Validity or status | Officially recognized and listed by UNESCO |
| Strategic/significant value | First time an entire national cuisine has received UNESCO heritage recognition |
16. India and Brazil signed a tripartite MoU for the maintenance of which class of submarines?
A) Arihant-class
B) Scorpene-class
C) Sindhughosh-class
D) Kalvari-class
E) Chakra-class
Answer: B) Scorpene-class
Event and Location:
- Event: Signing of tripartite MoU between India and Brazil on Scorpene submarine maintenance
- Location: Brazil (during official visit of Indian Navy Chief)
- Date: December 9–12, 2025
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: A tripartite MoU was signed between the Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to collaborate on the maintenance and lifecycle support of Scorpene-class submarines operated by both countries.
- Objectives: To strengthen defence cooperation, enable technical knowledge sharing, support logistics and training, and promote long-term collaboration in submarine maintenance and operational readiness between India and Brazil.
Important Terms Explained:
- Scorpene-Class Submarines: Advanced diesel-electric attack submarines designed for stealth operations, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. Built in India under Project-75 with technology transfer from France.
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL): A leading Indian public sector shipyard responsible for building Scorpene-class submarines domestically under the Make in India initiative.
- Tripartite MoU: A memorandum of understanding signed by three parties—in this case, the Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and MDL—focusing on technical cooperation in submarine maintenance.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Tripartite MoU for Scorpene-class submarine maintenance |
| Announcement date | December 9–12, 2025 |
| Location | Brazil |
| Issuing authority | Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd |
| Policy/series name | India–Brazil defence cooperation |
| Key figures | Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi |
| Purpose/reason | Enhance cooperation in submarine support and naval logistics |
| Feature details | Covers lifecycle maintenance, training, logistics, R&D collaboration |
| Validity or status | Signed and active |
| Strategic/significant value | Strengthens Global South maritime ties and indigenous naval capability |
National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 16
17. India’s first wildlife-safe highway has been introduced on which National Highway?
A) NH-44
B) NH-45
C) NH-48
D) NH-27
E) NH-52
Answer: B) NH-45
Event and Location:
- Event: Launch of India’s first wildlife-safe road
- Location: Hiran Sindoor stretch of NH-45, Madhya Pradesh
- Date: December 2025 (implementation ongoing, completion expected in 2025)
Mandates and Objectives:
- Mandates: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented India’s first wildlife-safe highway on NH-45 near Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
- Objectives: To reduce animal-vehicle collisions, ensure safe wildlife movement, and promote eco-sensitive road development in forested regions under the Green Highways Policy, 2015.
Important Terms Explained:
- Table-Top Red Road Markings: Slightly raised, red-colored road sections that act like speed-calming tables to naturally slow down vehicles. This is the first use of such markings in India, aimed at improving visibility and warning in wildlife zones.
- Wildlife Underpasses: Tunnels or passages built under roads to enable safe wildlife crossings without interrupting traffic, helping to reduce animal fatalities and habitat fragmentation.
- Green Highways Policy, 2015: A policy by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways promoting environmentally sustainable and safe highway construction, including tree plantations, wildlife protection, and use of green technologies.
Tabular Summary:
| Parameter | Details |
| Event name | Launch of India’s first wildlife-safe road |
| Announcement date | December 2025 |
| Location | Hiran Sindoor stretch of NH-45, Madhya Pradesh |
| Issuing authority | National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) |
| Policy/series name | Green Highways Policy, 2015 |
| Key figures | Amritlal Sahu (NHAI), Santosh Kumar Yadav |
| Purpose/reason | To reduce animal-vehicle collisions and protect wildlife in forest zones |
| Feature details | Table-top red road markings, 25 underpasses, fencing, eco-sensitive design |
| Validity or status | Project under implementation; completion expected in 2025 |
| Strategic/significant value | Sets a precedent for wildlife-safe infrastructure across national highways |
Over All Review
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