Daily current affairs: 12 December 2025

Long Description : The Reserve Bank of India’s latest data show that India’s forex reserves increased by roughly USD 1.03 billion, taking the overall stock to about USD 687.26 billion as on 12 December 2025. This level provides a strong buffer against external shocks, supports the rupee in times of volatility, and offers more than adequate import cover. For exam purposes, note the approximate level of reserves, the direction of change (increase), and that the RBI actively intervenes in the forex market to smooth volatility while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Long Description : Recent data indicate that retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index, ticked up to approximately 0.71% in November 2025 compared to an exceptionally low reading of around 0.25% in October. Even with this rise, price pressures stay very subdued, helped by soft food and core inflation, which supports household purchasing power. For exams, remember that inflation is well below the RBI’s 2–6% tolerance band, creating space for a continued accommodative or pause stance, while growth remains robust. This low-inflation environment is shaping debates on monetary policy, real interest rates and savings patterns.

Long Description : The government has cleared an Insurance Amendment framework under which foreign investors can own up to 100% equity in Indian insurance companies, up from the earlier ceiling (which had been progressively raised over time). The move is expected to draw substantial long-term capital, encourage competition, modernise product offerings and strengthen risk management. For aspirants, this reform links to FDI policy, financial sector liberalisation and “Viksit Bharat” growth goals. It also raises questions of regulatory oversight by IRDAI and safeguards for policyholders as foreign ownership increases in a sensitive sector like insurance.

Long Description : In an interaction with heads of major banks, the RBI Governor highlighted that the cumulative policy rate cut of about 125 basis points in this easing phase should translate into lower lending costs, provided banks also harness technology to improve efficiency. He stressed the need to upgrade cybersecurity, curb digital fraud, enhance grievance redress, and push re‑KYC and settlement of unclaimed deposits. For exams, connect this with financial inclusion, digital banking, consumer protection and the broader monetary policy stance. The statement signals regulatory expectations on cost rationalisation and technological adoption in India’s banking system.

Long Description : Market participants quoted after recent interactions with the RBI note that the central bank intends to keep liquidity in the banking system in a comfortable surplus, defined as more than 1% of net demand and time liabilities. Earlier, forex market interventions and festive cash withdrawals had briefly pushed liquidity into deficit. The RBI has already undertaken bond purchases and is prepared to use further OMOs of up to around ₹1.5–2 lakh crore, alongside a phased CRR cut, to support credit and money supply. For exams, link this to NDTL, CRR, OMOs and the transmission of monetary policy to lending rates.

Long Description : Data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation show that India’s real GDP expanded by roughly 8.2% in the July–September 2025 quarter, beating consensus forecasts near 7.3%. This acceleration from the previous quarter’s growth comes amid global trade tensions and higher tariffs imposed by major partners, indicating strong domestic consumption, government spending and investment. Sectorally, manufacturing, construction, services and public administration contributed significantly. For exam relevance, note the growth rate, period (Q3 2025), and that high growth is core to the “third-largest economy” narrative and employment-generation debates.

Long Description : A report authored by Professor Farzana Afridi and team at NCAER was released in Delhi, emphasising that India’s jobs future depends heavily on improving productivity in small, often subsistence‑level enterprises and on scaling up formal skilling. The study notes that even a small increase in credit access can sharply raise the number of hired workers, while a 12‑percentage‑point rise in the share of skilled workers could lift employment in labour‑intensive sectors by more than 13% by 2030. It also projects strong multiplier effects in textiles, trade, hotels and related services. Aspirants should connect this with inclusive growth, labour reforms and demographic dividend.

Long Description : The Department of Posts and BSE formalised an agreement to distribute mutual funds via the postal network, including post offices in semi‑urban and rural regions. This initiative leverages India Post’s extensive reach to give small savers easier access to regulated market‑linked investment options, complementing schemes like small savings and postal deposits. For banking and financial awareness, note that this supports diversification of household savings, strengthens retail participation in capital markets, and aligns with broader government efforts to expand formal financial services. Operational modalities and investor‑protection measures will be overseen by the relevant regulators and departments.

Long Description : A communication by the government outlines a plan to implement accessibility standards on over‑the‑top (OTT) streaming services in two stages. The proposal aims to ensure that a growing share of online content includes features such as closed captions, subtitles and audio descriptions so that persons with visual or hearing impairments can access digital media more easily. For exams, this links to rights of persons with disabilities, digital regulation, and evolving media policy. It reflects India’s obligations under domestic disability law and international conventions while balancing industry readiness and technological capabilities.

Long Description : Addressing a programme in New Delhi, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology underlined how AI can improve diagnostics, personalise treatment and support public‑health surveillance when used responsibly. He cautioned, however, that data protection, algorithmic transparency and equitable access must guide deployments so that technology complements, rather than replaces, human doctors. For exam purposes, this connects AI policy, Digital India, health infrastructure and regulatory frameworks around emerging technologies. It also signals continued government support for innovation in health tech within an ethical, rights-based framework.

Long Description : In a special event at the Law Commission, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice spoke on how the concept of human rights can be seen as rooted in India’s long‑standing philosophical and cultural traditions. The programme included interaction with officers and felicitation of essay winners on related themes. For aspirants, this is relevant to GS‑II topics like human rights, constitutional values and legal institutions. It highlights the government’s attempt to harmonise universal rights frameworks with indigenous perspectives and to encourage academic engagement with these themes.

Long Description : A PIB release draws attention to the functioning of its Fact Check Unit, which monitors content about Union Government policies and schemes and issues clarifications on misleading or fake claims. The note underscores that citizens, media and social‑media users should verify doubtful messages with official sources before forwarding them. For exams, this ties into information disorder, cyber governance, and institutional responses to fake news. It also shows how the Centre uses official communication channels to combat rumours that may affect public order, financial decisions or trust in government programmes.

Long Description : A recent government communication indicates that about 2,99,546 Anganwadi centres now operate within or alongside government school premises in various states and UTs. This co‑location aims to ensure smoother transition from pre-school to primary school, better nutrition and health monitoring, and more efficient use of infrastructure. For GS‑II and social sector topics, this develops themes of ICDS, Poshan, NEP 2020 and convergence of schemes. It signals an administrative push towards integrated child‑development services that address learning, nutrition and health in a single institutional ecosystem.

Long Description : Though dated a few weeks earlier, this meeting remains relevant as it concerns ongoing Centre–state cooperation. The Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, called on the Prime Minister to review key projects and requirements in sectors like infrastructure, welfare schemes and investment promotion. For competitive exams, such interactions illustrate how centrally sponsored schemes, GST‑linked revenues and regional development priorities are negotiated. They also provide examples for answers on cooperative federalism, inter‑governmental relations and the political dynamics of state development agendas.

Long Description : According to reports, the Cabinet has cleared a draft law—earlier known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, now renamed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill—to overhaul higher education regulation. The proposed framework would subsume bodies such as the UGC, AICTE and NCTE into a single commission responsible for standards, accreditation and funding norms (details subject to the final text). For exams, this is central to education reforms, governance of universities, and implementation of NEP 2020. Candidates should track subsequent parliamentary debates and final provisions once the Bill is tabled.

Long Description : A report notes that India has moved to free up visas for Chinese business professionals after having sharply restricted such entries following the 2020 border clashes. The step is framed as part of efforts to stabilise bilateral economic relations and attract investment and expertise, especially when India is also managing heightened tariff pressures from the United States. For aspirants, this links foreign policy, trade strategy and national security. It illustrates how India balances security concerns with economic pragmatism and positions itself as an investment destination amid shifting global supply chains.

Long Description : The apex court has intervened in a dispute over land in Munambam, Kochi, where the Kerala High Court had earlier ruled that the property did not fall under Waqf status. The Supreme Court observed that the matter required further consideration and directed that existing conditions be maintained until it delivers a final view. For exam purposes, this case can be used to illustrate the judicial hierarchy, protection of religious and minority institutions, and the role of the Supreme Court in supervising High Court decisions through special leave and interim orders.