Daily GK Update- 18th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lionel Messi Virtually Unveiled 70-Foot Statue in Kolkata during GOAT India Tour 2025: Argentine football legend Lionel Messi virtually unveiled a towering 70-foot statue of himself in Lake Town, Kolkata, as part of the kickoff to his GOAT India Tour 2025, marking a grand tribute to his iconic career.The statue, depicting Messi and celebrating his achievements, including the FIFA World Cup, was commissioned at the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club and revealed remotely by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ahead of his arrival in the city.The unveiling event in Kolkata, which also featured appearances from celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and fellow football stars, served as the opening highlight of Messi’s three-day tour across major Indian cities.

 

2. Jyotiraditya Scindia Unveils 25-Foot Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Belagavi, Karnataka: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled a 25-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Athani in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, calling it a historic moment that celebrates India’s spirit of courage, self-respect, and national duty.The unveiling symbolizes a resolve to carry forward the ideals of Hindavi Swaraj, inspiring future generations with Shivaji Maharaj’s values of fearlessness, strategic brilliance, and visionary leadership.The event highlighted the historical and strategic significance of Belagavi and Athani, linking Shivaji Maharaj’s southern campaigns to contemporary India’s vision of self-reliance, good governance, and cultural pride under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

3. Kavita Chand Scales Mount Vinson, Becomes First Woman from Uttarakhand to Summit Antarctica’s Highest Peak’: Kavita Chand, a native of Almora, Uttarakhand, successfully summited Mount Vinson (4,892 m) in Antarctica, marking a major milestone in her Seven Summits quest.Considered one of the world’s most unforgiving peaks, Mount Vinson tested the climbers with extreme cold, isolation and unpredictable Antarctic weather, requiring meticulous planning and acclimatisation.The expedition was led by renowned guide Mingma David Sherpa, with support from Bharath Thammineni and Boots and Crampon, as a nine-member Indian team successfully reached the summit.

 

4. University of Patanjali Declared India’s First Yoga and Ayurveda-Based Cluster Centre under Gyan Bharatam Mission: The University of Patanjali has been designated as India’s first Yoga and Ayurveda-based Cluster Centre under the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Ministry of Culture, aimed at preserving and promoting ancient Indian knowledge systems.As a Cluster Centre, the university will mentor 20 institutions nationwide and lead efforts in research, education, digitisation, and dissemination of manuscripts related to Yoga, Ayurveda, and allied traditions.The recognition highlights the government’s push to safeguard India’s intellectual and cultural heritage, with the University of Patanjali becoming the first institution exclusively focused on Yoga and Ayurveda to receive this status under the mission.

 

5. Retired IAS Officer Raj Kumar Goyal Sworn In as Chief Information Commissioner : Retired IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal (1990 batch) was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of the Central Information Commission, with President Droupadi Murmu administering the oath at Rashtrapati Bhavan.Raj Kumar Goyal has earlier served as Secretary, Department of Justice (Ministry of Law and Justice) and as Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, before his superannuation.He succeeded Heeralal Samariya as the Chief Information Commissioner and was appointed with effect from December 15, under the provisions of Section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Far-right candidate José Antonio Kast of Chile’s Republican Party won the 2025 presidential election, securing about 58% of the vote in the runoff and defeating leftist Jeannette JaraKast’s victory represents Chile’s most significant turn to the right since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990, driven by voter concerns over rising crime, migration and economic issues.

 

6. Sairam Appointed as New Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India: State-owned miner Coal India appointed Sairam as its new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), succeeding Sanoj Kumar Jha, who was holding interim charge after P.M. Prasad’s superannuation.Prior to this role, B. Sairam served as CMD of Northern Coalfields Limited and earlier as Director (Technical) at Coal India’s subsidiary Central Coalfields Limited.

 

 

7. 18 Deecmber – Minorities Rights Day: Minorities Rights Day is observed in India on 18 December every year to recognise and uphold the rights of religious and linguistic minorities in the country.Theme 2025 – Human Rights, Our Everyday EssentialsThe day emphasises protection, promotion, and awareness of the rights of minority communities as guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India and Liberia Sign MoU on Pharmacopoeia to Enhance Access to Safe and Affordable Medicines: India and Liberia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on pharmacopoeia, aimed at promoting shared quality standards, regulatory alignment, and improving access to safe and affordable medicines.The MoU was signed by India’s Ambassador to Liberia, Manoj Bihari Verma, and Liberia’s Health Minister, Louise M. Kpoto, allowing Liberia to adopt the Indian Pharmacopoeia as a reference for medicine quality standards.The agreement is expected to strengthen regulatory collaboration, enhance global health cooperation, and ensure the availability of safe, effective, and affordable medicines in Liberia through standardized pharmacopoeial practices and advanced analytical techniques.

 

2. World Bank Sanctions USD 600 Million to Combat Air Pollution in UP and Haryana: The World Bank has approved nearly USD 600 million for two large clean-air programmes in Uttar Pradesh (USD 299.66 million) and Haryana (USD 300 million), aiming to improve air quality for around 270 million people in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.The Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program (UPCAMP) focuses on reducing pollution from transport, agriculture, and industry, promoting clean energy transitions, e-mobility, and greener jobs, and helping 3.9 million households access clean cooking.Haryana’s Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development Operation targets emissions in transport, agriculture, industry, and urban development, including expansion of electric buses and e-three-wheelers, while also setting up ARJUN, a special purpose vehicle for coordination and monitoring.

 

3. Afghan Kunar River Diversion Raises Alarm Over Pakistan’s Water Security: Pakistan’s already fragile water situation is set to face fresh pressure as the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan moves ahead with plans to divert water from the Kunar River towards the Nangarhar region. The proposed project has triggered concerns in Islamabad over reduced downstream flows into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the risk of renewed strain in Afghanistan–Pakistan relations. According to reports, Afghanistan’s Technical Committee of the Economic Commission under the Office of the Prime Minister has approved a proposal to divert water from the Kunar River to the Darunta Dam in Nangarhar. The plan has been forwarded to the Economic Commission for a final decision. Once implemented, the project is expected to ease water shortages across large agricultural tracts in Nangarhar, supporting irrigation and local livelihoods within Afghanistan. The Kunar River runs for nearly 500 kilometres and originates in the Hindu Kush mountains in Pakistan’s Chitral district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Flowing south into Afghanistan, it passes through Kunar and Nangarhar provinces before merging with the Kabul River. Along with the Pech River, the combined waters re-enter Pakistan and eventually join the Indus near Attock in Punjab. The river system is a major source of irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power, particularly for Pakistan’s north-western regions.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India, UAE Launch Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise: India and the United Arab Emirates have launched the second edition of their joint military exercise, Desert Cyclone II, marking another step in deepening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. The exercise is being conducted in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30 and focuses on enhancing joint operational capabilities in complex urban warfare environments. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Army contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The UAE Land Forces are represented by a contingent of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. The balanced participation reflects the emphasis on equal engagement and shared learning between the two forces during the exercise. The primary aim of Desert Cyclone II is to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation through joint training in urban settings. The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations conducted under a United Nations mandate, preparing both armies for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations. By training together in simulated built-up areas, the two forces aim to develop coordinated responses to modern security challenges.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Manu Bhaker, Simranpreet Brar Win Gold at National Shooting Meet: India’s top pistol shooters delivered standout performances at the 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions, with Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and ISSF World Cup Final 2025 gold winner Simranpreet Kaur Brar clinching gold medals in their respective categories. The events were held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, reinforcing the depth of India’s talent in women’s pistol shooting. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker secured the gold medal in the senior women’s 25m sports pistol event with a composed and clinical display in the final. Manu shot a total of 36 to finish comfortably ahead of the field. She maintained control throughout the decisive stages, finishing four hits clear of her nearest rival. Divya T.S. of Karnataka claimed the silver medal, while Anjali Choudhary completed the podium with a bronze. In the junior women’s 25m sports pistol event, Simranpreet Kaur Brar continued her impressive form by winning the gold medal. She produced a strong final performance, scoring 39 to outclass her competitors. The victory adds to her growing list of achievements in 2025 and confirms her status as one of the most promising young shooters in the country.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Unveils DHRUV64, Its First Fully Indigenous 64-Bit Microprocessor: India launched DHRUV64, the country’s first fully indigenous microprocessor, developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP), marking a major milestone in India’s semiconductor journey.The DHRUV64 is a 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core processor capable of supporting strategic and commercial applications, with higher efficiency, enhanced multitasking, and improved reliability.The processor’s advanced design allows seamless integration with a wide range of external hardware systems, and its modern fabrication uses technologies similar to high-performance chips.DHRUV64 is suitable for multiple sectors, including 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT), strengthening India’s indigenous processor pipeline.Before DHRUV64, India had already begun expanding its indigenous microprocessor development ecosystem in recent years, including SHAKTI (2018, IIT Madras), AJIT (2018, IIT Bombay), VIKRAM (2025, ISRO–SCL), and THEJAS64 (2025, C-DAC).

 

2. Completion of India’s Maitri II Antarctic Research Station Pushed to 2032: The completion of Maitri II, India’s next-generation research station in East Antarctica, has been delayed to 2032, with scientific operations expected to start later than initially planned, instead of the earlier target of January 2029.The project is estimated to cost ₹2,000 crore over seven years, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment work, including architectural design and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).Maitri II will strengthen India’s multidisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica, supporting studies in biology, earth sciences, glaciology, atmospheric sciences, climate research, and long-term environmental monitoring.Replacing Maitri I (operational since 1989), the upgraded station will feature modern laboratories, advanced ice-core storage and processing systems, expanded atmospheric observation facilities, and improved logistics to ensure year-round scientific operations.

 

3. MLFF Tolling System to Go Nationwide by End of 2026: The Union Government plans to complete the nationwide rollout of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system along with artificial intelligence-based highway management by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to eliminate waiting time at toll plazas and significantly enhance travel efficiency on national highways. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that the MLFF system will allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping. The objective is to reduce waiting time at toll plazas to zero minutes. Under the new system, vehicles will be able to cross toll locations at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and improved commuter convenience. The MLFF tolling mechanism will operate through an integrated technology framework. It will combine artificial intelligence-based number plate recognition, satellite tracking, and FASTag integration to automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges. This digital approach is designed to ensure seamless toll collection while minimising manual intervention and errors.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s WPI Inflation Remains Negative at -0.32% in November 2025: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation remained in negative territory at -0.32% in November 2025, indicating continued deflation in wholesale prices compared to the same month last year.The negative WPI inflation in November was an improvement from October’s -1.21%, showing a slower pace ofdecline as some prices, especially food items, began rising month-on-month.Deflation in wholesale prices was driven by declines in key components such as food articles, mineral oils, and crude petroleum & natural gas, despite some moderation in the rate of fall.

 

2. Mizoram to Sign USD 108 Million ADB Loan to Strengthen Public Healthcare System: The Mizoram government will sign a USD 108 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen the state’s public healthcare system under the project “Supporting Public Healthcare System Strengthening to Achieve Universal Healthcare for Mizoram.”Of the total loan amount, 90% will be repaid by the Central Government and 10% by the Mizoram government within 15 years, significantly reducing the financial burden on the state.

The loan will support the Mizoram Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS), launched in March, which provides ₹5 lakh cashless treatment cover per family at government and empanelled private/church-run hospitals.Mizoram has already spent over ₹100 crore under MUHCS, benefiting nearly 60,000 beneficiaries, while major healthcare infrastructure upgrades are underway, including expansion of Zoram Medical College & Hospital and strengthening of Aizawl Civil Hospital.

3. ADB Approves USD 240 Million Second Tranche for Chennai Metro Rail Expansion: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 240 million loan as the second tranche of the Chennai Metro Rail Investment Project to expand metro connectivity and promote cleaner, safer, and more reliable urban transport in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.This funding is part of ADB’s USD 780 million multitranche financing facility (approved in 2022) and will support the development of Metro Lines 3, 4, and 5, covering 20 km of elevated and underground corridors along with 18 new stations.The project includes universal access features and disaster-resilient infrastructure, aligning with Chennai’s low-carbon development goals and improving mobility amid growing urban transport demand.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NLC India Awarded 110 MW Solar PV Project by NCRTC in Uttar Pradesh: NLC India Ltd. (NLCIL) has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from NCRTC to develop a 110 MW grid-connected solar PV power project in Uttar Pradesh under captive mode.The project aims to power NCRTC’s entire Regional Rapid Transit System corridor, involving setting up, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the solar plant, with completion expected within 24 months.The initiative will fulfill captive power requirements for NCRTC and promote the use of clean and sustainable energy in large-scale infrastructure projects.

 

2. YouTube To Stream Oscars Globally From 2029: The Academy Awards are set for a historic shift in broadcast history, with YouTube securing exclusive global streaming rights to the Oscars from 2029. The move ends ABC’s nearly 50-year association with Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony and signals the growing dominance of digital platforms in premium live entertainment. The agreement will run until 2033 and promises free worldwide access to the Oscars. ABC will retain the rights to broadcast the Academy Awards through 2028, including the landmark 100th Oscars ceremony. From 2029 onwards, YouTube will become the global home of the event, marking a decisive break from traditional network television. ABC had reportedly sought to renegotiate lower fees amid declining television ratings, bringing an end to one of the longest-running broadcast partnerships in entertainment history. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed that YouTube’s deal covers full Oscars programming. This includes the main awards ceremony, red carpet coverage, backstage access and the Governors Ball. Industry sources indicate the agreement is valued at over $100 million, with YouTube outbidding rivals such as Disney and NBCUniversal. Advertising will continue during the broadcast, maintaining a key revenue stream for the Academy.