Daily current affairs: 18 December 2025

Long Description : The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman on December 18, 2025, signifies a historic leap in bilateral trade. Under this agreement, Oman will grant India immediate duty-free access to 98.08% of its tariff lines, representing over 99% of India’s export value. This strategic pact is unique as it includes a commitment from Oman to recognize and supply Indian traditional medicine, specifically AYUSH, across all trade modes. Beyond goods like textiles, electronics, and machinery, the CEPA facilitates streamlined movement for Indian professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and finance, significantly boosting India’s footprint in the Gulf region.

Long Description : The passage of the SHANTI Bill by both Houses of Parliament on December 18, 2025, marks a transformational moment for India's technological and environmental landscape. Welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the bill is designed to safely power the growth of Artificial Intelligence while simultaneously enabling a robust ecosystem for green manufacturing. By providing a clear regulatory framework, the legislation seeks to deliver a decisive boost to a clean-energy future. It also aims to open numerous investment and innovation opportunities for the private sector and India's youth, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable high-tech development and industrial self-reliance.

Long Description : On December 18, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which effectively replaces the 20-year-old MGNREGA. The new legislation increases the guaranteed employment period from 100 to 125 days per year for rural households. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the bill aims to modernize rural livelihoods and ensure better asset creation. Despite intense opposition protests regarding certain provisions, the government maintains that the mission will streamline delivery through digital monitoring and higher wage transparency, aligning with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 goals for rural economic transformation.

Long Description : According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released on December 18, 2025, India’s unemployment rate (UR) for individuals aged 15 and above declined to 4.7% in November 2025. This is a significant drop from previous months, driven largely by improvements in rural areas. Notably, the female unemployment rate fell to 4.8%, while the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) reached a seven-month high of 55.8%. The data suggests a strengthening labor market, particularly in the agricultural and rural service sectors. These figures are vital for policymakers as they reflect the impact of recent job creation schemes and economic recovery efforts.

Long Description : A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and K. Vinod Chandran delivered a significant ruling on December 18, 2025, regarding sentencing powers. The Court clarified that the power to impose a life sentence that specifically excludes the benefit of remission is reserved strictly for constitutional courts. Sessions or trial courts do not have the legal authority to direct that a life convict must remain in prison until their natural death without the hope of remission. This judgment reinforces the statutory framework of the Code of Criminal Procedure, ensuring that the executive’s power to grant remission is not prematurely curtailed by lower judicial tiers.

Long Description : In a major move for conservation-led infrastructure, NHAI launched India’s first "wildlife-safe road" on December 18, 2025. The 2-km ghat section on the Hiran–Sindoor stretch of NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh is equipped with 25 specialized underpasses, fencing, and speed detectors to protect tigers, deer, and other animals. The project, costing Rs 122 crore, utilizes "red table-top" markings to alert drivers to animal crossing zones. This initiative aligns with the Green Highways Policy of 2015, aiming to reduce man-animal conflicts on high-speed corridors. It serves as a pilot model for future highway projects passing through eco-sensitive zones and national parks across India.

Long Description : On December 18, 2025, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), along with the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre at AIIMS and the Ministry of Health, introduced a pioneering AI tool for eye screening. This technology is designed to detect retinal diseases and other vision-related complications with high accuracy and speed. Primarily intended for use in far-flung areas where specialists are unavailable, the AI system can analyze images and provide preliminary reports instantly. This launch marks a significant step in integrating Artificial Intelligence into India's public health infrastructure, supporting the "Viksit Bharat" vision by making advanced diagnostic capabilities accessible to soldiers and rural populations alike.

Long Description : Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their dominant run at the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou on December 18, 2025. The world No. 3 Indian duo secured their second consecutive Group B victory by defeating Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri with a score of 21-11, 16-21, 21-11. The match, lasting 60 minutes, showcased the Indians' tactical brilliance and aggressive net play. While they have not yet officially sealed a semi-final spot, this win puts them in a commanding position. As the only Indian representatives in the doubles category, their performance is a major boost for the nation’s badminton season-ending aspirations.

Long Description : A major milestone in India’s quest for energy self-reliance was reached on December 18, 2025, with the signing of an MoU between SCCL and Altmin. The partnership will establish the country's first large-scale lithium refinery in Hyderabad. This facility will process raw lithium into battery-grade material, which is essential for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems. By securing domestic refining capabilities, India aims to reduce its heavy dependence on imported lithium from China. The project is a core component of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, supporting the national goal of achieving 30% EV penetration across all vehicle segments by 2030.

Long Description : On December 18, 2025, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) officially launched the DHRUV64, a high-performance, indigenously designed 64-bit microprocessor. Developed under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP), this chip is intended for strategic applications in defense, space, and high-end commercial computing. The DHRUV64 features a secure architecture that reduces India’s reliance on foreign intellectual property for critical computing needs. This achievement is a cornerstone for the Digital India program, as it strengthens the domestic semiconductor ecosystem and provides a reliable platform for Indian startups and research institutions to build advanced electronic systems without depending on imported hardware components.

Long Description : India observed Minorities Rights Day on December 18, 2025, to highlight the constitutional and legal protections provided to the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains. The National Commission for Minorities organized events across the country to raise awareness about Articles 29 and 30 of the Constitution, which protect the linguistic and educational rights of these groups. This year’s theme focused on "Upholding Constitutional Safeguards" and promoting equality through government welfare schemes like Pre-Matric scholarships and the PM-Vikas initiative. The day reaffirms India’s commitment to pluralism and the socio-economic empowerment of all citizens, regardless of their religious or linguistic background.

Long Description : In a historic moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Sai Jadhav became the first-ever woman officer to graduate from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on December 18, 2025. Hailing from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, she has been commissioned into the Territorial Army. This event shatters a nearly century-old tradition at the IMA, which had previously only seen male graduates. Her achievement marks a significant step forward in the gender integration of the Indian Army, particularly in combat and leadership roles. Jadhav's successful completion of the rigorous training program serves as an inspiration for millions of young women aspiring to join the military.

Long Description : The Indian Navy reached a new milestone in indigenization on December 18, 2025, with the commissioning of Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 in Kochi. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), this is the first of five such vessels designed to provide essential support for diving operations in coastal waters. The 390-tonne craft is equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment and built to IRS Naval Standards. This project is a key part of the "Make in India" initiative in the defense sector, aiming to modernize the Navy’s auxiliary fleet with homegrown technology. These vessels will play a critical role in underwater search, rescue, and maintenance tasks.

Long Description : On December 18, 2025, IDFC First Bank announced the launch of its "First Global Savings Account" at the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). This innovative banking product allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to maintain savings in major foreign currencies like USD and EUR while enjoying benefits similar to domestic accounts. Key features include zero fees on international transfers and 100% repatriability of funds. Since the account is located in the IFSC, it offers TDS exemptions on interest earned, making it an attractive investment vehicle. This move reflects the growing importance of GIFT City as a global hub for sophisticated financial services catering to the Indian diaspora.

Long Description : Following a formal order from the Ministry of Coal on December 18, 2025, B. Sairam has taken charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited. He succeeds Sanoj Kumar Jha, who held the position on an interim basis. Sairam, who also holds the additional charge of CMD at Northern Coalfields Limited, will serve in this role until March 2028. His appointment comes at a critical time as Coal India seeks to ramp up production to meet the nation's rising energy demands while navigating the transition toward cleaner mining technologies. His extensive experience is expected to drive efficiency and operational excellence in the Maharatna PSU.

Long Description : A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued a directive to the Election Commission on December 18, 2025, concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The court urged the ECI to consider extending the deadlines for voter enumeration forms in states like Uttar Pradesh and Kerala, citing ground realities and administrative delays. This intervention followed petitions arguing that the current schedule was too hasty for accurate verification. The ruling ensures that citizens are not disenfranchised due to logistical hurdles. The ECI has since modified deadlines for several regions, ensuring a more inclusive and robust preparation for the upcoming electoral cycles in 2026.