18th December 2025

1. Overview of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s official visit to India
2. MoSPI data shows India’s unemployment rate declining to 4.7%, reflecting improving labour conditions
3. India and Argentina sign the ICAR–INTA work plan to deepen agricultural cooperation
4. Armed Forces Medical Services launch India’s first AI-based screening system for diabetic retinopathy
5. SBI signs a €150 million agreement with KfW to finance climate-related projects
6. SEBI clears IPO proposals of seven companies aiming to raise over ₹6,000 crore
7. IDFC First Bank launches a global savings account in USD and EUR for NRIs
8. Elon Musk becomes the first individual to reach a net worth of USD 600 billion
9. Sai Jadhav becomes the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy, ending a 93-year record
10. NCAER appoints Suresh Goyal as its 11th Director General
11. Veteran journalist and Padma Shri awardee Prafulla Govinda Baruah passes away
12. International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers observed globally
13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Oman’s highest civilian honour, marking his 29th international award
14. India and Saudi Arabia sign a visa waiver agreement to ease official travel
15. Indian Army achieves a major logistics milestone by inducting tanks into the Kashmir Valley
16. Bank of America report ranks India at the top globally for AI app active users
17. Renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, creator of the Statue of Unity, passes away
18. Amazon Pay introduces fingerprint and facial recognition features for UPI payments
19. Jammu and Kashmir prepares to host an international Indian-style wrestling championship, Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir
20. Singapore’s Changi Airport wins the title of the world’s best airport
21. Air India wins the Best Domestic Airline award at the Travel + Leisure Awards
22. International Migrants Day

National News

1. India Launches AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

• What:
  • Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) launched first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) with Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (RPC), AIIMS and eHealth AI Unit.
• Why:
  • Programme strengthens early detection of diabetic eye disease using MadhuNetrAI web-based AI tool for automated retinal image screening, grading, triaging building national health intelligence framework.
• Tell me more:
  • Pilot phase covers seven locations Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dharamshala, Gaya, Jorhat, Kochi across metropolitan, rural, hilly, coastal, remote regions with personnel training at RPC, AIIMS.

2. India and Saudi Arabia Sign Bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement

• What:
  • India and Saudi Arabia signed bilateral visa waiver agreement in Riyadh providing mutual exemption for diplomatic, special, official passport holders.
• Why:
  • Agreement facilitates official travels and boosts bilateral exchanges under India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
• Tell me more:
  • Indian Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan signed agreement with Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Saudi deputy minister for protocol affairs.
  • Alsmari signed on behalf of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah at ministry headquarters in Riyadh.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. India’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.7%

• What:
  • India’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% in November, lowest since April, down from 5.2% in October according to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data.
• Why:
  • Decline reflects stronger employment generation, rising workforce participation absorbing new labour market entrants amid agriculture, services, manufacturing recovery.
• Tell me more:
  • Labour force participation rate and worker population ratio improved indicating more people seek and find work beyond statistical dropouts.
  • Rural areas contributed significantly through agricultural activity post-stable monsoon; urban services hiring offset manufacturing weakness.
  • Female workforce participation rose driving overall labour market improvements reversing October stagnation.

Source: IE

2. SBI Signs €150 Million Green Energy Credit Line

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) will sign €150-million line of credit agreement with KfW German development bank at Frankfurt headquarters for climate-friendly energy generation projects.
• Why:
  • Agreement finances climate-friendly energy generation projects supporting sustainable development initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI announced agreement through exchange confirming India’s largest lender’s green financing commitment.
  • KfW serves as German development bank headquartered in Frankfurt.

3. SEBI Approves ₹6000 Crore IPOs of Seven Companies

• What:
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved initial public offers (IPOs) worth over ₹6000 crore of seven companies including Turtlemint Fintech Solutions and Yashoda Hospitals.
• Why:
  • Approvals enable companies to raise funds through fresh share issues and offer for sale (OFS) for expansion, debt repayment, machinery purchase, new stores, corporate purposes.
• Tell me more:
  • Yashoda Healthcare plans ₹3,000-4,000 crore IPO through fresh shares and investor selling for expansion, deleveraging using confidential filing route.
  • Fusion CX seeks ₹600 crore fresh issue plus ₹400 crore OFS; Orient Cables targets ₹700 crore with ₹320 crore fresh equity, ₹380 crore promoter OFS.
  • RSB Retail India proposes ₹500 crore fresh issue plus 2.98 crore share OFS; SFC Environmental Technologies plans ₹150 crore fresh plus 1.23 crore share OFS.

4. IDFC FIRST Launches Global Savings Account In GIFT City

• What:
  • IDFC FIRST Bank launched IDFC FIRST Global Savings Account in USD and EUR through GIFT City, Gujarat exclusively for Non Resident Indians (NRIs).
• Why:
  • Account enables internationally mobile customers to hold, save, remit foreign currency funds without conversion risks or cross-border banking friction.
• Tell me more:
  • Account offers 100% repatriability of principal and interest to overseas banks without limits, zero remittance fees saving $20–$40 per transfer versus foreign banks.
  • Customers earn 4.75% interest on USD balances with monthly crediting, TDS-exempt interest, paperless digital transfers worldwide via single mobile app.
  • Single Relationship Manager handles NRI and GIFT City accounts; option exists to book USD, Euro Fixed Deposits at attractive rates.

5. India Leads Global Large Language Model Adoption

• What:
  • India emerged as world’s largest most active market for large language model (LLM) adoption leading in monthly active users (MAUs) and daily active users (DAUs) for ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity per Bank of America (BofA) analysis.
• Why:
  • Rapid rise driven by scale, affordability, demographics with 700-750 million mobile internet users, $2 data plans for 20-30 GB monthly, over 60 per cent users under 35 English-speaking quick technology adopters.
• Tell me more:
  • Telecom companies Jio, Bharti Airtel offer complimentary paid AI app subscriptions creating win-win for users, AI firms, operators improving learning, productivity.
  • AI models available in multiple Indian languages bridge digital divide democratising access.
  • India positioned as testing ground for agentic AI that reasons, plans, executes tasks independently using diverse user base.

6. Amazon Pay Launches UPI Biometric Authentication

• What:
  • Amazon Pay rolled out Unified Payments Interface (UPI) biometric authentication on December 16, 2025 allowing transactions up to ₹5,000 without PIN using fingerprint or facial recognition on Android devices.
• Why:
  • Feature enables faster secure digital payments for Send Money, Scan & Pay, merchant transactions reducing transaction friction while maintaining safety through device-bound biometrics.
• Tell me more:
  • Biometric authentication ties security to smartphone hardware making it non-shareable unlike PINs completing transactions in seconds with 90% user preference for peer-to-peer transfers.
  • Early data shows doubled payment speeds one-handed operation for quick scenarios like street vendors transit rides.
  • Rollout begins with Android iOS support planned soon complying with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) guidelines.

Source: LM

Defence News

1. Indian Army Inducts Tanks Via Special Train in Kashmir

• What:
  • Indian Army inducted tanks, artillery guns, engineering equipment into Kashmir Valley through special military train enhancing operational preparedness.
• Why:
  • Operation demonstrates enhanced mobility, logistical capability along northern borders via Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in coordination with RailMinIndia.
• Tell me more:
  • Tanks, artillery guns, dozers moved from Jammu region to Anantnag in south Kashmir as validation exercise.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 272-km Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) in June costing ₹43,780 crore through challenging Himalayan terrain.
  • Army ferried 753 metric tonnes advance winter supplies from Jammu to Valley in mid-September.

Source: IE

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. ICAR-INTA Sign Agriculture Work Plan 2025-2027

• What:
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina signed Work Plan 2025-2027 exchanged by DARE Secretary, ICAR Director General and Argentine Ambassador.
• Why:
  • Plan strengthens bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, capacity building, technology exchange across natural resource management, sustainable agronomy, biotechnology, digital agriculture.
• Tell me more:
  • Collaboration covers zero tillage, mechanisation, micro-irrigation, fertigation, livestock improvement, temperate tropical crops, biosafety, phytosanitary measures, value chain development.
  • Implementation includes joint research, germplasm exchange of soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, papaya, guava, vegetables plus training in greenhouse production, floriculture, veterinary diagnostics.
  • Focus areas encompass oilseeds pulses value chains, cotton harvesting machinery, drones, horticulture infrastructure, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) elimination, locust surveillance.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Elon Musk Becomes First $600 Billion Net Worth Individual

• What:
  • Elon Musk achieved first-ever net worth surpassing $600 billion as reported by Forbes magazine driven by SpaceX, Tesla, xAI valuations.
• Why:
  • Milestone reflects SpaceX $800 billion valuation with 2026 initial public offering plans, Tesla 12% stake growth, xAI funding raising $15 billion equity.
• Tell me more:
  • Musk holds 42% SpaceX stake worth $168 billion at current valuation potentially reaching $1.5 trillion publicly making him first trillionaire.
  • Tesla stake valued at $197 billion plus $1 trillion compensation deal approved by shareholders tied to eightfold market cap growth in ten years.
  • xAI valued at $230 billion with Musk owning 53% stake worth $60 billion through xAI Holdings.
  • Musk’s wealth grew from $24.6 billion in March 2020 to $100 billion later that year, $190 billion in January 2021, $500 billion in October 2025.
  • Musk leads richest list by $425 billion margin over Google co-founder Larry Page approaching $700 billion milestone.

Source: TOI

2. PM Modi Receives Oman’s Highest Civilian Award

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Order of Oman, Sultanate’s highest civilian award during two-day visit concluding landmark free trade agreement with Oman.
• Why:
  • Award recognises contributions strengthening India-Oman relations marking 70th diplomatic anniversary expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, maritime security, culture.
• Tell me more:
  • India and Oman signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) including AYUSH products, services first time in trade pact with dedicated annexure on traditional medicine.
  • Oman Deputy Prime Minister Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said bid farewell with namaste; PM Modi addressed diaspora at Maitri Parv calling gathering mini-India.
  • Visit final leg of three-nation tour including Jordan, Ethiopia where PM received Great Honour Nishan.

3. Changi Airport Voted World’s Best For 2025

• What:
  • Singapore Changi Airport voted best international airport for 2025 at India’s Best Awards by Travel+Leisure based on readers’ votes for travel experience, comfort, facilities.
• Tell me more:
  • Changi features world’s tallest indoor waterfall, butterfly gardens, art-filled spaces, wide dining shopping options from local food to international brands.
  • Air India has been recognised as the ‘Best Domestic Airline’ at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025, for the second consecutive year.

Source: ET AI

Important Days

1. International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers – December 17

• What:
  • India highlighted expanding legal, institutional, digital measures to protect women from abuse on International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women observed November 25.
• Why:
  • Day established by United Nations in 2000 launches 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign from November 25 to December 10 with 2025 theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”.
• Tell me more:
  • National Commission for Women (NCW) set up January 31, 1992 operates 24×7 helpline 7827170170 and digital portal for complaints.
  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 effective July 1, 2024 mandates audio-video recording of victim statements, life imprisonment for minor rapes under 18.
  • Mission Shakti integrates Sambal safety, Samarthya empowerment; One Stop Centres (OSCs) operational since April 2015 provide coordinated services.

2. International Migrants Day – December 18

• 2025 Theme: My Great Story: Cultures and Development

Source: UN

Sports

1. J&K Hosts First International Dangal Wrestling Event

• What:
  • Jammu and Kashmir hosts first International Indian Style Wrestling (Dangal) and Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title 2025 at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu today with over 100 national international wrestlers.
• Why:
  • Event revives showcases region’s Dangal heritage provides global platform for athletes promotes unity strength fitness cultural pride boosts sports tourism.
• Tell me more:
  • Competition features open-category bouts with wrestlers from India Iran other countries.
  • Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir title open to wrestlers above 85 kg champion receives Rs 50,000 Gurj (Gadda) Patta.
  • Runner-up earns Rs 30,000; third-fourth positions receive Rs 20,000, Rs 15000 respectively.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and Microsoft Sign Employment Skilling MoU

• What:
  • Ministry of Labour & Employment signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft in New Delhi witnessed by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Microsoft CEO Mr. Satya Nadella.
• Why:
  • Partnership expands employment linkages, scales AI-led skilling through DigiSaksham, prepares workforce for global opportunities in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, productivity tools.
• Tell me more:
  • Microsoft commits 15,000+ employers and partners from international network to National Career Service (NCS) platform broadening formal job access in high-growth sectors.
  • MoU strengthens NCS platform, e-Shram analytics, labour market intelligence using Microsoft Azure and AI capabilities.
  • Minister Mandaviya noted India achieved 64.3% social protection coverage benefiting 94 crore citizens targeting 100 crore by March 2026.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Sai Jadhav Becomes First Woman TA Officer From IMA

• What:
  • Sai Jadhav from Kolhapur, Maharashtra became first woman Territorial Army officer to complete pre-commissioning training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun during 157th course Passing Out Parade last week.
• Why:
  • Achievement breaks IMA’s 93-year male-only officer training tradition established in 1932 inspiring young girls across country as noted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
• Tell me more:
  • Sai Jadhav commissioned as Lieutenant into 130 Territorial Army battalion of Kumaon Regiment at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.
  • Father Sandip Jadhav, serving Major in Territorial Army, stated Sai topped merit for single woman vacancy in December 2023 exam while pursuing MBA through distance learning.
  • Sai pursued competitive exams alongside MBA preparing for Territorial Army selection.

2. Suresh Goyal Appointed NCAER Director General

• What:
  • Suresh Goyal takes over as director general of National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) on January 5, 2026 succeeding Poonam Gupta.
• Why:
  • Goyal brings over 30 years experience across private and public sectors including Managing Director and CEO role at National Highway Infra Trust (NHIT).
• Tell me more:
  • Poonam Gupta led NCAER from July 2021 to April 2025.
  • NHIT set up by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and National Highways Authority of India supports National Monetisation Pipeline.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Assam Journalism Doyen Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passes Away

• What:
  • Prafulla Govinda Baruah, 93-year-old doyen of journalism in Assam, passed away.
• Tell me more:
  • Baruah served as editor of The Assam Tribune.
  • Baruah received Padma Shri award.
  • The Assam Tribune founded by Baruah’s father Radha Govinda Baruah.

Source: IE

2. Sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar Passes Away at 100

• What:
  • Renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar passed away last night at Noida residence due to age-related illnesses at age 100.
• Tell me more:
  • Sutar designed 182-metre Statue of Unity.
  • Sutar created Mahatma Gandhi seated statue and Chhatrapati Shivaji horse statue at Parliament premises.
  • Sutar born 1925 in Dhule district Maharashtra gold medallist from JJ School of Art and Architecture Mumbai.
  • Sutar received Padma Shri 1999 Padma Bhushan 2016 and Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar.

Source: NOA

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