AUTOR: K Shiva
India-Oman Trade Pact: India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Oman will provide India duty-free access to 98.08% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's exports.
US Arms to Taiwan: The U.S. announced a massive $10 billion arms package for Taiwan, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. China responded angrily, stating the move undermines regional stability.
Indians in Russian Forces: The MEA informed the Rajya Sabha that 202 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since 2022; 26 have lost their lives.
Venezuela Blockade: U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. Russia urged the U.S. not to make a "fatal mistake".
Thai-Cambodian Conflict: Thai jets bombed a building in a Cambodian casino hub, injuring two civilians. The renewed fighting has displaced over 8 lakh people.
Rural Jobs Bill Passed: The Lok Sabha passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Roozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, which replaces the 20-year-old MGNREGA. The move was met with loud protests from Opposition MPs.
Nuclear Sector Reform: The Rajya Sabha cleared the SHANTI Bill, 2025. It aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence and increase the capacity of India's atomic energy sector.
Operation Sindoor: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Air Force's performance during Operation Sindoor, calling it a strategic instrument of "speed, surprise, and shock".
Voter Roll Revision: The Supreme Court asked the Election Commission to take a "sympathetic view" to petitions seeking extensions for voter enumeration in states like Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.
RRB Branding: The Finance Ministry unveiled a new logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to establish a unified brand identity following the consolidation of 26 banks.
Population Management Policy: CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announced that a new Population Management Policy will be introduced by Ugadi.
Pulses Procurement: The Centre approved the procurement of tur (red gram), moong (green gram), and urad (black gram) in A.P. under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) for the 2025-26 season.
Medical College Dispute: YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy lodged a complaint with the Governor against the PPP model for medical colleges, alleging it is a "privatisation attempt".
Collector Conference: CM Naidu concluded the conference by asserting that public satisfaction is the true measure of official performance.
Vijayawada (Trafficking): Task Force police busted a child trafficking racket, rescuing five babies and arresting ten people. The gang purchased babies for ₹1 lakh and planned to sell them for ₹25 lakh.
Tirupati (Oberoi Project): The Tourism Minister rebutted YSRCP charges, clarifying that suitable land for the Oberoi project was identified 500 metres opposite the earlier site to address public sentiment.
Kadapa (Murder Case): A police dog named Sonu helped solve a murder case by trailing the accused, leading to their rapid arrest.
Prakasam (Innovation): A farmer developed a cost-effective "cycle weeder" for just ₹1,000 using an old bicycle.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Jharkhand clinched its maiden title with a 69-run victory over Haryana. Skipper Ishan Kishan scored a 49-ball century.
IPL Auction: Cameron Green became the costliest overseas buy at ₹25.20 crore (KKR). Uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were bagged by CSK for ₹14.20 crore each.
Shooting: Ketan Malik won the women’s 10m air pistol national gold, finishing ahead of Manu Bhaker.
Cricket (India vs. SA): The fifth and final T20I in Ahmedabad serves as a series decider.
Regena Cassandra: The actor reflects on her 20-year journey in films, starting from her debut in Kanda Naal Mudhal.
Cine Tourism: The crew of the iconic film Bombay will reunite at Bekal Fort, Kerala, on December 20 for its 30th anniversary.
Dhurandhar Controversy: The film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, is sparking debates about "government-embedded filmmaking".
DHRUV64 Chip: India's first fully indigenous microprocessor developed by C-DAC.
Statue of Unity Sculptor: Legendary sculptor Ram V. Sutar passed away at the age of 100.
Word of the Day: Ostracise – To expel from a community or group; to avoid speaking to or dealing with.
Beatific: Experiencing or bestowing celestial joy.
Indie Calendar 2026: A new pet calendar titled Awaara nahi, humara hain features 12 stories of those who care for streeties.
Diabetes Projection: Nearly 900 million people are projected to have diabetes by 2050.
ANR College: Actor Nagarjuna Akkineni announced a ₹2 crore scholarship fund for ANR College in Gudivada.
Andhra Pradesh Skills: CM Naidu reiterated a commitment to provide 20 lakh jobs.
UP NEET UG: Special stray vacancy round registration dates announced (Dec 19–22).
Vocational Trainers: AIECT is recruiting vocational trainers for various sectors; applications close Dec 24.
🏖 Goa Liberation Day
Occasion: Marks the day in 1961 when Indian armed forces freed Goa from 450 years of Portuguese rule.
History: The Portuguese colonized parts of India in 1510. Negotiations failed after India's independence in 1947, leading PM Jawaharlal Nehru to order military intervention (Operation Vijay).
Goa Highlights: Palolem Beach in Canacona is ranked among Asia's best beaches.