December 2025 Current Affairs One Liner Digest

SECTION 1: NATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS – DECEMBER 2025 Current Affairs One Liner

🟣 Economy & Banking | ★★★

RBI cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% in December 2025 Policy

• What happened? – In its December 2025 Monetary Policy (around 4 December 2025), RBI’s MPC cut the policy repo rate by 25 bps – from 5.50% to 5.25%, with a broadly accommodative tone.
• Why in news? – Direct, high‑probability question for Banking/SSC/UPSC prelims – first cut after a long pause, signalling growth support while inflation is under control.
• Key facts & data
  • Repo rate: 5.25% after 25 bps cut.
  • Stance: “Neutral / accommodative‑leaning” – space kept open for future cuts depending on inflation & growth.
  • Reasons: easing core inflation, signs of external slowdown, need to support domestic demand & investment.
  • Growth: GDP growth ~8.2% (July–Sept) highlighted as sign of resilience.
• Static GK linkage
  • RBI Act, 1934 – legal basis for RBI & MPC framework (amended via Finance Act, 2016).
  • MPC = 6 members; 3 RBI + 3 Govt‑nominated; inflation target: 4% ± 2%.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Repo rate Dec 2025 = 5.25% (after 25 bps cut).
  • Lower repo → cheaper loans, possible reduction in EMIs, support to rate‑sensitive sectors (housing, autos, MSMEs).
• Mains / Descriptive value – Use in GS‑III / Economy answers on monetary policy trade‑off (growth vs inflation), transmission to credit markets, impact on investment & consumption.

• In December 2025, RBI reduced the repo rate to: A) 4.75% B) 5.00% C) 5.50% D) 5.25%
• The December 2025 rate cut of 25 bps by RBI was mainly aimed at: A) Tightening liquidity B) Reducing fiscal deficit C) Supporting growth while inflation stays manageable D) Defending the rupee peg

One-liner: In December 2025, RBI’s MPC cut the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25% to support growth amid easing inflation. ​

🟡 Polity & Governance / 🔷 Reports & Indices | ★★★

Union Cabinet approves fully digital Census of India 2027

• What happened? – On 12 December 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the scheme to conduct Census of India 2027 with a budget of ₹11,718.24 crore – India’s first fully digital, two‑phase census.
• Why in news? – Huge governance + data topic after 16‑year gap; includes caste enumeration for the first time since 1931.
• Key facts & data
  • Phase I: Houselisting & Housing Census – April to September 2026.
  • Phase II: Population Enumeration – February 2027 (reference date 00:00 hrs, 1 March 2027; 1 October 2026 for snow‑bound/Ladakh areas).
  • Mode: fully digital using mobile apps, self‑enumeration option, CMMS portal for real‑time monitoring.
  • Caste data: full caste enumeration approved by Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (decision of April 30, 2025).
• Static GK linkage
  • Legal basis: Census Act, 1948 & Census Rules, 1990.
  • Nodal office: Registrar General & Census Commissioner (MHA).
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Census 2027 = 16th Census overall and 8th since Independence.
  • Budget: ₹11,718.24 crore.
  • Approx. 30 lakh field functionaries to be deployed.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Very important for GS‑II (governance, welfare targeting, evidence‑based policy), GS‑I (population), and caste‑data debates.

• Census 2027 will be India’s: A) 14th Census, 6th post‑Independence B) 15th Census, 7th post‑Independence C) 16th Census, 8th post‑Independence D) 17th Census, 9th post‑Independence
• The total budget approved for Census 2027 is approximately: A) ₹5,000 crore B) ₹9,500 crore C) ₹11,718 crore D) ₹25,000 crore

One-liner: On 12 Dec 2025, Cabinet cleared a ₹11,718.24 crore fully digital Census 2027 with caste enumeration after a 16‑year gap. ​

🟣 Economy & Banking / 🟢 Environment & Resources | ★★★

CoalSETU Policy approved for auction‑based coal linkages, including exports

• What happened? – On 12 December 2025, CCEA approved the Policy for Auction of Coal Linkage for Seamless, Efficient & Transparent Utilisation – “CoalSETU”, creating a new auction window for coal linkages for any industrial use and exports under the Non‑Regulated Sector (NRS) policy.
• Why in news? – Big structural reform in coal sector; allows auction‑based long‑term linkages and limited export from domestic coal – very important for economy, energy, environment questions.
• Key facts & data
  • New “CoalSETU window” added under NRS Linkage Auction Policy 2016.
  • Allows long‑term auction‑based coal linkages for any industrial use.
  • Export permitted up to 50% of linkage quantity; resale within India not allowed except as washed/converted coal.
  • Managed via dedicated portal under Coal Controller Organisation.
• Static GK linkage
  • Coal nationalisation → Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973; later liberalisation via MMDR amendments & commercial mining.
  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Coal.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Full form: Seamless, Efficient & Transparent Utilisation (CoalSETU).
  • Applies to Non‑Regulated Sector (cement, sponge iron, etc.), not just power.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Use in GS‑III for energy security vs decarbonisation, commodification of coal, export policy, Just Transition.

• CoalSETU is a new policy/window related to: A) Solar power auctions B) Natural gas pricing C) Auction of coal linkages for industrial use and export D) Forest produce trading
• Under CoalSETU, export of coal is allowed up to what share of linkage quantity? A) 25% B) 40% C) 50% D) 75%

One-liner: CCEA’s CoalSETU policy (12 Dec 2025) opens an auction‑based window for coal linkages for any industrial use with up to 50% export allowed. ​

🟢 Environment & Ecology / 🟡 Polity & Governance | ★★★

New National Seismic Zonation Map – Entire Himalayas in highest Earthquake Zone VI

• What happened? – In December 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released a revised National Seismic Zonation Map under Earthquake Design Code IS 1893:2025, creating a new highest‑risk Zone VI and placing the entire Himalayan arc (J&K–Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh) in this category.
• Why in news? – Landmark disaster‑management update; very high exam potential for GS‑I (geography), GS‑III (DM), State PSCs, technical exams.
• Key facts & data
  • New Zone VI = highest seismic risk (earlier highest was Zone V).
  • About 61% of India’s land area now classified as moderate to high seismic hazard, with ~75% population in active zones.
  • Himalayan arc uniformly upgraded (no splitting into Zones IV & V as earlier).
  • Hazard model uses probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (fault data, maximum magnitudes, attenuation, tectonics, lithology).
• Static GK linkage
  • BIS (under DPIIT) issues Indian Standards like IS 1893 for earthquake‑resistant design.
  • Disaster management framework under Disaster Management Act, 2005; NDMA guides national policy.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Zone with highest seismic risk in new map = Zone VI.
  • Releasing authority – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
• Mains / Descriptive value – Use in answers on Himalayan vulnerability, urban planning, enforcing building codes, retrofitting old structures.

• In the revised Seismic Zonation Map (2025), the highest earthquake risk category is: A) Zone IV B) Zone V C) Zone VI D) Zone III
• The updated seismic map placing the Himalayan arc in Zone VI was released by: A) NDMA B) IMD C) NITI Aayog D) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

One-liner: BIS’s new seismic map under IS 1893:2025 puts the entire Himalayan arc in ultra‑high‑risk Zone VI, with 61% of India now in moderate–high hazard zones. ​

🟡 Polity & Governance / Education | ★★★

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 introduced – Single Regulator for Higher Education

• What happened? – On 15 December 2025, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 in Lok Sabha to create a single apex regulator for higher education, replacing UGC, AICTE & NCTE.
• Why in news? – Big‑ticket higher‑education governance reform; very likely in UPSC, teaching exams, State PSCs.
• Key facts & data
  • Bill approved by Union Cabinet on 12 December 2025, introduced in Lok Sabha on 15 December.
  • Establishes Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (Commission) with 3 Councils: – Regulatory Council – common regulator – Accreditation Council – accreditation system – Standards Council – academic standards setting
  • Repeals UGC Act 1956, AICTE Act 1987, NCTE Act 1993; medical & legal education remain outside its scope.
  • Introduces faceless, tech‑driven single‑window system, disclosure‑based regulation, stronger grievance redressal.
• Static GK linkage
  • Implements National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision of single higher‑education regulator.
  • Introduced under Entry 66, Union List – coordination & determination of standards in higher education.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • VBSA Bill covers higher education (non‑medical, non‑legal) – UGC, AICTE, NCTE to be subsumed.
  • Functions of Commission: give strategic direction, transform HEIs into large multidisciplinary institutions, coordinate regulation, accreditation & standards.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Use in GS‑II/IV answers on education reforms, regulatory over‑centralisation vs efficiency, NEP implementation.

• The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 seeks to replace which bodies? A) UGC only B) UGC and AICTE only C) UGC and NCTE only D) UGC, AICTE and NCTE
• The VBSA Commission will mainly deal with: A) School education only B) Higher education (excluding medical and legal) C) Only technical education D) Only teacher education

One-liner: The VBSA Bill, 2025 (introduced 15 Dec) creates a single higher‑education regulator replacing UGC, AICTE & NCTE, implementing NEP‑2020’s unified framework. ​

🟡 Polity & Governance / Justice | ★★

Fourth National Lok Adalat 2025 settles record 2.59 crore cases in one day

• What happened? – On 13 December 2025, the 4th National Lok Adalat of 2025 disposed of about 2.59 crore cases (pre‑litigation + pending) across 26 States and 8 UTs – a record single‑day settlement.
• Why in news? – Major data point on pendency reduction and ADR; repeated in polity/PCS exams.
• Key facts & data
  • Cases settled: ~2.59 crore (2.35 crore pre‑litigation + ~41.8 lakh pending).
  • Settlement amount: over ₹7,747 crore (as per NALSA release).
  • Organised under NALSA; CJI is Patron‑in‑Chief.
  • From 2022‑23 to 2024‑25, more than 23.5 crore cases resolved through Lok Adalats.
• Static GK linkage
  • Lok Adalats under Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 – part of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
  • Award = decree of civil court, final & binding; no appeal.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Types: National Lok Adalats, Permanent Lok Adalats (for Public Utility Services), E‑Lok Adalats, Mobile Lok Adalats.
  • Non‑compoundable offences cannot be settled; focus mainly on civil, compoundable criminal, bank, MACT cases etc.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Strong example for GS‑II (access to justice, pendency, ADR).

• National Lok Adalats are organised under which Act? A) Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 B) Civil Procedure Code, 1908 C) Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 D) Not governed by any statute
• Approximately how many cases were settled in the 4th National Lok Adalat of 2025? A) 25.9 lakh B) 1.25 crore C) 50 lakh D) 2.59 crore

One-liner: On 13 Dec 2025, the 4th National Lok Adalat settled ~2.59 crore disputes worth over ₹7,700 crore, showing ADR’s power to cut pendency. ​

🔵 Science & Technology | ★★★

ISRO’s LVM3‑M6 launches 6,100‑kg “BlueBird Block‑2” – heaviest payload from India

• What happened? – On 24 December 2025, ISRO’s heavy‑lift rocket LVM3‑M6 successfully launched the 6,100‑kg BlueBird Block‑2 satellite of US firm AST SpaceMobile into low Earth orbit from Sriharikota – the heaviest payload ever launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.
• Why in news? – Big commercial launch milestone; boosts India’s image as cost‑effective heavy‑lift provider – high‑probability S&T prelims topic.
• Key facts & data
  • Launch vehicle: LVM3‑M6 (GSLV Mk‑III class) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • Payload: ~6.1–6.5 tonnes BlueBird Block‑2 (AST SpaceMobile) – direct‑to‑device 5G/4G connectivity satellite.
  • Mission: fully commercial; demonstrates India’s capability in global heavy‑lift launch market.
• Static GK linkage
  • LVM3: India’s heaviest operational rocket; used also for Chandrayaan‑3 & Gaganyaan test missions.
  • Nodal agency: ISRO (under Department of Space).
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Date: 24 December 2025 – LVM3‑M6 / BlueBird Block‑2 mission.
  • BlueBird Block‑2 aims to provide space‑based broadband/direct‑to‑mobile connectivity.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Example for GS‑III (space economy, commercialisation, foreign clients, Space Vision 2047).

• BlueBird Block‑2, launched on 24 Dec 2025, is associated with which Indian launch vehicle? A) PSLV‑C61 B) GSLV‑F16 C) LVM3‑M6 D) SSLV‑D3
• BlueBird Block‑2 is primarily meant for: A) Weather monitoring B) Navigation C) Scientific solar observation D) Direct‑to‑device communication/broadband services

One-liner: On 24 Dec 2025, ISRO’s LVM3‑M6 launched the 6,100‑kg BlueBird Block‑2 – its heaviest payload to date – boosting India’s commercial launch profile. ​

🔵 Important Days & Themes | ★★★

Key National Days in December 2025 – Defence, Governance & Farmers in Focus

• What happened? – December has many exam‑favourite national days. For 2025, focus on the following with their exact dates:
• Important dates (India‑centric)
  • 4 December – Indian Navy Day (commemorates 1971 Operation Trident).
  • 7 December – Armed Forces Flag Day – welfare of ex‑servicemen & dependants.
  • 14 December – National Energy Conservation Day (BEE, Ministry of Power).
  • 16 December – Vijay Diwas – India’s victory in 1971 war; creation of Bangladesh.
  • 18 December – Minorities Rights Day (India) + International Migrants Day.
  • 19 December – Goa Liberation Day (1961 end of Portuguese rule).
  • 22 December – National Mathematics Day – birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
  • 23 December – Kisan Diwas / National Farmers’ Day – birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh.
  • 24 December – National Consumer Rights Day – linked to Consumer Protection Act.
  • 25 December – Good Governance Day (birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee) + Christmas.
  • 26 December – Veer Bal Diwas – tribute to Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh.
• Static GK linkage
  • Good Governance Day notified in 2014; celebrates values like transparency, accountability.
  • National Mathematics Day declared in 2012 to honour Ramanujan.
• Prelims‑focused facts – Straight MCQ zone; month–day–event mapping is very common.

• National Mathematics Day is observed on: A) 14 December B) 22 December C) 23 December D) 25 December
• Good Governance Day in India coincides with the birth anniversary of: A) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar B) Mahatma Gandhi C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee D) Jawaharlal Nehru

One-liner: Remember December key days – 4 Navy Day, 7 Flag Day, 16 Vijay Diwas, 22 Maths Day, 23 Kisan Diwas, 24 Consumer Rights Day, 25 Good Governance Day, 26 Veer Bal Diwas.
​
SECTION 2: INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS (WITH INDIA ANGLE) – DECEMBER 2025

🟡 Awards & Honours / 🟠 International Relations | ★★★

PM Modi receives Oman’s highest civilian honour – 29th international award

• What happened? – During his visit to Muscat on 17–18 December 2025, PM Narendra Modi was conferred “The First Class of the Order of Oman”, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour – his 29th international award.
• Why in news? – Symbol of India’s rising profile in Gulf/West Asia; high‑value IR + awards topic.
• Key facts & data
  • Conferred by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Al Baraka Palace, Muscat.
  • Five of six Gulf nations have now given their highest awards to PM Modi (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman).
  • Recognises contribution in strengthening India–Oman ties in trade, energy, investment, diaspora welfare.
• Static GK linkage
  • Oman capital – Muscat; currency – Omani Rial.
  • Large Indian diaspora (~7 lakh) in Oman.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Oman honour name: The First Class of the Order of Oman.
  • Total foreign honours for PM by Dec 2025: 29.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Use in IR answers on India’s Gulf outreach, energy security, diaspora diplomacy.

• Oman’s highest civilian honour conferred on PM Modi in December 2025 is called: A) Order of King Abdulaziz B) Order of Zayed C) Great Honour Nishan D) The First Class of the Order of Oman
• By December 2025, PM Modi had received how many international honours from foreign nations? A) 15 B) 20 C) 25 D) 29

One-liner: On 18 Dec 2025 in Muscat, PM Modi received Oman’s highest civilian honour, taking his tally of international awards to 29. ​

🟠 International Relations / 🟣 Economy & Trade | ★★★

India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed

• What happened? – On 18 December 2025, India and Oman signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Muscat, in presence of PM Modi and Sultan Haitham.
• Why in news? – Oman’s first FTA since 2006, India’s 2nd Gulf CEPA (after UAE); massive trade & strategic implications.
• Key facts & data
  • Oman granted zero‑duty access on ~98.08% of its tariff lines, covering ~99.4% of India’s exports by value.
  • India offered tariff concessions on ~78% of tariff lines (~95% of imports from Oman).
  • Covers goods, services, investment & professional mobility; strict Rules of Origin to prevent third‑country routing.
  • Expected to significantly raise bilateral trade (>US$10 billion currently) and deepen energy, fertiliser, logistics, blue‑economy cooperation.
• Static GK linkage
  • India’s earlier Gulf CEPA – with UAE (2022).
  • Oman – key gateway to Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil flows.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Signing date & place – 18 Dec 2025, Muscat.
  • CEPA is Oman’s first bilateral trade pact since 2006.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Strong example for GS‑II (Look West, strategic autonomy, energy security) & GS‑III (export diversification, MSMEs, trade agreements).

• India–Oman CEPA was signed on: A) 10 December 2025 in New Delhi B) 18 December 2025 in Muscat C) 25 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi D) 1 December 2025 in Mumbai
• Under India–Oman CEPA, Oman offers zero‑duty access on approximately what share of its tariff lines? A) 50% B) 75% C) 90% D) 98.08%

One-liner: On 18 Dec 2025, India and Oman signed a CEPA giving near‑universal duty‑free access to Indian exports and deepening strategic economic ties. ​

🟠 International Relations / 🔴 Defence & Security | ★★

India–Russia 23rd Annual Summit in New Delhi – Connectivity & Co‑production push

• What happened? – Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 4–5 December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi.
• Why in news? – Reaffirmed “Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership”, focusing on connectivity corridors, energy and defence co‑production – key IR point.
• Key facts & data
  • Leaders adopted Economic Cooperation Programme till 2030, targeting trade expansion (often cited ~$100 bn goal).
  • Emphasis on INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor, Northern Sea Route as key connectivity projects.
  • Defence discussions: joint development, co‑production, technology transfer to move beyond buyer–seller model.
• Static GK linkage
  • INSTC – multimodal corridor linking India–Iran–Russia–Central Asia–Europe.
  • “Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership” – formal term for India–Russia ties since 2010.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Annual summit number: 23rd (Putin’s ~10th India visit).
  • Key corridors: INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok, Northern Sea Route.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Useful for GS‑II answers on balancing Russia vs West, energy security, connectivity, defence indigenisation.

• Which connectivity projects were highlighted in the December 2025 India–Russia summit? A) BBIN & Kaladan B) Sagarmala & Bharatmala C) INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor, Northern Sea Route D) IMEC & CPEC
• President Putin’s December 2025 visit to India was for which edition of the annual summit? A) 20th B) 21st C) 22nd D) 23rd

One-liner: On 4–5 Dec 2025, the 23rd India–Russia Summit in New Delhi prioritised INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok, Northern Sea Route and defence co‑production. ​

🟡 Awards & Honours / 🟠 Culture & IR | ★★★

Deepavali inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List; India hosts 20th ICH Committee

• What happened? – On 10 December 2025, during the 20th session of UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage held at Red Fort, New Delhi (8–13 Dec), Deepavali was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Why in news? – Deep cultural + diplomatic milestone; India hosted the ICH Committee session for the first time.
• Key facts & data
  • Element: Deepavali – Festival of Lights, nominated by India in 2024–25 cycle.
  • Significance: recognised as living heritage that strengthens social bonds, supports traditional crafts, and promotes values of generosity & well‑being.
  • India’s ICH list already includes: Yoga, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja of Kolkata, Garba of Gujarat, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, etc.
• Static GK linkage
  • ICH List created under UNESCO 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • Nodal agencies: Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• Prelims‑focused facts
  • Session venue & host: Red Fort, New Delhi, 20th ICH Committee, 8–13 December 2025.
  • Deepavali inscription year: 2025.
• Mains / Descriptive value – Excellent example for culture, soft power, UNESCO diplomacy, SDGs & heritage conservation.

• Deepavali was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in: A) 2017 B) 2019 C) 2023 D) 2025
• The 20th session of UNESCO’s ICH Intergovernmental Committee in December 2025 was hosted at: A) Paris B) Varanasi C) Jaipur D) Red Fort, New Delhi

One-liner: On 10 Dec 2025, during the 20th ICH Committee at Red Fort, UNESCO inscribed Deepavali on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
​
SECTION 3: MOST IMPORTANT / MOST EXPECTED TOPICS – DECEMBER 2025

High‑Yield December 2025 Map for Aspirants

• Economy – RBI’s 25 bps repo cut to 5.25% in December policy – link it with growth vs inflation & rate‑sensitive sectors.
• Governance/Data – Cabinet’s approval for fully digital Census 2027 with caste enumeration and ₹11,718.24 crore budget.
• Energy/Resources – CoalSETU Policy creating auction‑based, export‑permitted coal linkage window.
• Disaster Management – New National Seismic Map: entire Himalayas in Zone VI; 61% of land in moderate–high hazard.
• Education Reform – Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill to replace UGC, AICTE, NCTE with single regulator.
• Justice & ADR – 4th National Lok Adalat (13 Dec) settles 2.59 crore cases in 1 day.
• Space & Tech – LVM3‑M6 / BlueBird launch (24 Dec) – heaviest 6,100‑kg payload from India.
• Culture & Soft Power – Deepavali gets UNESCO ICH tag; India hosts 20th ICH Committee.
• Gulf Diplomacy – PM’s Oman visit: 29th international award + India–Oman CEPA signed (18 Dec).
• Major Power Equations – India–Russia 23rd Annual Summit, focus on INSTC, Chennai–Vladivostok, Northern Sea Route & defence co‑production.
• Important Days – 4 Navy Day, 7 Flag Day, 16 Vijay Diwas, 22 Mathematics Day, 23 Kisan Diwas, 24 Consumer Rights Day, 25 Good Governance Day, 26 Veer Bal Diwas.

• Which of the following is the correct combination for December 2025? A) Repo cut – 5.25%; Census 2027 approved; Deepavali UNESCO tag B) Repo cut – 6.25%; Census 2031 approved; Deepavali UNESCO tag C) Repo unchanged; Census 2027 approved; Garba UNESCO tag D) Repo cut – 5.25%; Census 2021 approved; Deepavali UNESCO tag Correct: A
• Match the following (Dec 2025) – 1. CoalSETU Policy 2. VBSA Bill 3. BlueBird Block‑2 launch 4. CEPA with Oman a. Higher education regulator b. Heavy‑lift LVM3‑M6 c. Coal linkage reform d. Trade agreement in Muscat Codes: A) 1‑c, 2‑a, 3‑b, 4‑d – Correct B) 1‑a, 2‑c, 3‑d, 4‑b C) 1‑b, 2‑d, 3‑a, 4‑c D) 1‑d, 2‑b, 3‑c, 4‑a
• Which December 2025 development best illustrates India’s role in shaping global cultural discourse? A) Repo rate cut B) CoalSETU policy C) Deepavali’s inscription on UNESCO’s ICH list D) National Lok Adalat settlement

RAPID FIRE MCQs – DECEMBER 2025 (MIXED)

• Who released the updated National Seismic Zonation Map (Zone VI for Himalayas)? A) NDMA B) Ministry of Earth Sciences C) IMD D) BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
• Census 2027 will use which mode of data collection? A) Only paper schedules B) Mobile apps + digital self‑enumeration C) SMS only D) Drone‑based enumeration
• Which of the following is NOT correctly matched? A) 4 Dec – Indian Navy Day B) 16 Dec – Vijay Diwas C) 23 Dec – Kisan Diwas D) 25 Dec – National Youth Day (Correct: 12 Jan)
• India–Oman CEPA is Oman’s first bilateral trade pact since: A) 1991 B) 1999 C) 2003 D) 2006
• Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill is aligned with which policy? A) National Policy on Skill Development 2015 B) National Health Policy 2017 C) National Education Policy 2020 D) Digital India Policy 2014
• LVM3‑M6 / BlueBird mission mainly strengthens India’s role in: A) Deep‑sea mining B) Global commercial space launch market C) Inland waterways D) Fibre‑optic cable laying
• Which pair is correctly matched? A) CoalSETU – Defence procurement B) Lok Adalat – Criminal trial courts C) Legal Services Authorities Act – Lok Adalats framework D) VBSA Bill – Primary school regulation
• What is the revised policy repo rate after the December 2025 RBI meeting? A) 4.25% B) 4.75% C) 5.50% D) 5.25%
• Deepavali’s UNESCO inscription falls under which convention? A) 1972 World Heritage Convention B) 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage C) 2005 Cultural Diversity Convention D) 1971 Ramsar Convention
• Which December 2025 event is most relevant for answers on “Access to Justice & Pendency Reduction”? A) BlueBird launch B) Repo rate cut C) 4th National Lok Adalat (2.59 crore cases) D) Deepavali UNESCO tag

MOST EXPECTED MAINS / DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS (USE DECEMBER DATA POINTS)

• “Census 2027, for the first time as a fully digital and caste‑enumerating exercise, can transform evidence‑based policymaking.” Discuss opportunities and challenges.
• How do the VBSA Bill 2025 and the new Seismic Zonation Map (Zone VI for Himalayas) together reflect the shift towards standards‑based regulation in India?
• Evaluate the macro‑economic implications of the December 2025 repo cut along with CoalSETU and India–Oman CEPA for growth, investment and external sector stability.
• Critically analyse how India’s December 2025 diplomacy – Putin’s India visit and Oman CEPA + civilian honour – showcases “strategic autonomy” in a polarised world order.
• Lok Adalats and digital governance reforms (Census 2027, VBSA Bill) are being positioned as solutions to institutional overload. Examine their limitations and safeguards.
• How does Deepavali’s UNESCO inscription contribute to India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy? Illustrate with other UNESCO‑listed Indian intangible heritages.

Revision Tip: Connect each December current affair with its exact date + law/scheme + data point (rate %, amount, rank, number of cases) and practice MCQs 2–3 times for exam‑oriented retention.