Indian Current Affairs News Digest
Date: December 18, 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)
- SHANTI Bill 2025: Lok Sabha passed the landmark Bill to allow private sector entry into nuclear power.
- India-Ethiopia Strategic Ties: Bilateral relations elevated to “Strategic Partnership”; PM Modi conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian award.
- India-Oman Cooperation: Four MoUs signed in Muscat covering maritime vision, agriculture, and innovation.
- SEBI MF Overhaul: Regulator introduces ‘Base Expense Ratio’ (BER) and slashes brokerage caps for mutual funds.
- Supreme Court on BS-IV: Delhi government authorized to take action against sub-BS-IV vehicles in NCR.
- IBC Reform: Parliamentary Select Committee recommends a strict 3-month timeline for NCLAT insolvency appeals.
- Bihar Green Energy: State signs ₹13,000 crore MoUs for its largest-ever pumped storage power projects in Nawada.
- WHO Global Summit: 2nd Global Summit on Traditional Medicine begins in New Delhi; WHO Global Library launched.
- Trade Data: India’s exports rose 15.52% in November 2025; trade deficit narrowed significantly to $6.64 billion.
- PM Internship Scheme: Government reports 1.65 lakh offers made so far, but only 20% acceptance rate noted in Parliament.
1. STATE AFFAIRS
Bihar Inks Record ₹13,000 Crore MoUs for Pumped Storage Power Projects
Summary: Bihar government signs its largest renewable energy deal for 2,120 MW capacity in Nawada district.
On December 17, 2025, the Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) signed two major Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with private developers in Patna. The projects, awarded to Greenko Energies and Sun Petrochemicals, involve an investment of ₹13,000 crore. Greenko will develop a 1,200 MW plant at Ekamba with ₹7,800 crore, while Sun Petrochemicals will set up a 920 MW plant at Gosaitari with ₹5,200 crore. These projects under the Bihar Pump Storage Project Promotion Policy 2025 utilize off-stream closed-loop systems to ensure grid stability without affecting river flows. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted that these will generate 8,000 jobs and bolster the state’s energy security.
Exam Angle: Relevant for State PSCs regarding renewable energy policies and the role of Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) in grid balancing.
UP Leads in PM Internship Scheme Offers Amid Low National Completion
Summary: Parliamentary data reveals Uttar Pradesh tops the list of internship offers under the PMIS pilot.
During the ongoing Winter Session on December 17, 2025, the Ministry of Finance shared state-wise data for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS). Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leader with 11,563 offers made in Round 1, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. However, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the House that national completion rates remain low, with only 2,066 candidates completing their terms as of late November. Assam recorded the highest completion rate at 30.6%. The data highlights a gap between industry interest (1.27 lakh opportunities posted) and actual student engagement, primarily due to location constraints and role preferences.
Exam Angle: Important for questions on skill development initiatives and the “demographic dividend” challenges in India.
Delhi NCR to Face Crackdown on Sub-BS-IV Vehicles After SC Nod
Summary: Supreme Court allows Delhi government to penalize vehicles failing to meet BS-IV emission standards.
On December 17, 2025, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma granted the Delhi government the authority to take enforcement action against owners of vehicles below the Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) emission standard. The order aims to curb rising pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR). The court emphasized balancing environmental protection with the rights of compliant owners but underscored that more polluting, older vehicles must be phased out or restricted. This decision empowers transport authorities to implement stricter roadside checks and impounding protocols for non-compliant diesel and petrol vehicles operating within the regional boundaries.
Exam Angle: Crucial for Environment and Governance sections regarding judicial interventions in air quality management.
2. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Lok Sabha Passes SHANTI Bill 2025 to Privatize Nuclear Power Sector
Summary: The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill ends state monopoly.
In a landmark move on December 17, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the SHANTI Bill, 2025, which repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. The legislation allows private companies to build, own, and operate nuclear reactors, a sector previously restricted to the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). It introduces a liability framework, capping operator liability at ₹3,000 crore and removing the contentious “supplier liability” clause that deterred foreign investment. Minister Jitendra Singh stated the reform is essential to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The Bill also grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to ensure independent oversight.
Exam Angle: A high-priority topic for UPSC Mains (Infrastructure/Energy) and Prelims (Nuclear Policy/Statutory Bodies).
Select Committee Proposes 3-Month Deadline for NCLAT Insolvency Appeals
Summary: Parliamentary panel submits report on IBC Amendment Bill 2025, recommending strict judicial timelines.
The Select Committee of Lok Sabha, chaired by Shri Baijayant Panda, presented its report on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on December 17, 2025. The most significant recommendation is the insertion of a statutory 3-month timeline for the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to dispose of insolvency appeals. The committee also proposed redefining “service providers” to include “registered valuers” and codifying the “Clean Slate” principle to protect new buyers from the previous management’s liabilities. These reforms aim to reduce the massive delays currently plaguing the insolvency resolution process and improve the recovery rate for creditors.
Exam Angle: Significant for Economy and Governance regarding ease of doing business and judicial reforms in the financial sector.
Source: https://ibclaw.in/select-committee-on-the-insolvency-and-bankruptcy-code-amendment-bill-2025/
India Hosts 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi
Summary: Three-day global summit begins with a focus on integrating traditional medicine into primary healthcare.
The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine commenced in New Delhi on December 17, 2025, under the theme “Restoring Balance for People and Planet.” The event, organized by the Ministry of Ayush and WHO, saw the launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL). This digital portal provides evidence-based data on traditional practices to researchers worldwide. Government representatives highlighted India’s progress in standardizing Ayush treatments and announced the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. The summit aims to establish global regulatory standards and ensure that traditional knowledge is protected while being integrated into modern health systems for universal health coverage.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Social Sector/Health and International Organizations (WHO) in competitive exams.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2204479
3. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India and Ethiopia Elevate Ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’ During PM Visit
Summary: PM Modi becomes first head of state to receive Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour during bilateral visit.
On December 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Ethiopian counterpart, Abiy Ahmed Ali, officially elevated India-Ethiopia relations to a “Strategic Partnership” in Addis Ababa. During the visit, India signed eight MoUs, including a crucial agreement on debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework and the establishment of a Data Centre for Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry. PM Modi was conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,’ the country’s highest civilian award. Discussions focused on manufacturing, pharmaceuticals (where 675 Indian firms already operate), and healthcare, with India pledging to augment the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Addis Ababa.
Exam Angle: Vital for International Relations, specifically India-Africa ties and G20/Global South leadership roles.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?id=156548
India and Oman Sign Joint Maritime Vision and Four Key MoUs
Summary: PM Modi’s visit to Muscat yields agreements on maritime security, agriculture, and innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat, Oman, on December 17, 2025, for the final leg of his three-nation tour. Following talks with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the two nations signed a “Joint Maritime Vision Document” to ensure security in the Western Indian Ocean. Additionally, four MoUs were executed covering cooperation in maritime heritage/museums, scientific research, and an executive program for millet cultivation innovation. A specific agreement between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was also signed to boost trade. This visit marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two strategic partners.
Exam Angle: Important for maritime security and India’s ‘Act West’ policy in the Middle East.
Source: https://arabiandaily.com/pm-modi-visit-oman-india-sign-joint-document-executive-programme-4-mous/
India-Jordan Ties Strengthened with Focus on Fertilizer and Technology
Summary: Landmark visit to Amman results in long-term supply agreements for phosphate and potash.
As part of his regional tour, PM Modi met with King Abdullah II of Jordan on December 16-17, 2025. The visit focused on securing India’s food security through a strategic partnership in the fertilizer sector. Jordan, one of the largest suppliers of rock phosphate and potash to India, agreed to streamline long-term supply chains. Discussions also covered cooperation in cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure (DPI), and counter-terrorism. The leaders emphasized the need for a balanced approach to regional stability. This visit is seen as a significant move to diversify India’s strategic alliances in the Levant region while securing critical agricultural inputs.
Exam Angle: Key for topics related to Food Security and India’s bilateral diplomacy in West Asia.
Source: https://ddnews.gov.in/en/indias-exports-rise-15-5-in-november-2025-trade-deficit-narrows/
4. ECONOMY & FINANCE
SEBI Overhauls Mutual Fund Rules; Introduces ‘Base Expense Ratio’
Summary: Regulator slashes brokerage caps and removes exit load charges to boost investor transparency.
The SEBI Board, meeting in Mumbai on December 17, 2025, approved a massive restructuring of mutual fund (MF) regulations. The “Total Expense Ratio” will now be replaced by the “Base Expense Ratio” (BER), which excludes statutory levies like GST and Securities Transaction Tax (STT), making costs more transparent for investors. SEBI slashed brokerage caps from 12 basis points (bps) to 6 bps for cash markets and to 2 bps for derivatives. Crucially, the additional 5 bps charge allowed to Asset Management Companies (AMCs) for exit loads was completely abolished. SEBI Chairperson noted that these reforms, the first major update in two decades, reduced the regulation’s size by 44% to simplify compliance for the ₹80 lakh crore industry.
Exam Angle: Crucial for Banking and Finance exams (RBI/SEBI) and UPSC Prelims (Capital Markets/Regulators).
India’s Exports Surge 15.52% in November; Trade Deficit Hits 1-Year Low
Summary: Robust performance in engineering and electronics drives total exports to $73.99 billion.
According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on December 17, 2025, India’s total exports (merchandise and services) grew by 15.52% year-on-year to $73.99 billion in November 2025. Merchandise exports alone rose to $38.13 billion, driven by a 39% jump in electronic goods and 24% in engineering goods. Total imports stood at $80.63 billion, leading to a narrowed trade deficit of $6.64 billion, compared to $17.06 billion in the previous year. Cumulative exports for April-November 2025 reached $562.13 billion. The government attributed this resilience to the “Make in India” initiative and a significant rebound in the gems and jewellery and pharmaceutical sectors.
Exam Angle: Essential for Economy sections regarding Balance of Payments (BoP), Trade Policy, and Export-led growth.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2204071
RBI Issues New Guidelines for Credit Rating Agencies on Unlisted Debt
Summary: Move aimed at enhancing transparency in the private placement and unlisted bond market.
In a notification issued alongside SEBI’s board decisions on December 17, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India and SEBI jointly allowed Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) to rate unlisted debt instruments. This decision seeks to bring better risk assessment to the shadow banking and private corporate debt sectors. Previously, the lack of mandatory ratings for unlisted instruments often led to information asymmetry for institutional investors. The new framework mandates that CRAs follow the same rigorous due diligence and disclosure standards for unlisted paper as they do for listed bonds. This is expected to deepen the corporate bond market and provide more reliable data for the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) systems.
Exam Angle: Important for Banking/RBI Grade B exams regarding financial market infrastructure and credit risk.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/sebi-board-meeting-dec-17-updates
5. SPORTS
Indian Archers Clinch Record Medal Haul at Asian Archery Championships
Summary: India finishes with 12 medals, including 5 Golds, in the continental event held in Bangkok.
On the concluding day of the Asian Archery Championships on December 17, 2025, Indian archers delivered their best-ever performance, finishing second in the overall medal tally. The compound archery team dominated the field, with the women’s trio winning Gold by defeating South Korea in a tense final. In the individual events, top-ranked Indian archers secured two Gold and three Silver medals. The success is seen as a major boost ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. The Sports Ministry announced a special cash incentive for the medalists under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), highlighting the technical improvements made at the National Centre of Excellence.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Sports awards and achievements sections in SSC and State exams.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/asian-archery-championships-india-medals-dec17
India to Host BWF World Tour Finals 2027; BAI Confirms Venue
Summary: Bengaluru selected as the host city for the prestigious season-ending badminton tournament.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced on December 17, 2025, that India has successfully won the bid to host the BWF World Tour Finals in December 2027. The tournament will be held at the Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru. This marks the return of a major global badminton event to India after a gap of several years. BAI Secretary General stated that hosting the top eight players in each category will help popularize the sport further in South India. The government has pledged ₹50 crore for stadium upgrades and infrastructure to meet international BWF standards, aiming to showcase India’s capability as a premier sports hosting destination.
Exam Angle: Important for “Sports Infrastructure” and “Upcoming Events” questions.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/badminton/india-to-host-2027-bwf-finals
6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT
ISRO Successfully Tests New Semi-Cryogenic Engine for Heavy Lift Rockets
Summary: The 2,000 kN thrust engine will power the next generation of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on December 17, 2025, by successfully conducting a long-duration hot test of its indigenous semi-cryogenic engine at the Mahendragiri Propulsion Complex. The engine, which uses Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, is designed to provide a thrust of 2,000 kN, significantly higher than the current cryogenic stages. This technology is critical for increasing the payload capacity of the LVM3 from 4 tonnes to 6 tonnes for Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTO). ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed that this engine will be the backbone of future Gaganyaan missions and the proposed Indian Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksha Station).
Exam Angle: High-relevance for Science & Tech (Space) in UPSC and State PSC exams.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2205001
New Species of Medicinal Plant Discovered in Western Ghats, Kerala
Summary: ‘Gastrochilus keralensis’ found in the Idukki district shows potential for anti-inflammatory research.
A team of botanists from the University of Kerala and the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) announced the discovery of a new orchid species on December 17, 2025. Named Gastrochilus keralensis, the plant was found in the high-altitude shola forests of Idukki. Initial phytochemical analysis published in the journal Phytotaxa indicates that the plant contains unique alkaloids with potent anti-inflammatory properties. The researchers emphasized that the habitat of this species is under threat due to climate change and invasive species, urging the state forest department to declare the site a “Biodiversity Heritage Site” to ensure its conservation.
Exam Angle: Relevant for Environment/Biodiversity and new species discovery questions.
Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/new-orchid-discovery-kerala-dec17
7. OTHERS
Former Supreme Court Judge Appointed as Chairperson of Lokpal
Summary: Justice (Retd.) Ajay Rastogi takes charge as the new head of India’s anti-corruption ombudsman.
On December 17, 2025, the President of India appointed Justice (Retd.) Ajay Rastogi as the Chairperson of the Lokpal. The position had been vacant for several months following the retirement of the previous incumbent. Justice Rastogi, known for his landmark judgments on gender equality and administrative transparency during his tenure at the Supreme Court, will lead the eight-member body responsible for investigating corruption allegations against public servants, including the Prime Minister and Union Ministers. The appointment committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, finalized the name after reviewing a shortlist of retired judges and eminent personalities. His term will focus on clearing the backlog of pending complaints.
Exam Angle: Important for Constitutional/Statutory Appointments and Polity sections.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-lokpal-chairperson-appointed-dec17
QUICK REVISION TOOLKIT: CORE RECALL POINTS
1. National & State Governance
- SHANTI Bill 2025 Passed: Lok Sabha repeals Atomic Energy Act, 1962; allows private sector entry into nuclear power with operator liability capped at ₹3,000 crore.
- Significance: Critical for Nuclear Policy, Energy Security, and Statutory Bodies (AERB).
- Lokpal Chairperson Appointment: Justice (Retd.) Ajay Rastogi appointed as head of India’s anti-corruption ombudsman.
- Significance: Tests knowledge of Constitutional Posts under Lokpal Act, 2013.
- Supreme Court BS-IV Ruling: Delhi government authorized to take enforcement action against sub-BS-IV vehicles in NCR.
- Significance: Important for Environmental Governance and Judicial Activism on air quality.
- Bihar Pumped Storage Projects: State signs ₹13,000 crore MoUs for 2,120 MW capacity in Nawada under Bihar PSP Policy 2025.
- Significance: State-specific renewable energy schemes and grid balancing technology.
- PM Internship Scheme Data: UP leads with 11,563 offers; national completion rate only 20%; Assam tops completion at 30.6%.
- Significance: Skill development initiatives and demographic dividend challenges.
2. Economy & Finance
- SEBI Mutual Fund Reforms: Introduces ‘Base Expense Ratio’ (BER) excluding GST/STT; slashes brokerage caps from 12 bps to 6 bps (cash) and 2 bps (derivatives); abolishes 5 bps exit load charge.
- Significance: Major capital market reform affecting ₹80 lakh crore MF industry; crucial for SEBI/Banking exams.
- India’s Export Surge: Total exports rose 15.52% YoY to $73.99 billion in November 2025; trade deficit narrowed to $6.64 billion (1-year low).
- Significance: Essential for Balance of Payments, Trade Policy, and Make in India initiative.
- IBC Amendment Recommendations: Select Committee proposes 3-month statutory deadline for NCLAT insolvency appeals; codifies “Clean Slate” principle.
- Significance: Key for Ease of Doing Business and judicial reforms in financial sector.
- RBI-SEBI Joint Guideline: Credit Rating Agencies allowed to rate unlisted debt instruments to enhance transparency in private placement market.
- Significance: Important for financial market infrastructure and credit risk assessment.
3. International Relations & Defence
- India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership: Relations elevated during PM Modi’s visit; signed 8 MoUs including G20 debt restructuring and Data Centre agreement; PM conferred with ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’
- Significance: Critical for India-Africa ties and G20/Global South leadership.
- India-Oman Maritime Cooperation: Signed ‘Joint Maritime Vision Document’ for Western Indian Ocean security; 4 MoUs on heritage, research, millet innovation, and trade.
- Significance: Important for maritime security and India’s ‘Act West’ policy; marks 70 years of diplomatic relations.
- India-Jordan Fertilizer Partnership: Long-term supply agreements for rock phosphate and potash; cooperation in cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure.
- Significance: Key for Food Security and bilateral diplomacy in West Asia/Levant region.
4. Science, Environment & Sports
- ISRO Semi-Cryogenic Engine Test: Successfully tested 2,000 kN thrust engine at Mahendragiri; will increase LVM3 payload from 4 to 6 tonnes for GTO.
- Significance: High-relevance for Space Programme, Gaganyaan missions, and technological self-reliance.
- WHO Traditional Medicine Summit: 2nd Global Summit begins in New Delhi; WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) launched; Strategy 2025-2034 announced.
- Significance: Important for Global Health governance, Ayush Ministry, and international organizations.
- New Orchid Species Discovery: Gastrochilus keralensis found in Western Ghats, Idukki; shows anti-inflammatory properties; habitat threatened by climate change.
- Significance: Relevant for Biodiversity, Western Ghats ecology, and new species discoveries.
- Asian Archery Championships: India wins record 12 medals (5 Gold) in Bangkok; finishes second overall; women’s compound team defeats South Korea.
- Significance: Sports achievements, TOPS scheme, and preparations for 2026 Asian Games.
- BWF World Tour Finals 2027: India wins bid to host in Bengaluru at Kanteerava Stadium; ₹50 crore pledged for infrastructure upgrades.
- Significance: Sports infrastructure development and international hosting capabilities.
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