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🇮🇳 NATIONAL AFFAIRS
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1️⃣ Government Launches “National Digital Pension Platform”
The Government of India launched a National Digital Pension Platform (NDPP) to:
Integrate all pension schemes (EPFO, NPS, civil pensions)
Enable paperless pension processing
Ensure timely and transparent pension disbursal
The platform will benefit senior citizens and retired government employees.
Keywords: Digital pension India, Pension reforms 2025, Social security India
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2️⃣ Cabinet Approves National Mission on Circular Economy
The mission aims to:
Reduce waste generation
Promote recycling & reuse
Support MSMEs in waste-to-wealth initiatives
Encourage sustainable manufacturing
This aligns with India’s sustainable development goals.
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3️⃣ India Achieves 100% Electrification of Railway Routes
The Ministry of Railways announced:
Complete electrification of broad-gauge routes
Reduction in diesel fuel consumption
Lower carbon emissions
This marks a major milestone in green transport.
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🌍 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
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4️⃣ India–Indonesia Strengthen Maritime & Defence Cooperation
India and Indonesia agreed to enhance cooperation in:
Maritime domain awareness
Joint naval exercises
Defence technology collaboration
The partnership strengthens security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Keywords: India Indonesia relations, Indo-Pacific security, Maritime cooperation
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5️⃣ UN Observes International Migrants Day (18 December)
The UN highlighted:
Protection of migrant workers
Safe and legal migration pathways
Inclusive migration policies
India reiterated support for the welfare of overseas Indians.
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💹 ECONOMY & FINANCE
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6️⃣ India’s Direct Tax Collections Show Double-Digit Growth
Finance Ministry data indicates:
Increase in personal income tax filings
Improved compliance through data analytics
Strong corporate earnings
This strengthens fiscal stability.
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7️⃣ RBI Releases Guidelines on Responsible AI Use in Banking
Key points:
Transparency in AI-driven credit decisions
Bias and fairness audits
Accountability of banks using AI tools
This ensures ethical adoption of AI in financial services.
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🛡️ DEFENCE & SECURITY
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8️⃣ DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous Anti-Drone System
The system includes:
Radar and RF sensors
Hard-kill and soft-kill mechanisms
Protection of vital installations
This enhances India’s counter-drone capabilities.
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9️⃣ Indian Navy Conducts Submarine Rescue Exercise
The exercise focused on:
Deep-sea rescue operations
Inter-agency coordination
Emergency response readiness
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🔬 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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🔟 ISRO Announces Timeline for Next Human Spaceflight Test
ISRO confirmed:
Uncrewed mission planned in 2026
Crew module recovery tests underway
Life-support system validation
This is a key step towards Gaganyaan.
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1️⃣1️⃣ Indian Scientists Develop Low-Cost Carbon Capture Technology
The innovation:
Captures CO₂ from industrial emissions
Uses low-energy processes
Supports climate mitigation goals
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🌱 ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE
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1️⃣2️⃣ Government Launches National Mission on Sustainable Groundwater Management
Objectives:
Monitor groundwater extraction
Promote water-efficient crops
Strengthen community participation
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1️⃣3️⃣ IMD Issues Advisory on Cold Wave in Northern India
States affected:
Punjab
Haryana
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Farmers advised to protect frost-sensitive crops.
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🏛️ STATE NEWS
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1️⃣4️⃣ Chhattisgarh Launches “Forest Livelihood Mission”
The mission aims to:
Support tribal livelihoods
Promote minor forest produce
Encourage value addition at village level
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1️⃣5️⃣ Maharashtra Approves EV Policy 2025
Key features:
Subsidies for EV buyers
Charging infrastructure expansion
Support for EV manufacturing
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📊 REPORTS, RANKINGS & INDEXES
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1️⃣6️⃣ India Ranks 3rd in Global Railway Electrification Index
Achievement driven by:
Fast-track electrification
Green energy integration
Cost-efficient rail operations
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1️⃣7️⃣ World Bank Releases Global Social Protection Report
Highlights for India:
Strong DBT framework
Expanding social security coverage
Digital platforms praised
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🧾 QUICK REVISION – 18 DECEMBER 2025
National Digital Pension Platform launched
Circular Economy Mission approved
Indian Railways achieves 100% electrification
India–Indonesia maritime cooperation strengthened
RBI issues AI guidelines for banks
DRDO tests anti-drone system
ISRO updates human spaceflight timeline
Maharashtra announces EV Policy 2025
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📝 MCQs for Practice (18 December 2025)
1. National Digital Pension Platform aims to:
a) Replace NPS
b) Integrate pension schemes
c) Privatise pensions
d) Increase retirement age
Answer: b)
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2. Indian Railways recently achieved:
a) Full automation
b) 100% electrification
c) Zero accidents
d) High-speed freight network
Answer: b)
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3. RBI’s new AI guidelines apply to:
a) Defence sector
b) Education sector
c) Banking sector
d) Telecom sector
Answer: c)
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🧠 UPSC Mains Practice Question
“Discuss the role of digital platforms in strengthening social security and pension delivery in India.”
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