Daily Current Affairs – 13-12-2025
National News
Union Cabinet Approves ₹11,718 Crore for Population Census 2027
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an allocation of ₹11,718 crore for conducting the Population Census 2027. For the first time, the census will be conducted using digital technology. The central government had issued the notification for the census in June 2024, and it will be carried out in two phases — the House Listing and Housing Census from April to September 2026, followed by the Population Enumeration in February 2027. Alongside this, a caste-based census will also be conducted in select snow-bound regions of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand starting September 2026. This will be India’s eighth population census since independence. Data collection will be done through a mobile application, ensuring verified, machine-readable information for central ministries. Additionally, the Cabinet approved a bill to repeal 71 obsolete laws, including 6 primary acts and 65 amendment acts, marking a continuation of the legal cleanup under which 1,562 old laws have already been repealed.
Union Cabinet Approves Multiple Key Bills Including 100% FDI in Insurance Sector
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on December 12, 2025, approved several major policy decisions. The Cabinet cleared the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, up from the existing 74% cap, to promote sectoral growth and attract more investments. So far, the insurance industry has received ₹82,000 crore through FDI. The Cabinet also approved the ‘Nilkarisetu’ concession scheme for coal mine allocation without auction, enabling companies to acquire mines for domestic use or export. Additionally, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milling copra was increased by ₹445 per quintal to ₹12,027, and for ball copra by ₹400 per quintal to ₹12,500, based on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). The Cabinet further approved a bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as the ‘New Bharat Rural Employment Scheme’, increasing workdays from 100 to 125 days. Another major decision included the approval of a bill allowing private sector participation in nuclear power generation, which was previously restricted under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. India’s nuclear power capacity, currently at 8.7 GW, is targeted to reach 100 GW by 2047 under this new policy direction.
Union Cabinet Approves Private Sector Participation in Nuclear Power Generation
The Union Cabinet has approved a bill permitting private sector participation in nuclear power generation, marking a major policy shift in India’s atomic energy sector. Until now, private participation in nuclear power projects was restricted under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which allowed only government-owned entities to engage in the production and development of nuclear energy. Currently, all nuclear power plants in India operate under the control of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), generating 8.7 gigawatts (GW) of electricity. The Central Government has set a target to raise nuclear power generation capacity to 100 GW by the year 2047. To achieve this goal, the government proposed allowing private investment and participation in nuclear power, a move first announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget 2024–25. The new bill aims to amend existing provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, thereby opening the sector for private and joint ventures to accelerate India’s clean energy transition.
Union Cabinet Approves ‘Viksit Bharat Education Development Commission’ Bill
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘Viksit Bharat Education Development Commission Bill’ on December 12, 2025. The bill aims to merge three higher education bodies — the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) — into a single entity. Earlier known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, it has now been renamed to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which proposed the establishment of the HECI. The new commission will regulate and grant recognition to universities while the Ministry of Education will continue to handle funding responsibilities. Medical and law colleges will remain outside its jurisdiction. The bill is expected to be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament. A similar draft bill was presented in 2018, but it was not enacted, and work on the proposal resumed after Dharmendra Pradhan assumed office as Union Education Minister in 2021.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Four-Nation Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a four-day foreign tour from December 15 to 18, 2025, visiting Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. His visit to Jordan comes at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of India–Jordan diplomatic relations. During this visit, both leaders are expected to discuss and enhance bilateral cooperation. On December 16, the Prime Minister will visit Ethiopia and meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to strengthen bilateral ties — this being Modi’s first official visit to Ethiopia. On December 17, he will travel to Oman to meet Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, where discussions will focus on economic, trade, security, energy, investment, and technological cooperation between the two countries. This visit aims to deepen India’s partnership with West Asian and African nations.
President Droupadi Murmu’s Visit to Manipur for Peace Efforts
President Droupadi Murmu visited Manipur on a two-day tour to review peace and rehabilitation efforts in the violence-affected state. It was her first visit since the 2023 ethnic clashes between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribe, which claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands of people who continue to stay in government relief camps. The President appealed for the support of all communities to maintain peace, understanding, and harmony in the state. During her visit, she met with displaced persons in the Senapati district and reviewed ongoing rehabilitation measures. The state, currently under President’s Rule, continues efforts to restore stability and permanent peace. On the occasion of the 86th anniversary of the “Nupi Lal” (Women’s War) of 1939, the President, along with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, paid floral tributes at the Nupi Lal Memorial in Imphal and also visited the Shree Govindajee Temple.
UEF Trade Summit 2025 to See Signing of 10 MoUs
Around 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed at the UEF Trade Summit 2025 to enhance strategic partnerships and promote market access. The summit was inaugurated by Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa. The event was organised by the United Economic Forum (UEF), a Chennai-based business chamber that promotes inclusive economic development in Tamil Nadu. Ahmed Buhari, President of UEF and Founder of Coastal Energen, Coal and Oil Group, announced a ₹50 crore venture fund to support emerging businesses and entrepreneurs in the State. The UEF Trade Summit, previously held in 2017 and 2020, continues to act as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and industrial growth in Tamil Nadu.
Government Plans to Rename MGNREGS Scheme
The Government of India is likely to amend the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, renaming it as “Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Yojana.” The Union Cabinet cleared the amended Bill in its recent meeting. The original Act, passed on August 25, 2005, was titled the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, and the prefix “Mahatma Gandhi” was added in 2009. The flagship scheme ensures 100 days of wage employment every financial year to households with adult members willing to do unskilled manual work, and the government is considering an increase to 125 days. According to Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, the average employment generated in the last five years has been 50.35 days per household. In 2022, a committee headed by former Union Rural Development Secretary Amarjeet Sinha was constituted to review the scheme, addressing inter-State variations and expenditure issues. The amended Bill is expected to include the panel’s recommendations and revise the funding pattern based on the economic indices of States.
VPN Providers Directed to Block Data-Leaking Websites
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers to block websites that leak Indian user data and to comply with Indian regulations on VPN services. The advisory was issued after identifying a website that allegedly allowed users to track Indians’ locations, names, mobile numbers, addresses, and email IDs using leaked information. The site has now been redirected to a repository on GitHub, owned by Microsoft. India has previously raised concerns about anonymous internet usage, citing risks of cybercrimes. In 2022, the Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-In) issued guidelines mandating VPN firms to maintain logs of Indian users. However, several global VPN firms like ExpressVPN and NordVPN refused to comply, relocating their India servers to Singapore while continuing to serve Indian users through Indian IP blocks. The Ministry stated that these data-leaking websites pose a significant risk to Indian users by exposing personal details without authorization.
Tamil Nadu News
Women-Operated Bus Service Launched in Chennai
The Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has introduced the first city bus service operated entirely by women, including both a female driver and a female conductor, under the new ‘Pink Boards’ initiative. The service operates on the Vyasarpadi depot to Vallalar Nagar route (57F/57). The bus is operated by driver Malavika and conductor Eswari. This initiative follows the success of the ‘Vidiyal Magalir’ free bus travel scheme, which provides free travel for women on Tamil Nadu government buses. The new scheme aims to enhance women’s participation in public transport services. The MTC has also announced that additional buses will be introduced under the ‘Pink Boards’ scheme, with more female drivers and conductors to be recruited for future routes.
Tamil Nadu to Launch HPV Vaccination Programme for 3.38 Lakh Girl Children
The Tamil Nadu government will launch a vaccination programme next month to provide the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer, to 3.38 lakh girl children across the state. The announcement was made by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian, stating that the programme will be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The scheme will cover girls aged 9 to 14 years studying in government and government-aided schools. In the first phase, the project will be implemented in Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, and Dharmapuri districts, benefitting 27,000 children. The vaccine will be administered in two free doses under government support. This marks the first time in India that such a large-scale HPV vaccination programme is being introduced by a state government. Tamil Nadu has also become a pioneer state in conducting HPV and syphilis tests for pregnant women and providing monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to 7,618 children affected by HIV-AIDS, as part of its public health initiatives.
Tamil Nadu Leads with 16% Economic Growth – RBI Report 2025
According to the ‘Statistics on Indian States’ report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 12, 2025, Tamil Nadu has recorded the highest economic growth in the country at 16% for the financial year 2024–25, making it the fastest-growing state in India. The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rose from ₹26.89 lakh crore in 2023–24 to ₹31.18 lakh crore in 2024–25 at current prices. Tamil Nadu has maintained its leading position for the third consecutive year, surpassing major industrial states such as Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Maharashtra remains the largest state economy with ₹45.31 lakh crore, followed by Tamil Nadu (₹31.18 lakh crore), Uttar Pradesh (₹29.78 lakh crore), Karnataka (₹28.83 lakh crore), and Gujarat (₹26.72 lakh crore). Between 2021–22 and 2024–25, Tamil Nadu’s GSDP rose from ₹20.72 lakh crore to ₹31.18 lakh crore, marking consistent high growth. The report also noted that Tamil Nadu’s per capita income increased from ₹2.42 lakh in 2021–22 to ₹3.62 lakh in 2024–25, ranking among the top states. Telangana recorded the highest per capita income at ₹3.87 lakh, followed by Karnataka at ₹3.80 lakh, while the Union Territory of Delhi recorded ₹4.93 lakh.
Chief Minister Launches Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai 2.0
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the expansion of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme at an event titled “Vellum Pengal (Succeeding Women)” in Chennai. In the first phase, a total of 1,13,75,492 women benefited from the scheme, and in the second phase, an additional 16,94,339 women will benefit. The new beneficiaries received their first month’s financial assistance of ₹1,000 directly in their bank accounts. With this expansion, the total number of beneficiaries under KMUT has crossed 1.3 crore. The scheme aims to provide monthly financial support to women for their empowerment and livelihood improvement. Other major welfare schemes highlighted during the event included Pudumai Penn, Vidiyal Payanam, and Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam. The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, implemented by the Tamil Nadu Government, is a key part of the Dravidian Model of Governance, focusing on women’s socio-economic upliftment.
Sports News
India Finishes 10th in Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2025
The Indian women’s junior hockey team secured the 10th position in the 11th Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup 2025 held in Santiago, Chile. After missing a spot in the quarterfinals, India defeated Wales and Uruguay in the placement matches for the 9th position but lost 1–2 to Spain in the final classification match. Kanika Siwach scored the only goal for India in the 41st minute, while Natalia Vila Goa and Esther Canals scored for Spain. The tournament’s final match will be played between the Netherlands and Argentina, while Belgium and China will contest for the third place.
N. Ramachandran Becomes First Honorary Life Member of Indian Squash Academy
N. Ramachandran, former President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), was honoured as the first honorary life member of the Indian Squash Academy during its 25th anniversary celebration held in Chennai. The academy, established in 2000 with the support of then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and P.W.C. Davidar, former Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, has produced several international squash players, including Saurav Ghosal, Joshna Chinappa, and Dipika Pallikal, who have won medals in Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, including gold.
International News
U.S. Imposes New Economic Sanctions on Venezuela
The United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, has announced new economic sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his relatives, six oil tankers, and associated companies. The sanctions were imposed following the seizure of an oil tanker named ‘Skipper’ by the U.S. military. The U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that sanctions were applied to Cilia Flores (Maduro’s wife), Walter Jacob (his brother-in-law and former Venezuelan ambassador to Cuba and Austria), Carlos Quintana Sevallos (former judge of the Venezuelan Magistrate’s Court), and Nicolás Maduro Guerra (Maduro’s son). The sanctions also targeted Felix Luis Alfonso Plascencia Contreras, son of the Venezuelan Presidential Palace Secretary Felix Plascencia. The tankers were accused of transporting crude oil from Venezuela to China, allegedly violating earlier sanctions and funding illegal drug trafficking operations. The U.S. also banned these tankers from entering American ports and confiscated the crude oil on board. These actions follow earlier sanctions imposed in September 2024, with the aim of increasing pressure on the Maduro government to step down. The economic sanctions are estimated to cause a loss of about ₹7 lakh crore annually to the Venezuelan government.
Thai Parliament Dissolved Ahead of Elections
The Parliament of Thailand was dissolved on December 12, 2025, paving the way for fresh general elections to be held within 45 to 60 days. The dissolution was approved by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and announced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul through an official political gazette. Following the dissolution, Anutin Charnvirakul will continue as the caretaker Prime Minister until the elections are completed. The caretaker government, however, does not have the authority to present a new national budget. Reports indicate that the dissolution was prompted by differences within the ruling coalition, particularly between Anutin’s party and the People’s Party, regarding proposed constitutional amendments.
Economy News
Bank of India Raises ₹2,500 Crore Through Tier-2 Bonds
The state-owned Bank of India has raised ₹2,500 crore through the issuance of Basel-III compliant Tier-2 bonds. The bonds carry an annual interest rate of 7.28%. The base issue size was ₹1,000 crore, with an additional green shoe option of ₹1,500 crore. The funds were raised to strengthen the bank’s overall capital base and promote long-term growth in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. The bank clarified that the amount mobilised will be utilised for general business operations and not for any specific project.
Personalities, Awards and Events
Gaurav Dalmia Receives Hurun Family Business Excellence Award 2025
Gaurav Dalmia, Chairman of Dalmia Group Holdings, received the Barclays Private Clients Hurun Excellence in Family Business Award 2025 in New Delhi. The award recognised his leadership in the field of family enterprises. The event, organised by Hurun India, honoured eight recipients for their excellence in family business management. The Barclays Private Clients Hurun Excellence in Family Business Awards 2025 brought together prominent business families, next-generation leaders, and wealth creators to highlight strategic leadership and continuity in Indian family-owned enterprises. Dalmia Group Holdings is a holding company with investments in private equity, real estate, public markets, structured debt, and fixed income, and Gaurav Dalmia also serves as an early investor and Board member of True North, a leading Indian private equity fund managing nearly $3.5 billion.
Statue of Veer Savarkar Unveiled in Andaman
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Home Minister Amit Shah jointly unveiled a statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar at Beodnabad in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The leaders also participated in a function held at the B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology in Sri Vijaya Puram, where a song on Savarkar was released. The event commemorated 116 years of Savarkar’s famous poem “Sagara Pran Talmalala”, which means “My soul is in torment.” Savarkar had been imprisoned by the British in Port Blair (now called Sri Vijaya Puram) in 1911.