This is the current affairs of 14 to 16 December 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Which bill did the central government introduce in Parliament to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MNREGA)?
a. VB-G Ram G Bill
b. Jai Shri Ram Bill
c. Ram Employment Guarantee Bill
d. None of the above
Answer: a. VB-G Ram G Bill
– MGNREGA (2005) is a rights-based rural employment guarantee law in India that legally guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household.
– To replace this law, a new bill was introduced in Parliament in December 2025: VB-G Ram G Bill, 2025 — Viksit Bharat–Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill.
Major changes
– Increase in guaranteed employment days: Under MGNREGA, every rural household was guaranteed 100 days of employment. Under the VB-G Ram G Bill, this has been increased to 125 days.
– “Pause” in employment guarantee during the agricultural season: For the first time, the bill provides a 60-day pause in employment guarantee during major agricultural seasons such as sowing and harvesting, so that rural labour availability for farmers is ensured. During this period, work will not be provided under the scheme.
– Centre–State financial partnership: Earlier, under MGNREGA, the entire wage cost was borne by the central government. Under the VB-G Ram G Bill, a 60:40 cost-sharing model will apply (for general states) and a 90:10 model for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
– Financial mechanism: Expenditure will now be controlled on the basis of a fixed “standard allocation” for each state instead of a labour budget.
– Weekly wage payment: The proposed bill provides for weekly wage payments, unlike MGNREGA’s provision of payment within 15 days.
Policy positives
– Increase in the duration of rural employment, improving livelihood security.
– Policy to ensure labour availability during the agricultural season.
– Greater state participation may improve local accountability.
Possible criticisms / challenges
– A 60-day pause in employment may conflict with the core principle of “guarantee,” as employment will no longer be open throughout the year.
– Financial pressure on states may increase, especially resource-poor states.
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2. When is National Energy Conservation Day celebrated?
a. 13 December
b. 14 December
c. 15 December
d. 16 December
Answer: b. 14 December
– In India, National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated every year on 14 December.
– Its objective is to raise awareness about energy conservation.
– On this day, India promotes green energy to improve both energy conservation and air quality.
– It was first observed in 2001.
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3. Which three countries did Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit on his four-day trip in December 2025?
a. Jordan, Oman and UAE
b. Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman
c. USA, Japan and Germany
d. Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar
Answer: b. Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman
– Jordan: 15–16 December
– Ethiopia: 16–17 December
– Oman: 17–18 December
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4. Through which portal did the central and state governments send more than 2,300 blocking orders to 19 social media platforms in the first year?
a. MyGov
b. UMANG
c. Sahyog
d. DIKSHA
Answer: c. Sahyog
– Through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Sahyog portal, more than 2,300 blocking orders were sent to 19 online platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, between October 2024 and October 2025.
– According to The Indian Express, the number of orders reveals how this controversial portal has rapidly become a central tool in India’s growing online censorship framework.
– The number may be higher, as companies also receive such orders via email when the portal is not functioning.
What is the Sahyog portal?
– Launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in October 2024.
– Enables central and state agencies to issue centralized orders to quickly remove “illegal/objectionable” online content.
– Issues directions under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
– If an intermediary fails to remove or disable access to illegal content after receiving actual knowledge, it may lose safe harbour protection.
– The portal centralizes and speeds up the process of issuing orders.
– It enables fast and organized control of online illegal content such as violence, obscenity, and fake news.
First-year data
– Over 2,312 blocking orders issued (about six per day).
– Orders sent to 19 online platforms.
– Meta platforms received about 78% of the orders.
– WhatsApp received the highest number (1,392).
– Orders were also sent to YouTube, Telegram, Google, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, LinkedIn, etc.
Legal framework
– Section 79(3)(b): Provides safe harbour to intermediaries, but they lose protection if they fail to expeditiously remove illegal content after government notice.
– Section 69A: Provides a transparent procedure for content blocking, applicable on limited grounds such as national security and public order.
Controversy
– X Corp. argued that the government is creating an alternative and “illegal” content-blocking system under Section 79(3)(b), bypassing safeguards under Section 69A.
– X claimed it would affect freedom of speech and lacks transparency.
– The Karnataka High Court upheld the government’s position, stating the portal serves public welfare and is not illegal.
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5. For how much money did Donald Trump start selling the “Trump Gold Card,” making it easier for immigrants to obtain U.S. citizenship?
a. USD 1 million
b. USD 2 million
c. USD 3 million
d. USD 4 million
Answer: a. USD 1 million (approximately ₹9 crore)
Trump Gold Card
– A new visa/residency program introduced by Donald Trump.
– Provides a pathway for long-term stay, work, and citizenship in the U.S.
– Designed mainly for wealthy individuals, investors, businesspersons, and talented professionals.
– Launched on 11 December as a major change in U.S. immigration policy.
– Price: USD 1 million (around ₹9 crore).
– Companies are required to pay USD 2 million.
– Initially announced in February 2025 at USD 5 million.
– Reduced to USD 1 million in September.
– Part of the “America First” agenda to retain top global talent and attract companies.
– Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said it would attract successful entrepreneurs worldwide.
– Along with this, Trump launched three new visa cards: Trump Gold Card, Trump Platinum Card, and Corporate Gold Card.
– The Trump Gold Card grants unlimited permanent residency in the U.S.
Replacing EB visas
– According to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the Gold Card will replace EB-1 and EB-2 visas.
– EB-5 visa (green card) categories may be discontinued.
What is the EB-5 program?
– In place since 1990.
– Allows investors to apply for a green card by investing at least USD 1 million in a business creating at least 10 jobs, eventually leading to citizenship.
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6. After the U.S., which country announced heavy tariffs of up to 50% on five Asian countries, including India?
a. Cuba
b. Mexico
c. Canada
d. China
Answer: b. Mexico
– Tariff: A border tax imposed on imported goods.
– Makes foreign goods more expensive in the domestic market.
– Increases government revenue.
– Aims to promote domestic production and protect local industries.
Why Mexico took this decision
– On 10 December 2025, Mexico’s parliament announced tariffs of up to 50% on imports from five Asian countries, including India.
– Applies to countries with which Mexico has no free trade agreement.
– Effective from 2026.
– Experts believe this move aims to appease U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 review of the USMCA trade agreement.
– The U.S. has long expressed concerns about cheap Chinese goods entering via Mexico.
Countries affected
– India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.
– Mexico imported goods worth USD 253.7 billion from these countries in 2024.
– This resulted in a trade deficit of around USD 223 billion.
– About 1,400 product categories—including cars, auto parts, textiles, plastics, steel, and footwear—will become more expensive.
– Most will face tariffs up to 35%, some up to 50%.
Not entirely new
– Expected to take effect from 1 April 2026.
– Documents suggest these tariffs have existed since April 2024.
– Overall impact on India’s exports may be limited, though sectors like automobiles could be affected.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum
– Said tariffs will benefit local industry, save millions of jobs, strengthen global supply chains, and generate an additional USD 3.76 billion in revenue next year.
India–Mexico trade
– Bilateral trade exceeds USD 10 billion.
– India exported USD 8.9 billion to Mexico in 2024; imports were USD 2.8 billion.
– India recorded a trade surplus of about USD 6 billion.
– Mexico is India’s second-largest trading partner in Latin America.
Mexico
– Capital: Mexico City
– Population: 132 million
– Language: Spanish
– Currency: Mexican Peso
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7. In which city was the country’s first hydrogen water taxi launched?
a. Varanasi
b. Ayodhya
c. Kanpur
d. Prayagraj
Answer: a. Varanasi
– Flagged off by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on 11 December 2025 at Namo Ghat.
– Varanasi became the first city to operate a hydrogen cruise.
– Operates from Namo Ghat to Ravidas Ghat.
– Operated by Jalsa Cruise Line under the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
– Planned extension from Assi Ghat to Markandeya Dham.
– Capacity: 50 passengers.
– Fare: ₹500 per person, including Banarasi cuisine and cultural experience.
– Seven trips per day.
– Hydrogen fueling stations at Namo Ghat and Assi Ghat.
– Zero air and noise pollution.
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8. Which Indian was honored with the ‘Global Humanitarian Award’ 2025 by the Global Humane Society?
a. Mukesh Ambani
b. Roshni Nadar
c. Anant Ambani
d. Savitri Jindal
Answer: c. Anant Ambani
– Awarded for leadership in animal rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and conservation through Vantara.
– Previous recipients include U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton, Hollywood personalities, and global leaders.
Vantara
– A large animal rescue, care, and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
– Run by the Reliance Foundation.
– Spread over about 3,500 acres.
– Provides safe shelter to injured, abused, and endangered animals.
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9. In which region was Phase IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented in December 2025 due to severe air pollution?
a. Mumbai
b. Delhi
c. Bengaluru
d. National Capital Region
Answer: d. National Capital Region (NCR)
– On 13 December 2025, after AQI crossed 450, the highest level of emergency restrictions was implemented in NCR.
What is GRAP?
– Full form: Graded Response Action Plan.
– A set of emergency measures to prevent further deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.
– Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and notified in 2017.
GRAP stages
– Stage I: AQI 201–300 (Poor)
– Stage II: AQI 301–400 (Very Poor)
– Stage III: AQI 401–450 (Severe)
– Stage IV: AQI above 450 (Severe+)
Measures under GRAP IV
– Ban on truck entry into Delhi (except essential services).
– Restrictions on non-BS-VI diesel vehicles.
– Construction bans.
– Closure of schools (Classes VI–IX and XI).
– 50% office capacity and work-from-home.
– Additional emergency measures by state governments.
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10. When is UNICEF Foundation Day celebrated?
a. 10 December
b. 11 December
c. 12 December
d. 13 December
Answer: b. 11 December
– UNICEF: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
– Established on 11 December 1946 by the UN General Assembly.
– Initially focused on emergency needs of children and mothers after World War II.
– Expanded in 1950 to address long-term needs.
– Headquarters: New York, USA.
– Parent organization: UN ECOSOC.
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11. What was the retail inflation rate in November 2025?
a. 1.25%
b. 2.25%
c. 0.7%
d. 0.25%
Answer: c. 0.7%
– Retail inflation (CPI) in November 2025 was 0.71%, up from 0.25% in October 2025.
– RBI’s target range: 2%–6%.
– November CPI was below this range.
Issued by
– National Statistical Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
How inflation is measured
– Based on Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– Includes food, clothing, housing, fuel, electricity, etc.
Impact of inflation
– Affects purchasing power.
– RBI controls inflation mainly through repo rate adjustments.
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12. What was the wholesale inflation rate in November 2025?
a. 1.25%
b. –0.32%
c. –1.21%
d. –2.21%
Answer: b. –0.32%
– Wholesale inflation (WPI) in November 2025 was –0.32%, up from –1.21% in October 2025.
– Negative inflation due to lower prices of food items, mineral oils, crude petroleum, natural gas, basic metals, and electricity.
Issued by
– Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
What is WPI?
– Measures price changes at the wholesale level, based on the Wholesale Price Index.
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