1. NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1.1 Prime Minister Receives Oman’s Highest Civilian Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Oman, the highest civilian award of the Sultanate of Oman, in recognition of strengthening bilateral ties.
The honour was bestowed during an official visit highlighting enhanced strategic cooperation.
1.2 India and Oman Sign CEPA Expansion Agreement
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to expand cooperation in trade, investment, services, and technology.
The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade growth and diversify economic engagement.
1.3 Jammu & Kashmir Gets First Gen Z Post Office
Jammu & Kashmir inaugurated its first Gen Z Post Office at the AIIMS campus, Vijaypur.
The facility brings modern postal services with digital integration to support youth and entrepreneurs.
1.4 Jharkhand Passes Gig Workers Welfare Law
The Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2025 was approved, providing legal identity, welfare benefits, and regulatory support to platform workers in the state.
This landmark law sets precedents for other states.
1.5 Multi-Lane Free Flow Tolling (MLFF) System Nationwide Plan
Government announced that the MLFF tolling system, using RFID and automated payment, will be implemented across national highways by end of 2026 to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
2. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
2.1 Afghan Kunar River Diversion Raises Regional Concerns
Afghanistan’s plans to divert water from the Kunar River have triggered geopolitical and water security concerns for Pakistan, which relies on shared river systems.
2.2 Singapore Changi Airport Named World’s Best 2025
Singapore Changi Airport was voted the World’s Best International Airport for 2025, reaffirming its leadership in global aviation services.
2.3 YouTube to Stream Oscars Globally from 2029
YouTube signed an exclusive deal to stream the Academy Awards (Oscars) globally starting from 2029, a historic shift from traditional TV broadcasting.
3. ECONOMIC & BUSINESS UPDATES
3.1 Preliminary Competition Commission Inquiry into IndiGo
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has initiated a preliminary investigation of IndiGo following complaints about flight disruptions and potential market dominance issues.
3.2 Trade & Investment Enhancements with Gulf Nations
Discussions during the Oman visit included plans to enhance trade corridors, investment protection, and logistics cooperation between India and Gulf Cooperation Council members.
4. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
4.1 CSIR-CFTRI Advances Annatto Research
The CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) reported advancements in annatto research, focusing on improved extraction and post-harvest processing technologies.
5. SPORTS AFFAIRS
5.1 Rory McIlroy Wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025
Rory McIlroy (Golf) was honoured as BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025, after completing the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters at Augusta and leading Europe in the Ryder Cup.
Ellie Kildunne (Rugby) finished second, and Lando Norris (Formula One) third.
5.2 5th National Finswimming Championship Begins (19–22 Dec 2025)
Hosted at Yemmekere International Swimming Pool, Mangaluru with 1,400+ swimmers from 30 states and 144 events across categories.
West Bengal aims to defend its title, having been National Overall Champion for three consecutive years.
5.3 National Transgender Sports Meet 2025 – ‘Samta Ka Mahotsav’ Begins
Raipur, Chhattisgarh is hosting the National Transgender Sports Meet from 19–20 Dec 2025 to promote inclusion and physical excellence among transgender athletes.
5.4 Kabaddi Appointment – SEA Games
Ravi Shetty, head coach of Thailand’s national kabaddi team, appointed Competition Director – Kabaddi at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, bringing expertise and new formats like Kabaddi Three Star to regional competition.
5.5 Polo at 2025 SEA Games Concludes
The Polo competition at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand—featuring 2–4 goals and 4–6 goals categories—continued till 19 Dec 2025, involving teams from multiple Southeast Asian nations.
6. EDUCATION & INSTITUTIONAL UPDATES
6.1 NIT Kurukshetra to Host First Global Alumni Day (20 Dec 2025)
The event will bring ~500 global alumni including IAS and senior police officers, enhancing networking and mentorship.
A dedicated alumni website is being launched to bolster institute-industry engagement.
7. IMPORTANT DAYS & OBSERVANCES
7.1 Goa Liberation Day (19 December)
Observed annually to commemorate the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961.
8. FACTS & FIGURES FOR EXAM PREPARATION
Sports & Events:
5th National Finswimming Championship: 1,400+ swimmers, 144 events, 458 medals.
BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 18 Dec 2025; Winner: Rory McIlroy.
National Transgender Sports Meet: 19–20 Dec 2025.
Economy & Policy:
MLFF tolling by 2026 nationwide.
CCI investigation into IndiGo initiated.
International Relations:
CEPA expansion with Oman signed on 19 Dec 2025.
Singapore Changi named World’s Best Airport 2025.
