Daily GK Update- 20th Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jiyo Parsi Scheme Helps Arrest Decline in Parsi Population; 232 Babies Born in Five Years: The Parsi (Zoroastrian) population declined sharply from 1.14 lakh in 1941 to 57,264 in 2011, prompting the Government of India to launch the Jiyo Parsi Scheme in 2013–14 under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.The scheme has three components—Medical Assistance (support for infertility and pregnancy-related treatment up to ₹30 lakh income limit), Health of Community (care for children and dependent elderly up to ₹15 lakh income limit), and Advocacy to raise awareness.Financial assistance is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after biometric verification; during 2020–21 to 2024–25, an expenditure of ₹17.64 crore resulted in the birth of 232 babies under the scheme.A 2025 evaluation by IIPS found the scheme largely successful with widespread acceptance among beneficiaries, and it is now being considered for continuation in the next Finance Commission cycle, as informed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha.

 

2. MY Bharat Launches Dedicated Portal for Republic Day Celebrations–2026 Youth Competitions: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the MY Bharat Portal, has launched a special webpage to host national-level youth competitions as part of Republic Day Celebrations–2026.The initiative includes Essay Writing, Painting, and Slogan/Signature competitions, aimed at fostering patriotism, creativity, and civic engagement among youth nationwide.Prize money has been announced for top performers, and selected participants will get an opportunity to attend and take part in the Republic Day Celebrations–2026 Parade.

 

3. Union Government Approves ₹887 Crore Plan for World-Class Mumbai Marina to Boost Coastal Shipping & Maritime Tourism: The Union Government has approved the development of a world-class Mumbai Marina at an estimated cost of ₹887 crore, aiming to boost coastal shipping, maritime tourism, and waterfront-led urban development.Named ‘Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina’, the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for global-standard tourism destinations and strengthening India’s maritime economy, cleared by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.The Mumbai Port Authority will invest ₹470 crore to construct core marina infrastructure on an EPC basis, while a private operator will develop onshore facilities with ₹417 crore investment; tenders close on 29 December 2025.Spread over 12 hectares of water area, the marina will berth 424 yachts up to 30 metres, and aligns with national frameworks such as Maritime India Vision 2030, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Sagarmala Programme, Cruise Bharat Mission, and Mumbai Port Master Plan 2047.

 

4. Tamil Nadu Launches Smooth-Coated Otter Conservation Initiative: Tamil Nadu has launched a focused conservation initiative to protect the smooth-coated otter in the Cauvery Delta, responding to rising human–wildlife conflict and shrinking freshwater habitats. The programme reflects growing concern over the declining presence of this vulnerable species in the state’s river systems. The smooth-coated otter is the largest otter species in Asia and a key indicator of wetland health. Living in social groups known as bevvies, these otters hunt cooperatively and help regulate fish populations. A single group can consume large quantities of fish annually, maintaining balance in aquatic ecosystems. In the Cauvery delta, otters occupy irrigation canals, slow-moving tributaries, and mangrove edges, where they shelter in earthen holts along riverbanks. In fishing villages such as Anaikarai, otters are locally called “meenakutty” for their playful behaviour around nets and boats. However, reduced river flows and declining fish stocks have intensified competition. Otters are often injured after getting trapped in nets, while damaged gear and lost catch strain fisherfolk livelihoods. Pollution, pesticide runoff, plastic waste, and upstream dams have further reduced prey availability.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine Inaugurated in New Delhi: The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being,” jointly organised by the WHO and the Ministry of AYUSH, and held from 17–19 December 2025.Union Health Minister JP Nadda and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the growing role of traditional medicine in global healthcare, with discussions on integration into national health systems, safety and quality standards, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based research.The summit showcased India’s leadership in traditional medicine, including the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre at Jamnagar, ICD-11 Module 2, international collaborations, and research initiatives, reinforcing a global commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and balanced health systems.

 

2. Oman Allows 50% Indian Workforce Under CEPA Framework: India has secured a major employment concession for its workforce in Oman, with the Gulf nation permitting companies to employ up to 50% Indian nationals, a sharp rise from the earlier cap of 20%. The decision forms part of the broader Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries and is expected to significantly benefit Indian workers, professionals, and enterprises operating in Oman. Government officials said the revised cap ensures that Indian companies setting up operations in Oman are not compelled to recruit workers from third countries. The provision provides Indian firms greater flexibility in workforce planning while safeguarding opportunities for Indian nationals across skill levels. Importantly, the agreement includes a “standstill” clause, meaning the 50% ceiling cannot be reduced in the future, offering long-term certainty to Indian businesses and employees. The CEPA also includes a parity clause, under which any labour-related concession granted by Oman to Saarc countries will automatically extend to India. While Oman maintains requirements for hiring local citizens, officials clarified that restrictions are stricter only in select senior or sensitive job categories. For most sectors, particularly goods and services, the new framework is expected to ease labour mobility and reduce compliance hurdles for Indian firms.

 

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.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Army Departs for India–UAE Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II in Abu Dhabi: An Indian Army contingent has departed for the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II, to be held at Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 18 to 30 December 2025.The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel mainly from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE Land Forces are represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion with similar strength.The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and defence cooperation through joint training in urban warfare and sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, including peacekeeping and counter-terrorism roles.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Indian Woman to Cross 4,000 T20I Runs: Indian star batter Smriti Mandhana etched her name in cricket history during the first Women’s T20 International against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam by achieving a landmark no Indian woman had reached before. The stylish left-hander crossed the 4,000-run mark in T20 internationals, underlining her consistency and longevity at the highest level. Mandhana became the first Indian woman cricketer to score over 4,000 runs in T20Is. Globally, she is only the second woman to achieve the feat, joining New Zealand great Suzie Bates. The milestone places Mandhana among the elite batters in women’s T20 cricket and reflects her sustained excellence across seasons and conditions. What makes Mandhana’s achievement exceptional is the speed at which she reached the landmark. She completed 4,000 T20I runs in just 3,227 balls, significantly quicker than Suzie Bates, who took 3,675 deliveries. This highlights Mandhana’s attacking intent and her ability to score at a high strike rate while maintaining consistency.

 

2. Sukhman Singh Wins IGU 124th Amateur Championship: Noida golfer Sukhman Singh delivered a commanding performance to clinch the prestigious IGU 124th Amateur Golf Championship of India at the historic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata. His emphatic victory capped an outstanding season and reaffirmed his status as one of India’s brightest amateur golf prospects. Sukhman defeated Harman Sachdeva of Haryana in the 36-hole matchplay final after establishing an unassailable 7UP lead with seven holes to play. The contest was evenly poised early on, with both golfers tied till the sixth hole. Sukhman surged ahead to go 4UP after 12 holes and maintained a 2UP advantage at the halfway mark of the final. Showcasing a sharp long game and confident putting, Sukhman maintained relentless pressure throughout the final. Although Harman briefly reduced the deficit to three after 23 holes, Sukhman responded with a string of birdies to stretch his lead to 6UP by the 25th hole. His consistent shot-making forced the tournament director to call the match after 29 holes.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Post Launches Karnataka’s First Gen Z-Themed Post Office at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru: India Post unveiled Karnataka’s first Gen Z-themed post office at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, aimed at engaging the younger generation and reimagining the role of post offices in the digital age.The post office includes colourful interiors, full Wi-Fi, selfie points, student-designed decor, reading areas, cafe-style seating, wellness spaces, and a physiotherapy lab, making it a social and functional hub for students.The initiative reflects India Post’s transition from traditional services like letters and money orders to digital banking, logistics, and e-commerce, showcasing its nationwide transformation to align with modern business models and youth engagement.

 

2. Cube-Shaped Skull Discovery Reveals Ancient Mexican Ritual: Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered a uniquely cube-shaped human skull, offering rare evidence of an ancient cultural practice previously undocumented in the region. The discovery sheds new light on identity, ritual, and social structure among pre-Hispanic communities of Mesoamerica. The skull was found at the archaeological site of Balcón de Montezuma. The remains belonged to a man aged around 40 who lived more than 1,000 years ago. Scientific analysis of bones and teeth suggests the individual spent his entire life in present-day Mexico. Researchers confirmed that the unusual cube-like shape resulted from intentional cranial deformation, a practice carried out in early childhood. Boards and bandages were applied to an infant’s skull, gradually reshaping it as the bones grew. While cranial modification is known across Mesoamerica, the parallelepiped, or box-like, form identified here differs significantly from the more common conical or elongated styles.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Finance Ministry Unveils New Unified Logo for Regional Rural Banks: The Finance Ministry unveiled a new common logo for all 28 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to create a single and unified brand identity, strengthening their visibility and recognition nationwide.Under the principle of ‘One State One RRB’, 26 RRBs across 11 states/UTs were consolidated effective May 1, 2025, aiming to build stronger and more efficient rural banking institutions.The colours of the logo convey the mission of RRBs—dark blue represents finance and trust, while green signifies life and growth, reflecting their commitment to serve rural India.The branding initiative is part of the government’s effort to modernise RRBs, enhance their identity, and promote financial inclusion and rural development through a distinct and easily recognisable brand.

 

2. IRDAI Fines Care Health Insurance ₹1 Crore for Claims Settlement and Governance Lapses: IRDAI imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Care Health Insurance Ltd for serious lapses in claims settlement, violating policyholder protection norms and corporate governance standards.The action followed a remote inspection, which uncovered failures in grievance redressal mechanisms, handling of unclaimed amounts, and deficiencies in reinsurance accounting practices.IRDAI also issued multiple warnings and advisories to the insurer for lapses in cybersecurity and overall compliance, reinforcing the need for stronger internal controls.

 

3. RBI Imposes Six-Month Restrictions on Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank, Caps Withdrawals at ₹35,000: RBI imposed operational restrictions on The Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank due to its deteriorating financial position, including a cap of ₹35,000 on customer withdrawals.The restrictions, issued as ‘Directions’, took effect from the close of business and will remain in force for a period of six months.Without prior RBI approval, the bank cannot grant or renew loans, make investments, incur liabilities, or disburse payments during the restriction period.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NCSM Wins Two PRSI National Awards 2025 for Har Ghar Museum and Waste to Art Initiatives: The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), under the Ministry of Culture, was conferred with two prestigious PRSI National Awards 2025 by the Public Relations Society of India.NCSM won the Best Use of Social Media in a Corporate Campaign award for the Har Ghar Museum initiative and the Special/Prestige Publication award for its “Waste to Art” publication.The publication highlights how nearly 1,250 kg of waste was creatively transformed into educational art installations across NCSM units, promoting sustainability and circular economy principles under Swachhata Hi Sewa.The awards were presented at the 47th All India Public Relations Conference held in Dehradun and were received on behalf of NCSM by Shri Rajib Nath and Shri Satyajit N. Singh.

 

2. Air India Retains Best Domestic Airline Title at Travel + Leisure Awards 2025: Air India has been named Best Domestic Airline at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025 for the second consecutive year, based on reader votes reflecting passenger feedback.The award highlights Air India’s focus on comfort, service quality, and consistency, and acknowledges the efforts of frontline staff delivering services across airports and onboard flights.In 2026, Air India is set to receive six new widebody aircraft (B787-9 and A350-1000), with plans for 96% of narrowbody fleet and nearly 60% of widebody fleet to be new or upgraded by the end of 2026.

Customer-Centric Improvements: The airline continues to focus on gradual operational enhancements as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen customer experience and overall service quality.