News of The Day: 18th December 2025

News of The Day – 18th December 2025

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

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-2: Polity and Governance)

• The Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, passed by Lok Sabha, raises FDI limit from 74% to 100%.
• Aims to attract capital, boost penetration, and modernise the sector while strengthening IRDAI powers.
• Emphasises balanced regulation to avoid stifling growth; insurance density remains low at ~$97 per capita.
• Key changes: Eases reinsurer entry, enhances policyholder protection fund, and shifts some norms to delegated regulation.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• About Adwa Victory Monument
  • commemorates 1896 Battle of Adwa (Ethiopia’s victory over Italy).
• Symbolises African resistance to colonialism
• PM Modi Ethiopia visit (Dec 2025).

(GS2: International Relation)

• About exercise Desert Cyclone.
• Second edition (18-30 Dec 2025) in Abu Dhabi
• focuses on urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and interoperability.
• Significance: Strengthens strategic partnership; aligns with India’s West Asia outreach.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Adopted at 80th UNGA (December 2025)
• First declaration integrating NCDs and mental health. 
• Sets 2030 targets: 80% countries with robust surveillance; focuses on equity, integration, and post-COVID lessons.

(GS-3: Economy)

• India as AI Market
  • India leads globally in LLM usage (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) due to young users, low data costs, and telecom bundling.
  • Over 60% internet users under 35; multilingual models democratise access.
• Positions India as a real-world testing ground for AI agents.

(GS-3: Economy)

• About India and Argentina Work Plan 2025-27
• Focus: Oilseeds/pulses, zero-tillage, drones, horticulture, and FMD/locust management.
  • Includes joint research, germplasm exchange, training, and annual reviews.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About Dakshin Gangotri (1983-84 expedition) 
• Established under third expedition; now a supply base after being abandoned in 1990 due to ice submergence.
• Key milestones in India’s Antarctic programme.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About India’s First AI-Driven Community Screening Programme
• Launched by Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) with AIIMS and MoHFW

• • Targets early detection to prevent blindness; addresses low screening rates (~10% of diabetics).
• About MadhuNetrAI 

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About RESPOND Basket 2025
• ISRO released priority research themes for academia (quantum computing, remote sensing, launch vehicles, etc.). 
• Aims to align academic R&D with missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

(GS-3: Science & Technology)

• About Seahawk squadron
  • 24 helicopters (US-origin) for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and multi-role ops.
• Replaces ageing Sea Kings; enhances blue-water capabilities and maritime security in Indian Ocean.