Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: December 20, 2025
Compiled from 15+ leading Indian news sources
Your daily exam-focused news digest covering critical developments across governance, economy, international relations, science, and sports. Every article verified from original newspaper sources.
Today’s Top 10 Recall Points (Snapshot)
- VB-GRAM G Bill: Government tables bill in Parliament to replace MGNREGA with 125 guaranteed work days.
- Securities Code: FM Nirmala Sitharaman introduces the Securities Markets Code Bill 2025 to unify SEBI and SCR Acts.
- India-Oman CEPA: India and Oman sign a landmark trade deal; PM Modi conferred with ‘Order of Oman’.
- Voter Revision: Gujarat EC deletes 73.73 lakh voters from rolls after an intensive revision drive.
- UNESCO Honors: Rajasthan’s ‘Ghoomar’ dance officially inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- T20 Victory: India defeats South Africa by 30 runs in Ahmedabad to win the T20I series 3-1.
- Doping Crisis: WADA report ranks India #1 globally in doping violations for 2024.
- ISRO Milestone: Successful testing of a green monopropellant thruster for future satellite missions.
- New Appointment: Dr. V.K. Saraswat appointed as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
- Trade Pact: Union Cabinet approves the India-New Zealand Trade Pact to boost pharma and textile exports.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Gujarat Deletes Over 73 Lakh Voters in Special Revision
Summary: Election Commission cleanses Gujarat voter rolls, removing 73.73 lakh names during a special intensive drive.
On December 19, 2025, Gujarat’s Chief Electoral Officer Hareet Shukla announced the results of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign. The drive, conducted between November 4 and December 14, resulted in the removal of 73,73,327 names from the state’s voter list. Consequently, the total number of registered voters in Gujarat has dropped from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore. The deletions targeted deceased individuals, duplicate entries, and those who had permanently shifted residences. This massive “cleanup” aims to ensure the integrity of future elections by maintaining an accurate database. The EC has now opened a window until January 18, 2026, for citizens to file claims or objections. For competitive exams, this highlights the role of the Election Commission in maintaining electoral purity and the procedural aspects of SIR under the Representation of the People Act.
Source: Times of India
Tamil Nadu Implements ‘Makkaludan Mudhalvar’ Extension for Rural Areas
Summary: The TN government extends its flagship public grievance redressal scheme to 12,525 village panchayats.
In a major push for grassroots governance, the Tamil Nadu government on December 19, 2025, initiated the second phase of the ‘Makkaludan Mudhalvar’ scheme across all 12,525 village panchayats. Under the direction of CM M.K. Stalin, the state has deployed specialized camps to provide on-the-spot solutions for 15 key departments, including Revenue, Electricity, and Social Welfare. The first phase focused on urban areas, but this rural expansion aims to bridge the digital divide. Official data suggests that over 8 lakh petitions were processed in the previous cycle with a 95% disposal rate. This initiative is a prime example of “doorstep governance,” reducing the need for citizens to visit district headquarters. For aspirants, this represents a significant model in decentralization and e-governance, often cited in GS Paper II (Governance) regarding service delivery mechanisms.
Source: The Hindu
Odisha Cabinet Approves ‘Sishu Abas’ Scheme for Orphaned Children
Summary: New state-funded housing and education initiative launched for children who lost parents to disasters.
The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by CM Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the “Sishu Abas” scheme on December 19, 2025, dedicated to the holistic rehabilitation of orphaned children. The scheme provides monthly financial assistance of ₹4,000 for children living with guardians and full residential support for those in state-run homes. Furthermore, the government has earmarked ₹150 crore for the construction of ten new “Vatsalya Grams” (Children’s Villages) that combine housing with vocational training centers. The policy specifically includes children orphaned due to natural disasters, which frequently affect the coastal state. This move aligns with the Juvenile Justice Act. For UPSC aspirants, this scheme is relevant to social justice and the protection of vulnerable sections, showcasing state-level interventions that supplement central programs like PM CARES.
Source: Press Information Bureau
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Parliament Tables VB-GRAM G Bill to Replace MGNREGA
Summary: Central government introduces legislation to overhaul rural employment by increasing work days to 125.
On December 19, 2025, the Union Government moved the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-GRAM G) in Parliament. This landmark legislation aims to replace the MGNREGA Act, 2005. The new Bill increases the statutory guarantee of wage employment from 100 days to 125 days per household annually. Key features include a “statutory pause” of up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons to prevent farm labor shortages and a shift toward a shared funding model. While the Centre previously bore 100% of unskilled wages, the new framework introduces normative caps. The Bill also integrates AI-based fraud detection for real-time monitoring. For exam purposes, this represents a fundamental shift in India’s social security architecture and a transition from a “right-to-work” model to a structured mission-based approach.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Securities Markets Code 2025 Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha
Summary: Finance Minister moves to consolidate SEBI Act, Depositories Act, and SCR Act into a single code.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Securities Markets Code 2025 Bill in the Lok Sabha on December 19, 2025. The Bill seeks to consolidate three major laws: the SEBI Act (1992), the Depositories Act (1996), and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (1956). The primary objective is to simplify the regulatory landscape and reduce compliance burdens. A notable provision is the expansion of the SEBI Board from 9 to 15 members and the introduction of stricter “conflict of interest” disclosure norms. The Bill has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance. This is a crucial development for Economy and Governance sections, marking a significant step in the “Ease of Doing Business” and financial sector reforms in India.
Source: Indian Express
Supreme Court Moves Intersex Rights Plea to Three-Judge Bench
Summary: CJI Surya Kant refers a petition seeking a ban on non-consensual surgeries on intersex infants to a larger bench.
The Supreme Court on December 19, 2025, referred a petition filed by activist Gopi Shankar Madurai to a three-judge bench. The petition seeks legal safeguards for intersex children, specifically demanding a nationwide ban on non-consensual, sex-selective “normalizing” surgeries on infants. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need to distinguish between biological sex and gender identity, noting that intersex persons are often incorrectly conflated with the transgender community. The petitioner also requested the inclusion of an “intersex” category in the National Census. For aspirants, this case is vital for understanding Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution and the evolving jurisprudence around bodily autonomy and identity rights in India.
Source: The Hindu
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM Modi Conferred with ‘Order of Oman’ During Muscat Visit
Summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Oman’s highest civilian honor during his two-day official visit.
On December 19, 2025, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman conferred the ‘Order of Oman’ (First Class) upon PM Narendra Modi in Muscat. The award recognizes Modi’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties. This visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. During the summit, both nations officially signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to boost trade in pharmaceuticals and textiles. Additionally, six MoUs were signed covering maritime security and green hydrogen. Oman is a key strategic partner regarding the Duqm Port and energy security. For competitive exams, this highlights India’s “Think West” policy and the importance of the Arabian Peninsula in India’s maritime strategy.
Source: Press Information Bureau
India and New Zealand Finalize Landmark Trade Agreement
Summary: The Union Cabinet approves a new trade pact to reduce tariffs and boost merchandise and services exports.
The Union Cabinet approved the India-New Zealand Trade Pact on December 19, 2025. This agreement follows months of negotiations to enhance bilateral trade, which reached $1.3 billion in FY 2024-25. The pact focuses on providing preferential market access for Indian medicines and textiles while easing imports of New Zealand’s dairy tech and wood pulp. Notably, the agreement includes a framework for services trade in IT and education. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the deal aims to build resilient supply chains in the Indo-Pacific. For aspirants, this is a significant update on India’s bilateral trade diplomacy and the “Make in India” initiative targeting global markets.
Source: Business Standard
UNESCO Launches ‘Bhasha Matters’ State of Education Report for India
Summary: Flagship report advocates for Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education to improve learning outcomes.
UNESCO New Delhi launched the 2025 State of the Education Report for India, titled “Bhasha Matters,” on December 19, 2025. The report underscores that education in the learner’s mother tongue is essential for cognitive development. It highlights that India is home to 1,369 languages, yet many children face “learning poverty” due to language barriers. The report aligns with NEP 2020, recommending the recruitment of multilingual teachers. It specifically lauds Odisha for developing bilingual textbooks. For exam preparation, this report is a critical resource for essays and GS Paper II, providing data-backed arguments for linguistic diversity as a tool for inclusive growth.
Source: The Hindu
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
Net Direct Tax Collections Grow 8% to ₹17.04 Trillion
Summary: Latest finance ministry data shows steady growth in corporate and personal income tax collections.
On December 19, 2025, the Ministry of Finance released data revealing that net direct tax collections reached ₹17.04 trillion for the current fiscal year (up to Dec 17). This represents an 8% increase compared to the previous year. The growth is attributed to a 12% rise in Personal Income Tax and a 6% growth in Corporate Tax. The government has achieved roughly 75% of the total budget estimate for FY 2025-26. Analysts suggest this buoyancy reflects resilient domestic demand and improved tax compliance through digital monitoring. For aspirants, these figures are vital for understanding fiscal health and the government’s capacity for social sector spending.
Source: Business Standard
RBI Issues New Guidelines on ‘Digital Lending 2.0’ Compliance
Summary: The central bank tightens norms for Loan Responsibility Mapping (LRM) to protect borrowers.
The Reserve Bank of India on December 19, 2025, issued a fresh circular under the “Digital Lending 2.0” framework. The new guidelines mandate that all Regulated Entities (Banks and NBFCs) must provide a Loan Responsibility Mapping (LRM) for every digital loan sanctioned through third-party apps. This mapping must identify the recovery agent and grievance officer responsible for that specific loan. The move is aimed at curbing unauthorized recovery practices. The RBI has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, for full implementation. For Banking aspirants, this is a key development in financial regulation and consumer protection.
Source: RBI Press Release
India’s Forex Reserves Rise by $2.5 Billion to $705 Billion
Summary: Strong capital inflows and valuation gains propel India’s reserves to a near-record high.
According to the RBI’s weekly supplement released on December 19, 2025, India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $2.53 billion, reaching $705.4 billion. This surge is driven by an increase in Foreign Currency Assets and a rise in gold reserve value. India holds the fourth-largest reserves globally, providing a buffer against external shocks. The strengthening of reserves signals investor confidence in India’s macroeconomic fundamentals. In the context of exams, forex reserves are a critical indicator of External Sector health, influencing the Balance of Payments and the Rupee’s exchange rate.
Source: Economic Times
5. SPORTS
India Clinches T20I Series 3-1 Against South Africa
Summary: Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma star as India wins the 5th T20I in Ahmedabad by 30 runs.
India secured a 3-1 series victory over South Africa on December 19, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. India posted a total of 231/5, powered by Tilak Varma’s 73 and Hardik Pandya’s 63. Hardik smashed the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian in just 16 balls. In response, South Africa was restricted to 201/8. Varun Chakaravarthy was the pick of the bowlers with 4/32. Hardik Pandya was named Player of the Match, while Chakaravarthy earned Player of the Series. This win reinforces India’s dominance in the T20 format. For sports questions, know the venue and key performers.
Source: NDTV Sports
India U19 Beats Sri Lanka to Enter Asia Cup Final
Summary: India chases down a rain-curtailed target in Dubai to set up a final against Pakistan.
The India Under-19 team stormed into the final of the U19 Asia Cup 2025 after defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Dubai on December 19, 2025. In a match reduced to 20 overs due to rain, Sri Lanka was restricted to 138/8. India’s chase was anchored by an unbeaten 114-run partnership between Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra. India will now face Pakistan in the final on Sunday. This tournament is crucial preparation for the upcoming U19 World Cup. Tracking youth sports achievements is essential as they frequently appear in the “Sports” sections of competitive exams.
Source: India TV News
India Tops WADA 2024 Doping Violations Report
Summary: WADA report reveals India has the highest number of doping offenders globally.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) released its 2024 report on December 19, 2025, placing India at the top of the global doping violations list. Out of 7,113 tests conducted by NADA, 260 samples returned positive, a rate of 3.6%. Athletics recorded the highest violations (76 cases), followed by weightlifting. NADA stated this is a result of “intensified testing.” However, the report is a blow to India’s 2036 Olympic bid. For exams, this highlights challenges in sports governance and the roles of WADA and NADA in maintaining integrity.
Source: Indian Express
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO Successfully Tests ‘Green’ Monopropellant for Satellite Propulsion
Summary: Breakthrough in eco-friendly space technology as ISRO tests a low-toxicity propellant.
On December 19, 2025, ISRO successfully conducted a hot test of a monopropellant based on Hydroxylammonium Nitrate (HAN) at Mahendragiri. This “green” propellant replaces toxic Hydrazine. The HAN-based propellant offers higher performance and is safer to handle. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated this will be integrated into future Gaganyaan missions. For science aspirants, this is a major milestone in “Sustainable Space Exploration” and reflects India’s efforts to reduce chemical toxicity in the aerospace industry.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Draft National Policy on Generative AI Governance Released
Summary: MeitY proposes a framework to tackle Deepfakes and ensure ‘Human-in-the-loop’ decisions.
MeitY released the Draft National Policy on Generative AI Governance on December 19, 2025. The policy proposes mandatory watermarking for AI-generated content to combat Deepfakes. It also introduces “Digital Sovereignty,” requiring AI models trained on Indian data to be hosted locally. A key pillar is the “Human-in-the-loop” requirement for healthcare and legal sectors. This policy is part of the IndiaAI Mission. For aspirants, this is a vital update for GS Paper III regarding the regulatory challenges of emerging technologies.
Source: Economic Times
New Species of ‘Glass Frog’ Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Summary: Scientists identify a semi-transparent frog species in the Namdapha National Park.
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India announced the discovery of a new frog species, Gracixalus himalayensis, in Arunachal Pradesh on December 19, 2025. Found in Namdapha National Park, the frog has semi-transparent abdominal skin. This is the first such discovery in the Eastern Himalayas. Scientists believe the species indicates a healthy forest ecosystem. For environment exams, this discovery emphasizes the status of the Eastern Himalayas as a “Biodiversity Hotspot.”
Source: Down To Earth
7. AWARDS, CULTURE & MISCELLANEOUS
UNESCO Recognizes ‘Ghoomar’ of Rajasthan as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Summary: The traditional folk dance of Rajasthan joins the prestigious UNESCO ICH list.
On December 19, 2025, UNESCO officially inscribed ‘Ghoomar’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Known for its graceful pirouettes, Ghoomar is performed by women and was adopted by Rajasthani royalty. This is the 16th Indian cultural element on the list. The Ministry of Culture stated this would provide a global platform for folk artists. For aspirants, this is “must-know” for Art and Culture, specifically UNESCO’s role in preserving global heritage.
Source: The Hindu
Dr. V.K. Saraswat Appointed as Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog
Summary: Renowned scientist and former DRDO chief takes over as the Vice-Chairperson of the think-tank.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet on December 19, 2025, appointed Dr. V.K. Saraswat as the Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog, succeeding B.V.R. Subrahmanyam. Dr. Saraswat, a Padma Bhushan recipient, has been a long-standing member of the Aayog. His appointment is seen as a move to integrate scientific research into economic planning. The Vice-Chairperson holds the rank of a Cabinet Minister. This is a critical “Appointment” update, as NITI Aayog is the nodal agency for achieving SDGs in India.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Veteran Actor Naseeruddin Shah Honored with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’
Summary: The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy honors the legendary actor for five decades of contribution to cinema.
On December 19, 2025, the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy conferred its ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ upon veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah at a ceremony in Mumbai. The award recognizes his work in parallel and commercial cinema over 50 years. Shah is a recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. This recognition highlights the cultural impact of his performances. Awards of this nature are frequent in the “Miscellaneous” or “Awards and Honours” sections of various competitive exams.
Source: Times of India
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: Core Recall Points
1. National & State Governance
- VB-GRAM G Bill 2025: Replaces MGNREGA; increases guaranteed work days from 100 to 125 per household annually with a 60-day agricultural pause.
- Significance: Major social security reform; transition from rights-based to mission-based approach with AI-based fraud detection.
- Securities Markets Code 2025: Consolidates SEBI Act (1992), Depositories Act (1996), and SCR Act (1956); expands SEBI Board from 9 to 15 members.
- Significance: Financial sector reform; “Ease of Doing Business” initiative; simplifies regulatory compliance.
- Gujarat Special Intensive Revision: 73.73 lakh voters deleted from electoral rolls; total voters reduced from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore.
- Significance: Electoral integrity under Representation of the People Act; procedural knowledge of SIR campaigns.
- Tamil Nadu ‘Makkaludan Mudhalvar’ Scheme: Extended to 12,525 village panchayats; provides doorstep governance for 15 departments with 95% disposal rate.
- Significance: Decentralization and e-governance model; service delivery mechanisms (GS Paper II).
- Odisha ‘Sishu Abas’ Scheme: ₹4,000 monthly assistance for orphaned children; ₹150 crore for 10 ‘Vatsalya Grams’ (Children’s Villages).
- Significance: Social justice for vulnerable sections; complements PM CARES; aligns with Juvenile Justice Act.
- Supreme Court Intersex Rights Case: Petition seeking ban on non-consensual surgeries on intersex infants referred to three-judge bench; demands separate census category.
- Significance: Articles 14 and 21; evolving jurisprudence on bodily autonomy and identity rights.
- NITI Aayog Leadership: Dr. V.K. Saraswat (Padma Bhushan, former DRDO chief) appointed Vice-Chairperson; holds Cabinet Minister rank.
- Significance: Integration of scientific research into economic planning; NITI Aayog’s role in SDGs.
2. Economy & Finance
- Net Direct Tax Collections: ₹17.04 trillion (8% growth); Personal Income Tax up 12%, Corporate Tax up 6%; achieved 75% of FY 2025-26 budget estimate.
- Significance: Fiscal health indicator; reflects improved tax compliance through digital monitoring.
- India’s Forex Reserves: Reached $705.4 billion (increase of $2.53 billion); fourth-largest globally.
- Significance: External sector stability; buffer against external shocks; Balance of Payments strength.
- RBI Digital Lending 2.0: Mandates Loan Responsibility Mapping (LRM) for all digital loans via third-party apps; deadline March 31, 2026.
- Significance: Consumer protection in fintech; curbs unauthorized recovery practices.
3. International Relations
- India-Oman Relations: PM Modi conferred ‘Order of Oman’ (First Class); signed CEPA covering pharma and textiles; 6 MoUs on maritime security and green hydrogen.
- Significance: 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties; “Think West” policy; Duqm Port and energy security.
- India-New Zealand Trade Pact: Approved by Cabinet; bilateral trade at $1.3 billion (FY 2024-25); preferential access for Indian medicines and textiles.
- Significance: Indo-Pacific supply chain resilience; bilateral trade diplomacy; “Make in India” global outreach.
- UNESCO ‘Bhasha Matters’ Report 2025: Advocates Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education; India has 1,369 languages; lauds Odisha’s bilingual textbooks.
- Significance: Aligns with NEP 2020; linguistic diversity for inclusive growth; addresses “learning poverty.”
4. Science, Technology & Environment
- ISRO Green Propellant Test: Successfully tested HAN-based (Hydroxylammonium Nitrate) monopropellant at Mahendragiri; replaces toxic Hydrazine.
- Significance: Sustainable space exploration; integration in Gaganyaan missions; reduces aerospace chemical toxicity.
- Draft National Policy on Generative AI: MeitY proposes mandatory watermarking for AI content; “Digital Sovereignty” requires local hosting of AI models trained on Indian data; “Human-in-the-loop” for healthcare and legal sectors.
- Significance: Tackles Deepfakes; part of IndiaAI Mission; regulatory framework for emerging tech (GS Paper III).
- New Glass Frog Discovery: Gracixalus himalayensis found in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh; semi-transparent abdominal skin.
- Significance: Eastern Himalayas as Biodiversity Hotspot; first such discovery in the region.
5. Sports
- India vs South Africa T20I Series: India won 3-1; 5th T20I in Ahmedabad with 30-run victory; Tilak Varma (73), Hardik Pandya (63 in 16 balls—second-fastest Indian T20I fifty); Varun Chakaravarthy 4/32, Player of the Series.
- Significance: Recent cricket achievements; venue and key performers for quick recall.
- India U19 Asia Cup: Defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in Dubai semi-final; will face Pakistan in final; Aaron George and Vihaan Malhotra’s 114-run partnership.
- Significance: Youth sports preparation for U19 World Cup; frequently tested in exam sports sections.
- WADA Doping Report 2024: India ranks #1 globally in doping violations; 260 positive samples out of 7,113 tests (3.6% rate); Athletics (76 cases) and weightlifting lead violations.
- Significance: Challenges in sports governance; roles of WADA and NADA; impact on India’s 2036 Olympic bid.
6. Art, Culture & Awards
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Rajasthan’s ‘Ghoomar’ dance inscribed; 16th Indian element on UNESCO ICH list; performed by women with graceful pirouettes.
- Significance: UNESCO’s role in preserving global heritage; must-know for Art and Culture sections.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Naseeruddin Shah honored by Dadasaheb Phalke Academy; recognized for 50 years in parallel and commercial cinema; Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan recipient.
- Significance: Awards and Honours section; cultural impact in Indian cinema.
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