This is the current affairs of 17 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. For the first time, 21 academics have been declared ‘Prime Minister Professors’. Who is among them?
a. Prof. Ramesh Chandra
b. Prof. Rahum S. Chandrakar
c. Prof. Manika V. Ghosh
d. Prof. Kishore M. Paknikar
Answer: d. Professor Kishore M. Paknikar
– Professor Kishore M. Paknikar has been appointed as one of India’s 21 “Prime Minister Professors.”
– He will serve at COEP Technological University, Pune, for the next five years.
– This announcement was made by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
– However, the names of all 21 “Prime Minister Professors” have not been made public. The Indian Express revealed the name of Professor Kishore M. Paknikar.
What is the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?
– It is a national-level institution established by the Government of India.
– Its objective is to strengthen scientific research, innovation, and research culture in higher education across the country.
– Established under: Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023
– It is the new and expanded form of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
– It was formed based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
What is a Prime Minister Professor?
– The Prime Minister Professor is not a constitutional or political post, but a special research-based professorship (academic honor) initiated by the Government of India.
– Its objective is to promote high-quality research culture in universities and technical institutions.
– It is instituted by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Key features of the Prime Minister Professorship
– It is a national-level professorship.
– Selected individuals are senior scientists or academics actively engaged in research.
– The tenure is generally five years.
– The concerned professor is assigned roles in research guidance, mentorship, and academic leadership at the institution.
– Under the Prime Minister Professorship, a fellowship of ₹30 lakh per year (₹2.5 lakh per month), a research grant of ₹24 lakh per year, and an additional expenditure grant of ₹1 lakh per year are provided for five years.
– Prof. Paknikar is one of the 21 professors appointed across the country under this national initiative.
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2. Which Hindu temple complex was damaged during the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, prompting India to express concern?
a. Wat Arun Temple
b. Wat Phra Kaew Temple
c. Preah Vihear Temple
d. Wat Pho Temple
Answer: c. Preah Vihear Temple
– The temple is located in the disputed border area between Cambodia and Thailand.
– Military clashes between the two countries over the Preah Vihear Temple and Ta Muen Thom Temple resumed in December 2025.
– Both are Shiva temples.
– During the military clashes in December 2025, the Preah Vihear temple complex was damaged. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the damage.
– MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been involved in the conservation and restoration of ancient Khmer temples in Cambodia since 1986, and the damage during this period is unfortunate.
About the Preah Vihear Temple
– The Preah Vihear temple complex consists of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 11th century.
– It is located on the summit of the Dângrêk Mountains near the Cambodia–Thailand border.
– It was built by the rulers of the Khmer Empire.
– The temple’s architecture shows distinctive Khmer carvings along with influences of South Indian (Dravidian) style.
History of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia
– The roots of the dispute date back more than a century, when Cambodia’s borders were defined after French colonial rule.
– Tensions escalated formally in 2008 when Cambodia attempted to register an 11th-century temple located in a disputed area as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– Thailand strongly opposed this move.
– Subsequently, several clashes occurred between the two countries, resulting in deaths of soldiers and civilians.
Thailand
– Capital: Bangkok
– King: Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
– Prime Minister: Anutin Charnvirakul
– Currency: Thai Baht
– Language: Thai
– Population: 71.62 million (2025)
– Neighbouring countries: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia
Cambodia
– Capital: Phnom Penh
– Monarch: Norodom Sihamoni
– Prime Minister: Hun Manet
– Currency: Riel
– Language: Khmer
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3. Who has become the new working president of the BJP?
a. Nitin Gadkari
b. Nitin Nabin
c. Ram Vilas
d. Pankaj Chaudhary
Answer: b. Nitin Nabin
– The BJP Parliamentary Board appointed Nitin Nabin as the party’s national working president on December 14, 2025.
– It is believed that he may be formally elected as the party president during elections in January 2026.
– Nitin Nabin is a minister in Bihar and a five-time MLA.
– He served as the president of the Bihar unit of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) for seven years and later as its national general secretary.
– He was also in charge of the only roadshow attended by Prime Minister Modi during the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
– His father, the late Navin Kishore Prasad Sinha, was also a BJP MLA and is regarded as one of the veteran leaders who played a significant role in strengthening the party in the state.
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4. Who was elected as the first female president of the Press Club of India?
a. Kadambini Sharma
b. Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
c. Nayanima Basu
d. Aditi Rajput
Answer: b. Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
– Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty was elected as the first female president of the Press Club of India on December 14, 2025.
– Afzal Imam was elected as the General Secretary, and Jatin Gandhi won the post of Vice President.
– Aditi Rajput (Treasurer) and P.R. Sunil (Joint Secretary) were elected unopposed.
About the Press Club of India
– The Press Club of India (PCI) is a leading and prestigious organization of journalists in India.
– Its objective is to protect the professional, social, and intellectual interests of journalists and promote independent and responsible journalism.
– Established: 1958
– Location: New Delhi
– Membership is primarily for active journalists working in print, electronic, and digital media.
– Major activities include discussions on national and international issues, panel talks, press meets, workshops and training programs for journalists, public statements on press freedom, and promoting networking and cooperation among journalists.
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5. Who has become the new Chief Information Commissioner of the Central Information Commission?
a. Surendra Singh Meena
b. Ashutosh Chaturvedi
c. Raj Kumar Goyal
d. Swagat Das
Answer: c. Raj Kumar Goyal
– President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Raj Kumar Goyal as the Chief Information Commissioner on December 15, 2025.
– Raj Kumar Goyal is a retired IAS officer.
Other Information Commissioners who also took oath
– Surendra Singh Meena – former IAS officer
– Ashutosh Chaturvedi – former Editor-in-Chief of Prabhat Khabar
– Swagat Das – former IPS officer
– Sudha Rani Relangi – former Indian Legal Service officer
– P.R. Ramesh – former Managing Editor of Open magazine
– Khushwant Singh Sethi – former Indian Forest Service officer
– Jaya Varma Sinha – former Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board
– Sanjeev Kumar Jindal
Existing Information Commissioners
– Anandi Ramalingam
– Vinod Kumar Tiwari
Central Information Commission
– Established under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
– It can have a Chief Information Commissioner and up to 10 Information Commissioners.
– Its jurisdiction extends to all central public authorities.
– A full commission was constituted for the first time in nine years in December 2025.
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6. Under the ‘India Battlefield Tourism Initiative’, which two locations in Doklam, Sikkim, have been formally opened to tourists?
a. Depsang and La-La
b. Cho-La and Dok-La
c. Ranjang-La and Chi-La
d. All of the above
Answer: b. Cho-La and Dok-La
– Cho-La and Dok-La in the Doklam region of Sikkim were formally opened to tourists on December 15, 2025.
– Eight years ago, these areas witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese forces.
– Under the Centre’s India Battlefield Tourism Initiative, these locations have now become tourist destinations.
– On this occasion, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off 25 motorcycles and vehicles from Gangtok.
– The Chief Minister said that the opening of Cho-La and Dok-La is part of the Vibrant Village Programme.
– The objective is to promote tourism in border areas and create livelihood opportunities for local communities through regular tourism activities.
– This initiative has been made possible through coordination among the central government, state government, and the Army.
– He said that this initiative also highlights the historical and military significance of Cho-La and Dok-La.
– Under the broader concept of battlefield tourism, the program will promote awareness of the bravery and sacrifices of the armed forces and foster patriotism among visitors while maintaining strict security and environmental safeguards.
India–China standoff in 2017
– Dok-La or Doklam, located at an altitude of 13,780 feet and 68 km east of Gangtok, lies on a plateau in the Chumbi Valley at the tri-junction of Bhutan, China, and India.
– In June 2017, it became the center of a dispute when China attempted to build a road in an area claimed by Bhutan.
– India intervened to protect its strategic interests and support ally Bhutan.
– After a controlled standoff lasting over two months, China halted construction activities in Doklam (also known as Donglang).
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7. When is Vijay Diwas celebrated?
a. 16 December
b. 17 December
c. 18 December
d. 19 December
Answer: a. 16 December
– It is celebrated to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and to honor the bravery of Indian soldiers.
– On this day in 1971, Pakistan’s Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi signed the instrument of surrender in Dhaka.
– As a result, nearly 93,000 Pakistani soldiers laid down their arms before the Indian Army.
– After India’s victory, East Pakistan became Bangladesh.
– This historic moment was achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, and Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora.
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8. Which central labor codes did the central government implement in the year 2025?
a. Code on Wages, 2019 and Industrial Relations Code, 2020
b. Social Security Code, 2020 and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
c. Labour Development Code, 2021
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Code on Wages, 2019; Industrial Relations Code, 2020; Social Security Code, 2020; and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020)
– In November 2025, the central government implemented all four central labor codes.
– For a long time, India’s labor law structure had remained fragmented and complex.
– Around 29 central labor laws, differing definitions, and multiple registration and inspection systems had become burdensome for workers, industries, and the government.
– Against this backdrop, Parliament passed four labor codes between 2019 and 2020.
– Nearly five years later, in November 2025, the central government fully enforced these labor codes.
Four labor codes implemented in 2025
– Code on Wages, 2019 – Wages, minimum wages
– Industrial Relations Code, 2020 – Strikes, layoffs, unions
– Social Security Code, 2020 – EPF, ESIC, gig workers
– Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 – Workplace safety
(Further detailed provisions as described in the original text.)
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9. From which competition did wrestler John Cena retire?
a. WWE
b. WCW
c. ECW
d. TNA
Answer: a. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
– He concluded his more than 24-year professional wrestling career with his final match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13–14, 2025.
– Although he has retired from in-ring professional wrestling, Cena plans to remain associated with WWE in a new role (such as ambassador or mentor) and may continue to be connected with the company.
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10. Which country’s team won the WSF Squash World Cup 2025 title?
a. China
b. England
c. India
d. USA
Answer: c. India
– India won its first WSF Squash World Cup in 2025.
– This is India’s second medal in the history of the tournament; earlier, India won a bronze medal in 2023.
– The Indian team defeated top-seeded Hong Kong 3–0 in the final held in Chennai.
– Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh, and Anahat Singh won their respective matches.
– The WSF Squash World Cup is a prestigious international team tournament organized under the aegis of the World Squash Federation (WSF).
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