18 December 2025 Current Affairs (With PDF)

Stay updated with 18 December 2025 Current Affairs on this page! We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB–G RAM G Bill)

Why in News

Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha, proposing to replace MGNREGA, 2005 with a restructured rural employment and livelihood framework.

Objective of the Bill

• To provide enhanced rural employment,
• Focus on durable asset creation,
• Align rural development with Viksit Bharat vision and infrastructure-led growth.

Key Features

1. Employment Guarantee:

• 125 days of guaranteed unskilled manual work per rural household per financial year
  (Earlier: 100 days under MGNREGA)
• State Governments empowered to suspend the scheme for up to 60 days during sowing and harvesting seasons to ensure availability of agricultural labour.

2. Durable Asset Creation (Priority Themes):

Works must align with four national priorities:

• Water Security
• Core Rural Infrastructure
• Livelihood-related Infrastructure
• Special Works for Extreme Weather Events (climate resilience)

3. Planning Architecture:

• Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) prepared by Gram Panchayats.
• VGPPs integrated with PM Gati Shakti for infrastructure convergence.
• Plans aggregated through Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack (VB-NRIS) for coordinated national planning.
• Grading of Panchayats based on development indicators.
• Higher allocations for underperforming Panchayats to reduce regional disparities.

4. Institutional Oversight:

• Central & State Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Councils: Review, monitor, and advise on scheme implementation.
• National & State Steering Committees: Recommendations on financial allocation, inter-ministerial convergence, and strategic oversight.

5. Transparency & Monitoring:

• Digitisation-driven governance: Biometric authentication, AI-enabled analytics
• Social Audit by Gram Sabha
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism at Block and District levels.

Significance

• Expands employment guarantee beyond MGNREGA limits.
• Links rural employment with infrastructure creation and climate resilience.
• Introduces performance-based Panchayat funding.
• Aligns grassroots planning with national infrastructure vision.

Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025

Why in News

The Lok Sabha has passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, aimed at deepening insurance penetration, boosting capital inflows, and strengthening policyholder protection.

Acts Amended

• Insurance Act, 1938
• Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Act, 1956
• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999

Objectives

• Accelerate growth and development of the insurance sector
• Improve consumer protection and financial resilience
• Attract global capital and expertise
• Strengthen regulatory enforcement

Key Features

1. 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• FDI limit raised from 74% to 100% in Indian insurance companies.
• Applies to paid-up equity capital (capital fully paid by shareholders).
• Expected impact: Greater capital availability, competition, innovation, and product diversity.

2. Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund (PEPF)

• A dedicated fund to Protect policyholders’ interests & Promote insurance awareness and financial literacy
• Administered by IRDAI

3. Relaxation for Foreign Re-insurers

• Net Owned Fund (NOF) requirement reduced: From ₹5,000 crore → ₹1,000 crore
• Objective: Encourage more global re-insurers to operate in India, improving risk absorption and market depth.

4. Enhanced Powers of IRDAI

• IRDAI empowered with SEBI-like enforcement authority
• Can recover wrongful gains, impose stricter compliance measures, and strengthen supervision.

5. Greater Operational Autonomy for LIC

• LIC can Set up new zonal offices without prior government approval
• Enhances flexibility, speed of expansion, and competitiveness.

Significance

• Positions India as a globally attractive insurance market
• Supports “Insurance for All” vision
• Strengthens policyholder trust and protection mechanisms
• Boosts long-term savings and financial inclusion

Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025

Why in News

The SHANTI Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha to modernise India’s nuclear governance framework by replacing:

• Atomic Energy Act, 1962
• Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010

The Bill aligns nuclear energy expansion with Viksit Bharat, energy security, and climate commitments.

Key Objectives

• Enable clean, reliable baseload power for India’s energy transition
• Unlock private sector participation in nuclear power
• Reform nuclear liability architecture to attract investment
• Strengthen regulatory safety and accountability

Key Provisions of SHANTI Bill, 2025

1. Opening Nuclear Sector to Non-Government Entities:

• Permits participation of Indian private companies & Joint ventures between government entities and private firms
• Ends long-standing state monopoly in nuclear power generation.

2. Revised Nuclear Liability Framework:

• Introduces a tiered liability structure based on reactor capacity: ₹100 crore to ₹3,000 crore
• Replaces the flat ₹1,500 crore cap under CLNDA (for ≥10 MW reactors).
• Central Government liability applies beyond operator cap.
• Provision for a Nuclear Liability Fund to meet excess compensation.
• No-fault liability retained: operator liable irrespective of negligence.
• Mandatory insurance for nuclear operators continues.

3. Removal of Operator’s Right of Recourse:

• Eliminates the operator’s right to recover damages from Equipment or material suppliers, Contractual partners, Parties responsible for deliberate acts
• This marks a significant departure from CLNDA, 2010, aimed at reducing supplier risk and attracting foreign and domestic investment.

4. Expanded Territorial Scope:

• Compensation extended to nuclear damage occurring in foreign territories, if caused by nuclear incidents within India, subject to specified conditions.

5. Strengthened Nuclear Regulation:

• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): Granted statutory status, Responsible for radiation safety and nuclear oversight.
• Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council: Established to hear appeals against decisions of: Central Government, AERB
• Further appeal lies before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (ATE).

US Questions WTO’s Role as Primary Forum for Global Trade Dispute Resolution

Why in News

United States has questioned the relevance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the central forum for resolving present and future global trade disputes, blaming it for structural imbalances in the global trading system.

Key US Criticisms

Challenge to Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) Principle

• MFN requires a country to apply the same tariff rate to all WTO members for a given product.
• The US argues MFN: Prevents countries from customising bilateral trade relationships
• Fails to reflect strategic, security, and economic asymmetries among trading partners

Key Challenges Faced by the WTO

1. Regulatory Lag:

• WTO rules lag behind contemporary trade realities such as: Economic security, Supply chain resilience, Digital trade and data governance, Climate-related trade measures (e.g. EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – CBAM)

2. Growing Global Trade Imbalances:

• Persistence of non-market policies has led to Overcapacity and production concentration in select economies
  Example: China’s industrial overcapacity
• Resulting dependencies have increased global economic vulnerabilities.

3. Dispute Settlement Crisis:

• WTO’s Appellate Body remains non-functional.
• Cause: US blocking appointment of new judges, undermining enforcement of rulings.
• Consequence: Erosion of rule-based dispute resolution.

4. Geopolitical Fragmentation:

• Rise of: Economic nationalism; Trade wars, particularly US–China tensions
• Countries increasingly adopt unilateral and protectionist measures, bypassing WTO norms.

5. Consensus Deadlock:

WTO’s unanimity-based decision-making has:

• Stalled the Doha Development Round for decades
• Encouraged shift toward plurilateral agreements among like-minded countries outside full WTO consensus.

Why WTO Reform Is Urgent

To remain relevant, WTO must:

• Update trade rules for digital economy, climate action, and security-linked trade
• Restore a functional dispute settlement mechanism
• Balance developmental concerns with modern trade realities

Implications for India

1. MFN dilution could weaken multilateralism that benefits developing countries.

2. Plurilateralism risks rule-making by the powerful, marginalising smaller economies.

3. India supports:

• Restoration of Appellate Body
• Development-centric reforms and inclusivity in rule-making.

UNGA Adopts Global Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health

Why in News

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), member states adopted the first-ever political declaration that jointly addresses Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health, setting time-bound targets up to 2030.

Key Features of the Declaration

1. Expanded Scope of NCDs:

• Newly recognised areas: Oral health, Lung health, Childhood cancer
• Moves beyond the traditional four NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases).

2. New Determinants of Health:

• Explicit inclusion of: Air pollution, Clean cooking and household energy, Lead exposure, Hazardous chemicals

3. Digital Health Risks (First-time Inclusion):

• Acknowledges harms from: Excessive screen time, Social media-related mental health issues, Misinformation and disinformation
• Recognises digital environments as emerging public-health determinants.

4. Stronger Regulatory Commitments:

• Calls for enhanced regulation of: Tobacco products, Unhealthy foods and trans fats, E-cigarettes and vaping devices

5. Whole-of-Government & Whole-of-Society Approach:

• Emphasises coordinated action involving: Multiple government ministries; Civil society, youth, persons with disabilities; Private sector and community stakeholders

6. Accountability Mechanism:

• UN Secretary-General to report progress on targets.
• WHO mandated to provide technical support and monitoring.

Why the Declaration Matters

Global Health Burden

• NCDs cause ~18 million premature deaths annually.
• Mental health conditions affect over 1 billion people worldwide.
• Both share common, preventable risk factors: Tobacco use, Unhealthy diets, Harmful use of alcohol, Physical inactivity, Air pollution

India’s Initiatives Aligned with the Declaration

1. For NCDs:

• AMRIT Pharmacies: Affordable medicines and implants for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
• Eat Right India Movement (FSSAI): Promotes safe, healthy, and sustainable diets.
• Fit India Movement (2019): Encourages active lifestyles.

2. For Mental Health:

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), 1982: Expanding access to basic mental healthcare.
• Tele-MANAS: 24×7 tele-mental health services.
• Manodarpan: Psychosocial support for students.

Goldar Committee Recommendations on GDP Compilation

Why in News

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 2nd Discussion Paper proposing methodological changes in GDP compilation using the Expenditure Approach, based on recommendations of the Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS) chaired by Prof. B. N. Goldar.

About the Goldar Committee (ACNAS)

• Full Name: Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics
• Chairperson: Prof. B. N. Goldar
• Role: Advises MoSPI on improving methodology, data sources, and accuracy of national income accounts.

Key Recommendations of the Goldar Committee

1. Base Year Revision:

• Proposed Change: Update base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
• Rationale:
  - Reflects structural transformation of the Indian economy.
  - Accounts for changes post: GST implementation, Digital economy expansion, COVID-19 impact and recovery
• Aligns India with international best practices, where base years are revised periodically.

2. Data Integration and Methodological Improvements:

• Inclusion of Updated Data Sources, such as: GSTN data (formalisation of economy), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Digital economy datasets, Administrative and high-frequency data
• Objective: Better capture Informal sector contributions, Platform and gig economy, Changing consumption patterns, Services-led growth

3. Improved Expenditure Approach to GDP:

• Enhances estimation of: Private Final Consumption Expenditure, Government consumption, Gross Fixed Capital Formation, Net exports
• Reduces discrepancies between production, income, and expenditure approaches.

Significance of the Recommendations

• More Accurate GDP Estimates: Reflects real economic activity in a rapidly digitalising economy.
• Better Policy Formulation: Reliable data improves fiscal, monetary, and welfare policy decisions.
• Global Comparability: Aligns India’s national accounts with UN System of National Accounts (SNA).
• Transparency & Credibility: Addresses concerns around under/over-estimation of growth.

Maitri Research Station (Antarctica)

Why in News

India plans to replace the existing Maitri Research Station with a new Maitri-II Station by 2032, aimed at significantly enhancing year-round scientific research in Antarctica.

About Maitri Research Station

1. Established:

• 1988

2. Location:

• Central Dronning Maud Land, south of Schirmacher Oasis, Antarctica

3. Significance:

• Serves as a key logistical and scientific gateway to one of the largest mountain chains in central Dronning Maud Land.
• Has supported decades of Indian research in glaciology, geology, atmospheric sciences, climate studies, and polar biology.

Maitri-II Station (Proposed)

1. Timeline:

• Planned completion by 2032

2. Nature:

• State-of-the-art, all-season research hub

3. Key Objectives:

Enhance India’s long-term polar research capabilities

• Support advanced research on climate change, ice dynamics, earth sciences, and atmospheric processes
• Improve energy efficiency, sustainability, safety, and habitability for scientists during extreme Antarctic winters

India’s Other Polar Research Stations

• Bharati – Antarctica (modern, coastal research station)
• Dakshin Gangotri – Antarctica (India’s first scientific base; now decommissioned)
• Himadri – Arctic (located at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway)

AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters

Why in News

The Indian Army has received the final batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, completing a key acquisition to strengthen its combat aviation capabilities.

About AH-64E Apache

• A next-generation attack helicopter designed for high-intensity combat operations.
• Functions as a fully integrated weapons platform enabling precision strikes in complex battlefield conditions.
• Optimized for network-centric warfare, enhancing coordination with ground and air assets.

Key Features

1. Advanced Sensors & Targeting:

• Long-range electro-optical and radar-based targeting systems.
• Enables accurate engagement in all-weather, day-night conditions.

2.Unmanned Aircraft Control:

• Capable of controlling and receiving data from unmanned aerial systems.
• Enhances reconnaissance and target acquisition.

3. Digital Connectivity:

• Secure data-link systems for real-time battlefield information sharing.

4. Enhanced Performance:

• Improved engines and transmission.
• Greater power, endurance, survivability and maneuverability in high-altitude and hot-weather environments.

Gulf of Oman

Why in News

Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman carrying crew members from India, highlighting renewed concerns over maritime security in the region.

About the Gulf of Oman

1. Location:

• Northwestern arm of the Arabian Sea

2. Water Bodies Connected:

• Links the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz
• Strait of Hormuz further connects to the Persian Gulf

3. Bordering Countries:

• Iran – North; United Arab Emirates (UAE) – West; Oman – South

Geostrategic Importance

• Serves as a critical maritime corridor for global energy trade.
• The Strait of Hormuz, accessed via the Gulf of Oman, handles around one-fifth of global oil shipments.
• Any disruption impacts Global oil prices & Energy security, especially for import-dependent countries like India.
• Frequent site of Naval patrols & Geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, the US, and Gulf states.

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