News of The Day: 16th December 2025

News of The Day – 16th December 2025

SOURCES: The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: Modern History)

• Vallabhbhai Patel’s 75th death anniversary (Dec 15, 1950). 
• Early life: School boycott against British; earned ‘Sardar’ in Bardoli Satyagraha.
• Contributions: Integrated 562 princely states; founded IAS/IPS.

(GS-1: Art & Culture)

• About ‘Ponduru Khadi’
  • Handspun khadi from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, receives GI tag.
• Uses unique hill cotton, traditional methods; celebrated by Gandhi.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• About Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025
• Key Provisions
  • Increased days (100 to 125)
• Criticism of the proposed changes.
  • Views as erosion of constitutional right to work (Art 41).
• Calls for restoring original intent for rural livelihood security.

(GS-1: Art & Culture)

• About deepathoon on Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai
  • State argues deepathoon (pillar) is Jain heritage
• Karthigai Deepam has been lit traditionally for 150+ years.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• About National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025
• Key provisions: Licensing, standards, haemovigilance, voluntary donation promotion.
• Addresses fragmented system, infection risks; welcomed by thalassemia and sickle cell patients. * Aims for safer, equitable blood supply.

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025
  • Replaces UGC, AICTE, NCTE with a single umbrella body.
• Three councils: Regulatory, Standards, Accreditation.
• Promotes autonomy, outcome-based accreditation, NEP 2020 alignment.
• No funding powers for regulatory council; focuses on quality and penalties.

• About 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
  • Marked UNAOC 20th anniversary.
• Theme: Dialogue for humanity in multipolar world.
• Highlighted India’s civilizational ethos of unity and equal respect for faiths ( ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’).

(GS-3: Economy)

• PIB report highlights India’s job creation pathways amid structural shifts.
• Focus: Skilling, MSME growth, gig economy, green jobs.
• Key data: Unemployment trends, sector-wise employment potential.
• Aligns with Viksit Bharat goal of 30 crore jobs by 2030.

(GS-3: Economy )

• Key India -ADB Agreements.
  • Five loans for skilling, rooftop solar (PM Surya Ghar), Assam healthcare, Chennai Metro, Meghalaya ecotourism.
  • Supports flagship programs, infrastructure, green energy, employment.
• About the Asia Development Bank (ADB).

(GS-3: Environment)

• About Rajasthan’s 5th Ramsar site: Siliserh Lake (Alwar)
  • Freshwater lake in Rajasthan designated under Ramsar Convention.
• Supports biodiversity, migratory birds; built 1845.

(GS-3: Science & Tech)

• About Geminid meteor shower
  • Brightest annual meteor shower from asteroid 3200 Phaethon.
• Visible across India; minimal moon interference.