UPSC Current Affairs 18 December 2025

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg1

Rajya Sabha approves amendment bill permitting 100% FDI in the insurance sector, aiming to boost investment and coverage.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg1

Rajya Sabha approves amendment bill permitting 100% FDI in the insurance sector, aiming to boost investment and coverage.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

LS passes nuclear energy Bill allowing privatisation, Pg1

Lok Sabha passes SHANTI Bill 2025, enabling private nuclear power participation by amending liability clauses, amidst opposition concerns and economic pressures.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

LS passes nuclear energy Bill allowing privatisation, Pg1

Lok Sabha passes SHANTI Bill 2025, enabling private nuclear power participation by amending liability clauses, amidst opposition concerns and economic pressures.

GS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Rearguard action, Pg6

Fog worsens air quality in North India, leading to accidents, flight cancellations, and emergency restrictions in Delhi.

GS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Disaster and Disaster ManagementGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Rearguard action, Pg6

Fog worsens air quality in North India, leading to accidents, flight cancellations, and emergency restrictions in Delhi.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

The story of ‘We, the moving people’, Pg6

Migration trends reshape citizenship concepts globally, impacting voter rolls, political representation, and domicile laws in India and the US.

GS 2: PolityGS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Representation of the People's Act

The story of ‘We, the moving people’, Pg6

Migration trends reshape citizenship concepts globally, impacting voter rolls, political representation, and domicile laws in India and the US.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Change for the worse, Pg6

Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill introduced, replacing MGNREGA, faces opposition over reduced state autonomy and funding changes.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

Change for the worse, Pg6

Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Bill introduced, replacing MGNREGA, faces opposition over reduced state autonomy and funding changes.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Indian Diaspora

The changing patterns of India’s student migration, Pg6

Indian student migration surges, but many face debt, underemployment, and exploitation abroad, leading to 'brain waste' and reverse remittances.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and EmploymentGS 2: Indian Diaspora

The changing patterns of India’s student migration, Pg6

Indian student migration surges, but many face debt, underemployment, and exploitation abroad, leading to 'brain waste' and reverse remittances.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Record-high number of Indians deported from U.S. in 2025, Pg7

U.S. deports record 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025 amid rising American concerns over deportation policies.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: International RelationsGS 2: Indian Diaspora

Record-high number of Indians deported from U.S. in 2025, Pg7

U.S. deports record 3,258 Indian nationals in 2025 amid rising American concerns over deportation policies.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Overseas Bill betrays migrant workers, Pg7

Overseas Mobility Bill 2025: Critics allege the Bill betrays migrant workers by diluting rights and safeguards against exploitation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Overseas Bill betrays migrant workers, Pg7

Overseas Mobility Bill 2025: Critics allege the Bill betrays migrant workers by diluting rights and safeguards against exploitation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

How is the Aravalli range to be protected?, Pg8

Supreme Court defines Aravalli range, pauses fresh mining leases, and directs sustainable mining plan for ecological protection and regulation.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Indian GeographyGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

How is the Aravalli range to be protected?, Pg8

Supreme Court defines Aravalli range, pauses fresh mining leases, and directs sustainable mining plan for ecological protection and regulation.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Navy commissions second MH-60R copter squadron, the ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Pg10

Indian Navy commissions second MH-60R helicopter squadron 'Ospreys' at INS Hansa, enhancing combat and surveillance capabilities on the western seaboard.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

Navy commissions second MH-60R copter squadron, the ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Pg10

Indian Navy commissions second MH-60R helicopter squadron 'Ospreys' at INS Hansa, enhancing combat and surveillance capabilities on the western seaboard.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: Art FormsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Prasar Bharati drafts policy to monetise television, OTT content, Pg11

Prasar Bharati's draft Content Syndication Policy 2025 aims to monetize content and expand cultural outreach through strategic collaborations with OTT platforms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 1: Art & CulturePrelimsGS 1: Art FormsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Prasar Bharati drafts policy to monetise television, OTT content, Pg11

Prasar Bharati's draft Content Syndication Policy 2025 aims to monetize content and expand cultural outreach through strategic collaborations with OTT platforms.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal StructureGS 1: Poverty and Developmental Issues

Bill to replace MGNREGA faces criticism; TDP flags increased burden on State, Pg11

Opposition mounts against Viksit Bharat Guarantee Bill, alleging reduced state funding and centralized control over rural employment scheme.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal StructureGS 1: Poverty and Developmental Issues

Bill to replace MGNREGA faces criticism; TDP flags increased burden on State, Pg11

Opposition mounts against Viksit Bharat Guarantee Bill, alleging reduced state funding and centralized control over rural employment scheme.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg11

Rajya Sabha approves 100% FDI in insurance, sparking debate over data privacy and PSU impact, alongside repealing 71 obsolete laws.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg11

Rajya Sabha approves 100% FDI in insurance, sparking debate over data privacy and PSU impact, alongside repealing 71 obsolete laws.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Possible discovery of dark matter sparks debate, experts urge caution, PgII

Astronomers debate possible dark matter discovery via gamma-ray signal, urging caution and further scrutiny of WIMP annihilation claims.

GS 1: Physical GeographyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 3: Science and Technology in Everyday Life

Possible discovery of dark matter sparks debate, experts urge caution, PgII

Astronomers debate possible dark matter discovery via gamma-ray signal, urging caution and further scrutiny of WIMP annihilation claims.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Air toxic, Delhi govt makes 50% work from home a must, Pg1

Delhi government mandates 50% work from home, provides ₹10,000 aid to construction workers amid toxic air crisis.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Disaster ManagementGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS 3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Air toxic, Delhi govt makes 50% work from home a must, Pg1

Delhi government mandates 50% work from home, provides ₹10,000 aid to construction workers amid toxic air crisis.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

PM in Oman, to sign free trade agreement today, Pg5

India and Oman to sign CEPA, boosting trade ties and eliminating duties on goods, targeting $10.61 billion bilateral trade.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

PM in Oman, to sign free trade agreement today, Pg5

India and Oman to sign CEPA, boosting trade ties and eliminating duties on goods, targeting $10.61 billion bilateral trade.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

As LS passes nuclear Bill, Opp flags dilution of liability norms, Pg6

Lok Sabha passes SHANTI Bill 2025 amidst opposition uproar over diluted liability norms and privatization of nuclear sector.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

As LS passes nuclear Bill, Opp flags dilution of liability norms, Pg6

Lok Sabha passes SHANTI Bill 2025 amidst opposition uproar over diluted liability norms and privatization of nuclear sector.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Diversify freight basket, send more crew in DFCs: House panel to Rlys, Pg6

Parliamentary panel urges Indian Railways to diversify freight basket beyond coal to boost revenue and attract private investment in DFCs.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Diversify freight basket, send more crew in DFCs: House panel to Rlys, Pg6

Parliamentary panel urges Indian Railways to diversify freight basket beyond coal to boost revenue and attract private investment in DFCs.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Parliament clears Bill to allow 100% FDI in insurance, Pg6

Parliament approves bill allowing 100% FDI in insurance sector, aiming to boost penetration and reduce premiums.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Parliament and State Legislatures

Parliament clears Bill to allow 100% FDI in insurance, Pg6

Parliament approves bill allowing 100% FDI in insurance sector, aiming to boost penetration and reduce premiums.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

‘Dilution of right to work’: Activists, economists slam VB-G RAM G Bill, Pg9

Economists criticize VB-G RAM G Bill, alleging it dilutes MGNREGA, undermines right to work, and shifts financial burden to states.

GS 2: PolityGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Inclusive GrowthGS 2: Union State Relations and Federal Structure

‘Dilution of right to work’: Activists, economists slam VB-G RAM G Bill, Pg9

Economists criticize VB-G RAM G Bill, alleging it dilutes MGNREGA, undermines right to work, and shifts financial burden to states.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

A nuclear step towards energy security, Pg10

SHANTI Bill aims to boost India's nuclear energy sector by allowing 49% FDI and resolving supplier liability issues.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

A nuclear step towards energy security, Pg10

SHANTI Bill aims to boost India's nuclear energy sector by allowing 49% FDI and resolving supplier liability issues.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

In insurance sector, let the market work, Pg10

Lok Sabha passes Insurance Amendment Bill 2025, raising FDI limit to 100% and empowering IRDAI for sector growth.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

In insurance sector, let the market work, Pg10

Lok Sabha passes Insurance Amendment Bill 2025, raising FDI limit to 100% and empowering IRDAI for sector growth.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial GrowthGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability

On quality control orders, a welcome regulatory reset, Pg10

India scraps mandatory quality control orders on industrial raw materials, easing compliance for manufacturers and boosting competitiveness in global markets.

On quality control orders, a welcome regulatory reset, Pg10

India scraps mandatory quality control orders on industrial raw materials, easing compliance for manufacturers and boosting competitiveness in global markets.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Over Taiwan, China and Japan are playing a risky game, Pg11

Sino-Japan relations nosedive as Japan signals Taiwan intervention, triggering Chinese backlash and escalating regional tensions over sovereignty.

GS 1: World HistoryGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS 2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

Over Taiwan, China and Japan are playing a risky game, Pg11

Sino-Japan relations nosedive as Japan signals Taiwan intervention, triggering Chinese backlash and escalating regional tensions over sovereignty.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 2: International RelationsPrelimsGS 3: Security Forces and Agencies and their MandateGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Navy inducts 2nd Seahawk chopper squadron in boost to anti-sub combat, Pg12

Indian Navy commissions second MH 60R Seahawk squadron, enhancing anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities amid evolving threats.

Navy inducts 2nd Seahawk chopper squadron in boost to anti-sub combat, Pg12

Indian Navy commissions second MH 60R Seahawk squadron, enhancing anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities amid evolving threats.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

National Herald case: Why special court ruled against ED, Pg12

Delhi court rejects ED's money laundering case against Gandhis in National Herald case, citing lack of predicate offence under PMLA.

GS 2: PolityGS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: EconomyGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS 2: Separation of Powers and Dispute Redressal Mechanisms

National Herald case: Why special court ruled against ED, Pg12

Delhi court rejects ED's money laundering case against Gandhis in National Herald case, citing lack of predicate offence under PMLA.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS 2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Nov exports to US surge, but a trade deal is still key, Pg12

India's November exports surge 22% to US, driven by short-term factors, rupee depreciation, and anticipation of trade deal.

Nov exports to US surge, but a trade deal is still key, Pg12

India's November exports surge 22% to US, driven by short-term factors, rupee depreciation, and anticipation of trade deal.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India-UAE trade pact: Gold quota bids invited, Pg13

DGFT invites bids for gold import quota under India-UAE CEPA for FY26, boosting bilateral trade and economic ties.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

India-UAE trade pact: Gold quota bids invited, Pg13

DGFT invites bids for gold import quota under India-UAE CEPA for FY26, boosting bilateral trade and economic ties.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

SEBI overhauls mutual fund norms, cuts expense ratio limits, Pg13

SEBI overhauls mutual fund norms, cuts expense ratio limits up to 15 bps, and halves brokerage fees for cash transactions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS 2: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and AccountabilityGS 2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies

SEBI overhauls mutual fund norms, cuts expense ratio limits, Pg13

SEBI overhauls mutual fund norms, cuts expense ratio limits up to 15 bps, and halves brokerage fees for cash transactions.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Hat-trick: India tops the world again in most dope offenders, Pg22

India tops global doping charts for third consecutive year with 260 athletes testing positive in 2024, raising governance concerns.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS 2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

Hat-trick: India tops the world again in most dope offenders, Pg22

India tops global doping charts for third consecutive year with 260 athletes testing positive in 2024, raising governance concerns.

News Analysis

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg1

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg1

LS passes nuclear energy Bill allowing privatisation, Pg1

LS passes nuclear energy Bill allowing privatisation, Pg1

​Rearguard action, Pg6

​Rearguard action, Pg6

The story of ‘We, the moving people’, Pg6

The story of ‘We, the moving people’, Pg6

Change for the worse, Pg6

Change for the worse, Pg6

The changing patterns of India’s student migration, Pg6

The changing patterns of India’s student migration, Pg6

Record-high number of Indians deported from U.S. in 2025, Pg7

Record-high number of Indians deported from U.S. in 2025, Pg7

Overseas Bill betrays migrant workers, Pg7

Overseas Bill betrays migrant workers, Pg7

How is the Aravalli range to be protected?, Pg8

How is the Aravalli range to be protected?, Pg8

Navy commissions second MH-60R copter squadron, the ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Pg10

Navy commissions second MH-60R copter squadron, the ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Pg10

Prasar Bharati drafts policy to monetise television, OTT content, Pg11

Prasar Bharati drafts policy to monetise television, OTT content, Pg11

Bill to replace MGNREGA faces criticism; TDP flags increased burden on State, Pg11

Bill to replace MGNREGA faces criticism; TDP flags increased burden on State, Pg11

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg11

RS passes Bill for 100% FDI in insurance sector, Pg11

Possible discovery of dark matter sparks debate, experts urge caution, PgII

Possible discovery of dark matter sparks debate, experts urge caution, PgII

Air toxic, Delhi govt makes 50% work from home a must, Pg1

Air toxic, Delhi govt makes 50% work from home a must, Pg1

PM in Oman, to sign free trade agreement today, Pg5

PM in Oman, to sign free trade agreement today, Pg5

As LS passes nuclear Bill, Opp flags dilution of liability norms, Pg6

As LS passes nuclear Bill, Opp flags dilution of liability norms, Pg6

Diversify freight basket, send more crew in DFCs: House panel to Rlys, Pg6

Diversify freight basket, send more crew in DFCs: House panel to Rlys, Pg6

Parliament clears Bill to allow 100% FDI in insurance, Pg6

Parliament clears Bill to allow 100% FDI in insurance, Pg6

‘Dilution of right to work’: Activists, economists slam VB-G RAM G Bill, Pg9

‘Dilution of right to work’: Activists, economists slam VB-G RAM G Bill, Pg9

A nuclear step towards energy security, Pg10

A nuclear step towards energy security, Pg10

In insurance sector, let the market work, Pg10

In insurance sector, let the market work, Pg10

On quality control orders, a welcome regulatory reset, Pg10

On quality control orders, a welcome regulatory reset, Pg10

Over Taiwan, China and Japan are playing a risky game, Pg11

Over Taiwan, China and Japan are playing a risky game, Pg11

Navy inducts 2nd Seahawk chopper squadron in boost to anti-sub combat, Pg12

Navy inducts 2nd Seahawk chopper squadron in boost to anti-sub combat, Pg12

National Herald case: Why special court ruled against ED, Pg12

National Herald case: Why special court ruled against ED, Pg12

Nov exports to US surge, but a trade deal is still key, Pg12

Nov exports to US surge, but a trade deal is still key, Pg12

India-UAE trade pact: Gold quota bids invited, Pg13

India-UAE trade pact: Gold quota bids invited, Pg13

SEBI overhauls mutual fund norms, cuts expense ratio limits, Pg13

SEBI overhauls mutual fund norms, cuts expense ratio limits, Pg13

Hat-trick: India tops the world again in most dope offenders, Pg22

Hat-trick: India tops the world again in most dope offenders, Pg22

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Rearguard action, Pg6

Rearguard action, Pg6