Daily Current Affairs December 18

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs December 18. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

TO PURCHASE OUR BANKING AWARENESS (Latest Edition) – CLICK HERE

December 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs December 18

1. When is Minorities Rights Day observed in India and what does it commemorate?
A) 26 January – Indian Constitution Day
B) 15 August – Independence Day
C) 2 October – Non-violence and Peace Day
D) 10 December – Human Rights Day
E) 18 December – UN Declaration on Minority Rights
Answer: E) 18 December – UN Declaration on Minority Rights

Event and Location:

• Event: Observance of Minorities Rights Day in India
• Location: Nationwide (India)
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Commemorate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Minorities and highlight constitutional and legal protections for minority communities in India.
• Objectives: To raise awareness on minority rights, prevent discrimination, promote inclusive development, and recognize contributions of religious and linguistic minority communities to national growth.

Important Terms Explained:

• Minority Rights: Constitutional and legal safeguards provided to religious, linguistic, and cultural communities that are numerically smaller in a region, aiming to ensure equality and preserve identity.
• National Commission for Minorities (NCM): A statutory body established in 1992 that monitors minority rights, addresses complaints, advises the government, and promotes communal harmony.
• TMA Pai Foundation Case (2002): A Supreme Court judgment that clarified minority status is determined at the state level, not nationally.
• Article 29: Constitutional provision that protects the right of any section of citizens to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture.
• Article 30: Grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.
• Nai Udaan: A government scheme providing financial support to minority candidates clearing preliminary exams of UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs.
• Seekho Aur Kamao: A skill development initiative aimed at improving employability of minority youth.
• Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP): A scheme targeting the infrastructure gap in minority concentration areas through area development.

Tabular Summary:

---

2. What does International Migrants Day observed on 18 December commemorate?
A) Launch of the Global Refugee Compact
B) Formation of UNHCR
C) Adoption of the UN Convention on Migrant Workers
D) Signing of the Geneva Convention
E) Establishment of IOM
Answer: C) Adoption of the UN Convention on Migrant Workers

Event and Location:

• Event: Observance of International Migrants Day 2025
• Location: Global
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: To observe the UN-proclaimed International Migrants Day by recognizing migrant contributions and raising awareness of the challenges they face.
• Objectives: To promote migrant rights, encourage humane and orderly migration, counter misinformation, and foster international cooperation for safe migration.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Migrants Day: A United Nations–designated day observed annually on 18 December to honour the adoption of the 1990 International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers.
• International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (1990): A multilateral UN treaty aimed at protecting the rights of migrant workers and their families across borders.
• Global Compact for Migration (2018): The first intergovernmental agreement covering all aspects of international migration, promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration through shared responsibility.

Tabular Summary:

---

Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 18

3. Where is the International Indian Style Wrestling and Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title 2025 being hosted?
A) Srinagar Stadium
B) Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu
C) Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad
D) Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi
E) Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Dehradun
Answer: B) Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu

Event and Location:

• Event: Hosting of the first International Indian Style Wrestling and Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title 2025
• Location: Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Organize an international-level Dangal wrestling championship and confer the Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title to top-performing wrestlers.
• Objectives: To promote traditional Indian wrestling, foster cultural pride, boost youth engagement in fitness, and enhance sports tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indian Style Wrestling (Dangal): A traditional form of wrestling rooted in Indian culture, often held in open arenas with wrestlers competing barefoot in soil-covered pits.
• Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title: A newly instituted recognition for heavyweight wrestlers (above 85 kg) awarded with cash prizes and symbolic honours like the Gurj (Gadda) and Patta.
• Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council: The official state body responsible for sports development and promotion in the Union Territory, organizer of the championship event.

Tabular Summary:

---

Obituary – Daily Current Affairs December 18

4. Which renowned sculptor, best known for designing the Statue of Unity, passed away in December 2025 at the age of 100?
A) S G Thakur Singh
B) Ram V Sutar
C) Akbar Padamsee
D) Subodh Gupta
E) D P Roy Choudhury
Answer: B) Ram V Sutar

Event and Location:

• Event: Death of renowned sculptor Ram V Sutar, creator of the Statue of Unity
• Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (Place of death); Born in Dhule, Maharashtra
• Date: 17 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Announcement of the death of legendary Indian sculptor Ram Sutar, whose monumental works have become national landmarks.
• Objectives: To acknowledge the artistic legacy of Ram Sutar and his contributions to national identity through monumental public sculptures like the Statue of Unity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Statue of Unity: The world’s tallest statue at 182 metres, located in Kevadia, Gujarat, built in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister.
• Padma Bhushan & Padma Shri: Two of India’s highest civilian awards given for exceptional service in various fields, including art and public affairs.
• Sir J.J. School of Art: A premier Indian art institution in Mumbai where Ram Sutar studied and earned a gold medal in sculpture.

Tabular Summary:

---

Ranking – Daily Current Affairs December 18

5. According to the 2025 Bank of America report, which country leads the world in daily and monthly active users of AI applications?
A) USA
B) China
C) India
D) UK
E) Japan
Answer: C) India

Event and Location:

• Event: India ranked No.1 globally in daily and monthly active AI app users
• Location: Global (India as the leading country)
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: A Bank of America Securities (BofA) report highlights India’s emergence as the largest global market for AI app users by DAUs and MAUs.
• Objectives: To assess the usage trends of generative AI apps and their impact on telecom growth, data monetisation, and digital infrastructure in India.

Top Countries by AI App Usage – 2025 (BofA Report):

Important Terms Explained:

• DAUs & MAUs (Daily/Monthly Active Users): Metrics used to measure user engagement and platform popularity; in this case, AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini have the highest engagement in India.
• Generative AI: A type of artificial intelligence capable of generating text, images, and other content, with apps like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity AI among the most used.
• ARPU (Average Revenue Per User): A key financial metric used in telecom and tech sectors to calculate revenue generated per user; expected to rise due to higher AI-driven data usage.

Tabular Summary:

---

6. Which Indian business family ranks among the world’s top 10 richest families in Bloomberg’s 2025 list?
A) Adani Family
B) Tata Family
C) Mittal Family
D) Ambani Family
E) Birla Family
Answer: D) Ambani Family

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of Bloomberg’s World’s Top 10 Richest Families list 2025
• Location: Global (published by Bloomberg)
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Bloomberg released its annual list ranking the top 25 richest multigenerational business families globally based on total net worth and business operations.
• Objectives: To highlight global wealth distribution across dynastic families, provide insights into sectors driving wealth, and track changes in economic leadership across countries and industries.

Top 10 Richest Families in the World – 2025 (Bloomberg):

Important Terms Explained:

• Bloomberg Wealth Rankings: An annual financial assessment published by Bloomberg that lists the wealthiest families worldwide based on consolidated multigenerational business holdings, excluding single-heir and first-generation fortunes.
• Reliance Industries: A multinational conglomerate founded by Dhirubhai Ambani, currently led by Mukesh Ambani, with business interests in energy, telecom, retail, and digital sectors.
• Luxury Goods Sector: An industry encompassing high-end fashion, accessories, and lifestyle brands like Hermès and Chanel, often contributing heavily to family wealth in Europe.

Tabular Summary:

---

Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs December 18

7. Which digital payment platform recently introduced biometric authentication for UPI payments up to ₹5,000 in India?
A) PhonePe
B) Google Pay
C) Paytm
D) Amazon Pay
E) BHIM
Answer: D) Amazon Pay

Event and Location:

• Event: Amazon Pay launches biometric authentication for UPI transactions
• Location: India (available for Android users)
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Amazon Pay has enabled fingerprint and facial recognition–based biometric authentication for UPI transactions up to ₹5,000.
• Objectives: To enhance the speed, security, and user-friendliness of digital payments by replacing UPI PIN entry for low-value transactions with seamless biometric verification.

Important Terms Explained:

• UPI (Unified Payments Interface): A real-time payment system developed by NPCI allowing interbank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions using mobile platforms.
• Biometric Authentication: A method of identity verification using unique biological characteristics like fingerprints or facial recognition, used here to approve UPI transactions.
• Amazon Pay: A digital wallet and payment service owned by Amazon, offering services like bill payments, UPI transactions, and integration with e-commerce.

Tabular Summary:

---

Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs December 18

8. According to the PLFS report for November 2025, what was India’s overall Unemployment Rate, marking the lowest since April 2025?
A) 5.4%
B) 4.7%
C) 3.9%
D) 5.2%
E) 6.5%
Answer: B) 4.7%

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of November 2025 PLFS labour market data
• Location: India (nationwide data)
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI released the 8th monthly PLFS bulletin, providing updates on India’s employment indicators for November 2025.
• Objectives: To assess labour market conditions, focusing on participation rates, employment levels, and unemployment trends across rural-urban and gender segments using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

Important Terms Explained:

• PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey): A national-level survey conducted by the NSO to assess employment-unemployment trends using key indicators such as LFPR, WPR, and UR.
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The percentage of the working-age population (15 years and above) that is either employed or actively seeking employment.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): The proportion of the population that is actually employed.
• Unemployment Rate (UR): The percentage of the labour force that is unemployed and actively looking for work.

Tabular Summary:

---

9. What is the key differentiating feature of Bharat Taxi, set to launch in January 2026?
A) Offers only electric vehicles
B) Operates with government funding
C) Offers free rides to all users
D) Follows a zero-commission driver-owned model
E) Operates only in rural areas
Answer: D) Follows a zero-commission driver-owned model

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Bharat Taxi – India’s driver-owned mobility platform
• Location: Delhi (Pilot in Delhi and Gujarat)
• Date: Rollout in January 2026 (Pilot began in December 2025)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: To launch Bharat Taxi, a zero-commission, driver-owned ride-hailing platform operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited.
• Objectives: To provide fair earnings to drivers, offer a transparent and affordable alternative to Ola and Uber, and enhance user trust through cooperative governance and local participation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bharat Taxi: A home-grown, app-based, driver-owned mobility network designed to challenge existing aggregators with a zero-commission business model and cooperative management.
• Zero-Commission Model: A pricing structure where 100% of the fare initially goes to the driver, with future deductions (if any) redistributed to drivers as incentives, not profit.
• Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited: The cooperative organization behind Bharat Taxi, promoting driver ownership, shared governance, and equitable decision-making in the ride-hailing sector.

Tabular Summary:

---

Awards – Daily Current Affairs December 19

10. Which airline won the Best Domestic Airline title at the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards 2025?
A) IndiGo
B) Vistara
C) Air India
D) SpiceJet
E) Akasa Air
Answer: C) Air India

Event and Location:

• Event: Air India wins Best Domestic Airline at Travel + Leisure Awards 2025
• Location: India & South Asia
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Recognition of Air India as the Best Domestic Airline based on reader votes in the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards 2025.
• Objectives: To reflect customer satisfaction, validate ongoing transformation efforts, and highlight Air India’s improved service quality, operational reliability, and fleet modernization.

Important Terms Explained:

• Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards: Annual reader-voted awards recognizing excellence in travel and hospitality across India and South Asia, based on real passenger experiences.
• Fleet Modernization: A strategic initiative under which Air India is replacing or upgrading its aircraft; includes an order of 570 new aircraft, making it one of the largest global orders in aviation.
• Tata Group: One of India’s largest conglomerates that regained ownership of Air India in 2022, initiating a massive transformation of the national carrier.

Tabular Summary:

---

11. Which prestigious award was recently conferred upon PM Narendra Modi by the Sultanate of Oman?
A) Order of the Falcon
B) Order of Zayed
C) Order of Oman – First Class
D) Nishan-e-Pakistan
E) Legion of Honour
Answer: C) Order of Oman – First Class

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi conferred with Oman’s highest national honour
• Location: Muscat, Oman
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded The First Class of the Order of Oman, the highest civilian honour of Oman.
• Objectives: To honour PM Modi’s leadership and to reinforce the strong and strategic India–Oman bilateral relationship through diplomatic recognition.

Important Terms Explained:

• Order of Oman – First Class: The highest national civilian honour bestowed by the Sultanate of Oman, conferred upon global statesmen and royals for fostering international relations and cooperation.
• CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement): A high-level bilateral trade agreement aimed at enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties. The India–Oman CEPA includes focus areas like Ayush, supply chain resilience, and economic diversification.
• People-to-People Ties: Cultural, educational, and diaspora connections that strengthen mutual understanding and engagement between countries beyond just formal diplomacy.

Tabular Summary:

---

Defence – Daily Current Affairs December 18

12. Which region recently saw the Indian Army induct tanks and artillery using a special military train?
A) Sikkim
B) Rajasthan
C) Kashmir Valley
D) Arunachal Pradesh
E) Ladakh
Answer: C) Kashmir Valley

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Army inducts tanks and artillery into the Kashmir Valley using special military train
• Location: Jammu to Anantnag, Kashmir Valley, India
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: To conduct a validation exercise for the logistics movement of heavy military equipment, including tanks and artillery, into the Kashmir Valley via rail.
• Objectives: To enhance the Army’s strategic mobility, improve rapid deployment capabilities in sensitive regions, and validate integrated military-rail coordination for future operations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Special Military Train: A rail-based logistics system coordinated between the Indian Army and Indian Railways for the rapid and secure transportation of military equipment and personnel.
• Strategic Mobility: The capability of armed forces to deploy combat units and equipment swiftly to required locations, particularly important in high-altitude and conflict-sensitive zones.
• Northern Railway: A key zonal division of Indian Railways that played a critical role in coordinating logistics support for the Army’s movement in Jammu & Kashmir.

Tabular Summary:

---

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 19

13. Where is the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine being held in 2025?
A) Gandhinagar
B) New Delhi
C) Geneva
D) Hyderabad
E) Mumbai
Answer: B) New Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine begins
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: 17 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Conduct a global summit focused on integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare, co-hosted by WHO and the Ministry of Ayush.
• Objectives: To promote international cooperation, strengthen policy and research on traditional medicine, and support the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 for equitable and safe health solutions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Traditional Medicine: A system of healthcare based on indigenous knowledge, skills, and practices used to maintain health and treat illnesses, often passed down through generations.
• Ayush: An Indian government system promoting traditional medicine, comprising Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
• WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034: A 10-year plan by WHO to assist countries in regulating, integrating, and optimizing the use of traditional medicine within public health systems globally.

Tabular Summary:

---

14. Which two institutions signed the Work Plan 2025–27 to enhance agricultural cooperation between India and Argentina?
A) NABARD and UN FAO
B) ICAR and INTA
C) ICRISAT and CIMMYT
D) APEDA and INTA
E) ICAR and IFPRI
Answer: B) ICAR and INTA

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of the ICAR–INTA Work Plan 2025–27 for bilateral agricultural cooperation
• Location: India–Argentina (Agreement signed in India)
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India and Argentina signed a joint work plan between ICAR and INTA for 2025–27, focusing on sustainable agriculture, technology transfer, and research collaboration.
• Objectives: To promote scientific research, innovation, and capacity building in agriculture, covering areas such as biotechnology, digital farming, germplasm exchange, and livestock development.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): India’s apex national body for agricultural research and education under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology): Argentina’s national agricultural research and development institution, responsible for innovation and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Germplasm Exchange: The exchange of plant genetic material (seeds, tissue, etc.) for research and crop improvement, enhancing biodiversity and crop resilience.

Tabular Summary:

---

15. Which two countries recently signed a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders?
A) India and UAE
B) India and Oman
C) India and Qatar
D) India and Saudi Arabia
E) India and Bahrain
Answer: D) India and Saudi Arabia

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of bilateral visa waiver agreement for official travel
• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India and Saudi Arabia signed a visa waiver agreement to exempt diplomatic, official, and special passport holders from short-stay visa requirements.
• Objectives: To facilitate seamless official travel, improve bilateral coordination, and strengthen cooperation under the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.

Important Terms Explained:

• Visa Waiver Agreement: A bilateral pact allowing specific categories of travelers (here, diplomatic, special, and official passport holders) to enter the partner country without a visa for short-term official visits.
• Strategic Partnership Council: An institutional mechanism established between India and Saudi Arabia to deepen cooperation in areas like energy, security, trade, and technology through high-level coordination.
• Official Passport Holders: Individuals traveling for government duties or on diplomatic assignments; distinct from general (ordinary) passport holders who are not covered under this agreement.

Tabular Summary:

---

Schemes – Daily Current Affairs December 18

16. What is the full form of the SHANTI Bill recently passed by the Indian Parliament?
A) Sustainable Handling and Advancement of Nuclear Technology for India
B) Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Technology and Infrastructure
C) Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India
D) Safe Harnessing and Application of Nuclear Technology in India
E) Strategic Harnessing of Atomic Nuclear Technologies in India
Answer: C) Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India

Event and Location:

• Event: Passage of SHANTI Bill 2025 by Indian Parliament
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The SHANTI Bill 2025 was passed by both Houses of Parliament to overhaul and modernise India’s civilian nuclear energy framework, integrate regulatory reforms, and boost nuclear capacity.
• Objectives: To promote safe, clean, and AI-powered nuclear energy, enable green manufacturing, attract private investment, and strengthen India’s energy security while maintaining stringent safety and sovereignty standards.

Important Terms Explained:

• SHANTI Bill: Full form – Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India. It consolidates existing laws (Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and CLND Act), grants statutory status to AERB, and facilitates private-sector participation under government oversight.
• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): Now granted statutory status under the SHANTI Bill, it is India’s primary nuclear safety regulator, overseeing inspections, licensing, and safety compliance of nuclear facilities.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Compact nuclear reactors designed for flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Promoted under the SHANTI Bill to generate 24×7 clean energy, especially for AI-driven future infrastructure.

Tabular Summary:

---

17. In which year will the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) be conducted?
A) 2023
B) 2024
C) 2025
D) 2026
E) 2027
Answer: D) 2026

Event and Location:

• Event: Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2026 – 9th edition
• Location: Nationwide (Main event held in New Delhi)
• Date: January 2026 (Exact date to be announced)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Conduct a national interactive programme where the Prime Minister of India addresses students, teachers, and parents on exam-related concerns.
• Objectives: To reduce exam-related stress, promote positive thinking, share strategies for academic and mental well-being, and strengthen the emotional resilience of students.

Important Terms Explained:

• Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC): An annual student outreach programme where the Prime Minister of India interacts with students, teachers, and parents to discuss exam stress, education strategies, and holistic well-being.
• Legendary Exam Warriors: A recognition category within PPC for top 10 participants, who get the opportunity to visit the Prime Minister’s residence as a reward for their performance in the associated competition.
• MyGov Platform: A Government of India digital platform used for citizen engagement, including PPC registration and competitions. Official PPC link: https://innovateindia1.mygov.in/

Tabular Summary:

---

18. Which ministry implements the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM DevINE) scheme?
A) Ministry of Rural Development
B) Ministry of Home Affairs
C) Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
D) Ministry of Finance
E) Ministry of Civil Aviation
Answer: C) Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

Event and Location:

• Event: Update on projects sanctioned under PM DevINE scheme
• Location: North Eastern Region of India
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of India sanctioned multiple infrastructure, healthcare, and livelihood projects under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM DevINE) to accelerate regional development.
• Objectives: To promote inclusive growth, improve infrastructure, generate employment, and enhance connectivity and healthcare facilities across the North Eastern Region.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM DevINE Scheme: A central sector scheme launched in October 2022 to fund infrastructure, social, and economic development projects in the North Eastern Region.
• MDoNER: The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring development initiatives in the North East.
• RCS UDAN: The Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, launched to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable by connecting unserved and underserved airports.

Tabular Summary:

---

19. What is the name of the mission launched by the Government of India for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?
A) PM-VIKAS
B) PM-GATI
C) PM-JANMAN
D) PM-AWAS
E) PM-GRAMIN
Answer: C) PM-JANMAN

Event and Location:

• Event: Implementation of PM-JANMAN Scheme for PVTGs
• Location: Kerala (Applicable across 18 States & 1 UT)
• Date: 15 November 2023 (Launch); Data as on 24 November 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Provide socio-economic infrastructure to PVTG communities including housing, healthcare, water, education, roads, telecom, electrification, and livelihoods under PM-JANMAN.
• Objectives: To improve the living standards of 75 identified PVTG communities by ensuring access to basic services within 3 years.

Important Terms Explained:

• PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups): A sub-classification of tribal communities facing extreme socio-economic backwardness.
• PM-JANMAN: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyaan, a flagship mission launched in 2023 for holistic development of PVTGs across India.
• PM Gati Shakti: A digital platform used for data collection, tracking, and implementation of infrastructure projects including under PM-JANMAN.

Tabular Summary:

---

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 18

20. Which Indian state was reported to be moving towards 100% 4G saturation as of December 2025, according to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia?
A) Gujarat
B) Maharashtra
C) Rajasthan
D) Tamil Nadu
E) Karnataka
Answer: B) Maharashtra

Event and Location:

• Event: Maharashtra reported to be nearing 100% 4G saturation
• Location: Maharashtra, India
• Date: 18 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia provided data in Parliament regarding 4G and 5G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) installations across Maharashtra, highlighting near-total 4G coverage.
• Objectives: To enhance digital infrastructure in both rural and urban areas of Maharashtra and align with the Digital India vision by promoting widespread high-speed mobile connectivity.

Important Terms Explained:

• 4G Saturation: Refers to near-universal availability and coverage of fourth-generation (4G) mobile network across a geographic area.
• Base Transceiver Station (BTS): A network component that facilitates wireless communication between mobile devices and the network.
• Digital India: A flagship government initiative aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy through improved connectivity and e-governance.

Tabular Summary:

---

21. Where was Jammu & Kashmir’s first Gen Z Post Office inaugurated?
A) IIT Jammu
B) University of Kashmir
C) AIIMS Vijaypur
D) NIT Srinagar
E) SKIMS Srinagar
Answer: C) AIIMS Vijaypur

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of the first Gen Z Post Office of Jammu & Kashmir
• Location: AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu & Kashmir
• Date: 17 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Department of Posts inaugurated a Gen Z Post Office at the AIIMS Vijaypur campus as part of its initiative to modernise campus post offices.
• Objectives: To transform traditional postal services into youth-centric, technology-enabled service hubs that meet the evolving needs of Generation Z through digital and customer-focused solutions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Gen Z Post Office: A modernised postal facility designed to cater to Generation Z, featuring digital payments, simplified services, and integrated postal, banking, and insurance offerings.
• Department of Posts: A government department under the Ministry of Communications responsible for postal services, savings schemes, and financial inclusion initiatives across India.
• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): A public sector payments bank established to provide accessible digital banking services using the India Post network.

Tabular Summary:

---

22. What is the new maximum limit of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) allowed in Indian insurance companies as per the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025?
A) 49%
B) 74%
C) 90%
D) 100%
E) 51%
Answer: D) 100%

Event and Location:

• Event: Passage of Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025
• Location: India
• Date: 17 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The bill amends the Insurance Act, 1938, LIC Act, 1956, and IRDAI Act, 1999, allowing up to 100% FDI in insurance companies, lowering capital norms for reinsurers, and establishing a Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund.
• Objectives: To deepen insurance penetration, promote ease of doing business, adopt global best practices, strengthen regulatory oversight, and improve consumer protection.

Important Terms Explained:

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment by a foreign entity directly into a business in another country; now allowed up to 100% in Indian insurance companies.
• Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund: A dedicated fund established to spread awareness among policyholders and improve their protection.
• Net Owned Fund: The minimum capital requirement for financial institutions; reduced from ₹5,000 Cr to ₹1,000 Cr for foreign reinsurance branches.

Tabular Summary:

---

23. What is the primary objective of the Adi Sanskriti digital platform launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
A) Promote AI usage in agriculture
B) Facilitate tribal land mapping
C) Digitally archive and promote tribal artforms
D) Train tribal leaders for elections
E) Monitor forest resource allocation
Answer: C) Digitally archive and promote tribal artforms

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Adi Sanskriti digital platform for tribal art and heritage
• Location: India (national digital rollout)
• Date: 10 September 2025 (beta launch)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Launch of a digital platform offering courses, archives, and marketplace for tribal artforms; integration with TRIFED’s marketing channels.
• Objectives: To preserve, document, and promote tribal heritage and art through digital means; to provide fair trade and learning opportunities for tribal communities.

Important Terms Explained:

• Adi Sanskriti: A digital platform developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to document, teach, and market tribal artforms and cultural practices through online tools and courses.
• Adi Haat: The integrated online marketplace within Adi Sanskriti that links tribal artisans directly to buyers via TRIFED, enhancing sustainable marketing of tribal products.
• TribalEx: The proposed second phase and renamed version of Adi Sanskriti; a full-fledged e-learning platform focused on tribal heritage and knowledge systems.

Tabular Summary:

---

---

Over All Review

DOWNLOAD TODAY’S CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF – CLICK HERE

You Must Also Read Daily Current Affairs December 17