Daily Current Affairs Quiz
18 December, 2025
National Affairs
1. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Testing Figures Report 2024
Source: IE
Context:
India has again topped the global doping chart, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Testing Figures Report 2024, marking the third consecutive year at No. 1 — a worrying trend for Indian sport.
Key Data:
- Total positive cases (India): 260
- Samples tested by NADA: 7,113
- Positivity rate: 3.6% — among the highest worldwide
- Statutory testing body: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
Sport-Wise Highest Offenders:
- Athletics: 76
- Weightlifting: 43
- Wrestling: 29
- Also notable: boxing, powerlifting, kabaddi
Global Comparison:
India far exceeds doping totals of other major sporting nations:
- France: 91 positives
- Russia: 76
- China: 43
- USA: Lower positivity rate despite lower test numbers
- India’s numbers are significantly higher despite testing on a smaller scale than major sporting nations.
2. AFMS Launches India’s First AI-driven Community Screening Programme for Diabetic Retinopathy
Source: News on Air
Context:
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has rolled out India’s first artificial intelligence-enabled community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy, aimed at transforming early detection and prevention of diabetes-related blindness at scale.
What is the initiative?
A nation-first AI-powered screening system designed to detect and grade Diabetic Retinopathy at the community level.
Developed through a collaboration between:
- Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS)
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences (RPC), AIIMS
- eHealth AI Unit, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Powered by the AI platform MadhuNetrAI.
Aim of the programme
- Enable early, accurate identification of diabetic eye disease.
- Ensure timely referrals for treatment and vision protection.
- Build real-time, national-level health intelligence on disease patterns and geography.
- Reduce the incidence of preventable blindness caused by diabetes.
Key Features
- AI-based scanning and grading of retinal images.
- Retinal photographs captured through handheld fundus cameras.
- Screening conducted by trained Medical Officers, nurses and health assistants.
- Automated triaging to identify vision-threatening DR cases.
- Direct digital referral to retina specialists for advanced care.
- Real-time dashboard mapping DR prevalence for policy and resource planning.
- Supports integration with NCD (non-communicable disease) programmes for continuity of care.
3. ISRO launches RESPOND Basket 2025
Source: TOI
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released RESPOND Basket 2025, inviting targeted research proposals from academic and research institutions across India to support its upcoming mission and technology requirements.
What is RESPOND Basket 2025?
A curated set of mission-oriented research problem statements, identified by ISRO and Department of Space (DoS) centres, designed to guide the academic community toward high-priority areas linked to India’s current and future space programmes.
Issued by:
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India
Aim of the initiative
- Strengthen collaboration between academia and ISRO.
- Channel research talent toward solving real-world space technology challenges.
- Build scientific capacity to support India’s next-generation space missions.
4. Vijay Diwas 2025
Source: TNIE
Context:
On Vijay Diwas 2025, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the ‘Param Vir Dirgha’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan — a dedicated gallery showcasing portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees.
This installation replaces portraits of former British Aide-de-Camps, marking a significant step in India’s ongoing effort to remove colonial-era symbols and honour the nation’s own military heritage.
About Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
India’s highest military gallantry award, given for exceptional bravery, valour and supreme sacrifice in the presence of the enemy during wartime.
- Instituted: 26 January 1950
Key features:
- Awarded to personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Army and other armed forces
- Can be awarded posthumously (majority of awards have been posthumous)
- Comes with a monthly honorarium of ₹3,000, plus ₹3,000 for each bar awarded
Award criteria:
- Granted only in wartime conditions
- Recognises extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in direct combat
About Aide-de-Camps (ADCs)
An Aide-de-Camp is a commissioned military officer attached to high constitutional authorities such as the President, Governors, or Service Chiefs.
Typical ranks:
- Major (Army)
- Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
- Squadron Leader (Air Force)
5. India endorses Tianjin Declaration at SCO Summit 2025
Context:
At the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China, India joined other member states in adopting the Tianjin Declaration — a comprehensive outcome document affirming deeper cooperation in Artificial Intelligence governance, research, standards and capacity building across the Eurasian region.
The declaration reinforces India’s stand on equitable and responsible AI, while expanding its multilateral technology engagement within the SCO framework.
About the Tianjin Declaration
An outcome document adopted by the SCO Council of Heads of States at the Tianjin Summit, laying out shared priorities on security, technology, economy and institutional reforms.
About SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)
A permanent intergovernmental regional organisation focused on security, economic cooperation and cultural ties across Eurasia.
- Founded: 15 June 2001, Shanghai (emerging from Shanghai Five framework)
- Headquarters:
- Secretariat: Beijing, China
- RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure): Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Members (10):
- India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus
- Observers:
- Afghanistan, Mongolia
Banking/Finance
1. SEBI Overhauls Mutual Fund Cost Framework and Stockbroking Rules
Source: Mint
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has revised the cost structure for the ₹80 trillion mutual fund industry, effective 1 April 2026, to enhance transparency and ease investor understanding.
Key Highlights:
1. Introduction of Base Expense Ratio (BER)
- The Base Expense Ratio (BER) is the core fee charged by a mutual fund’s Asset Management Company (AMC) only for managing investor money.
- Replaces the current TER structure, which included brokerage, STT, stamp duty & exchange fees.
- Pass-through levies now removed from BER and shown separately.
2. Brokerage Fee Reduction
- Cash market brokerage: reduced to 6 basis points (bps) from 12 bps
- Derivatives brokerage: reduced to 2 bps from 5 bps
- What is a basis point?
- 1 basis point = 0.01%
- Therefore, 6 bps = 0.06%
Brokerage is paid to stockbrokers for executing buy/sell transactions on behalf of mutual funds. Lower brokerage reduces total fund costs and may improve investor returns.
3. Exit-Load Brokerage Removed
- SEBI has scrapped the additional 5 bps brokerage linked to exit loads.
- Exit load is a fee charged to investors when they redeem units before a specified period. Earlier, AMCs could charge extra brokerage out of this exit-load component.
4. Shift from TER to BER Structure
- Earlier:
- Total Expense Ratio (TER) included:
- fund management fee + operations + brokerage + taxes + regulatory charges
- Now:
- SEBI has introduced the Base Expense Ratio (BER) concept.
- Base Expense Ratio (BER)
- BER is the core fee charged by the Asset Management Company for managing investor money. It excludes statutory taxes and levies.
Under the new system, TER = BER + brokerage + regulatory levies + statutory taxes
Market Impact
- Pressure on AMC profit margins, especially small AMCs
- Costs may be passed to distributors
- Greater pricing clarity and lower long-term investor cost burden
5. Stockbroker Regulations Overhauled
SEBI has modernised stockbroker rules for the first time since 1992.
Key features:
- Regulations reorganised into 11 chapters
- Outdated provisions removed or merged
- Stock exchanges designated as first-line regulators
Meaning: Instead of SEBI handling routine violations, stock exchanges will directly monitor stockbrokers for compliance, reporting, and misconduct.
Qualified Stockbroker (QSB) rules refined
Eligibility criteria updated to ensure firms with large scale operations are subject to tighter supervision.
Pledged Share Lock-in Clarity
Pledged shares will now remain locked in for the required period even after pledge invocation.
Why important?
During IPOs, promoters must lock in shares for a fixed period. But pledged shares couldn’t technically be locked earlier, creating compliance hurdles. The change fixes this gap.
6. Debt Market Reforms
Retail Participation Incentives
- Debt issuers may offer:
- extra interest
- price discounts to groups like women and senior citizens.
Aim: encourage wider retail investment in bonds.
HVDLE Threshold Raised
High Value Debt Listed Entities (HVDLE):
Classification limit increased from ₹1,000 crore to ₹5,000 crore.
This eases bond issuance requirements for NBFCs, HFCs, ARCs, and others.
7. Credit Rating Expansion
Credit rating agencies may now rate instruments regulated by other financial sector authorities, increasing coverage for unlisted and non-traditional debt products.
8. Unclaimed Funds Transfer Rule Revised
Unclaimed amounts from non-convertible securities must now be moved to the Investor Education and Protection Fund after seven years from maturity, instead of multiple staggered transfers earlier.
9. Conflict-of-Interest Norms Deferred
SEBI has postponed decisions on new rules requiring asset disclosures by officials due to privacy concerns and complexities involving spousal trading restrictions.
2. PFRDA Allows Up to 80% NPS Withdrawal
Source: TOI
Context:
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has revised NPS withdrawal rules, allowing private sector subscribers to withdraw up to 80% of their accumulated corpus, instead of the earlier 60%. The remaining 20% must be used to purchase an annuity to generate pension income.
Key Changes:
- Withdrawal limit raised:
Earlier: 60%
Now: 80% of corpus can be withdrawn - Subscriber age limit extended:
NPS account can now be continued up to 85 years, up from 75 years earlier - Systematic Redemption:
Regulator reiterates option for systematic unit redemption, similar to mutual fund SWP
Can be used only within the 80% withdrawal limit - Withdrawal frequency increased:
Four withdrawals permitted before age 60, instead of three earlier
Can be used for needs such as education, home purchase, or wedding expenses
Tax Clarity Pending:
- Currently, only 60% withdrawal is tax-free
- Govt may amend laws to make 80% withdrawal tax-free
Revised Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicable to:
Subscribers with 15+ years in NPS OR
Subscribers retiring from service
Full Withdrawal Limit Revised:
- Full withdrawal allowed if corpus ≤ ₹8 lakh (earlier limit ₹5 lakh)
- Change made because annuity providers require at least ₹2 lakh purchase value
For Corpus Between ₹8–12 Lakh:
Subscribers can:
- Withdraw up to ₹6 lakh as lump sum, OR
- Opt for periodic payouts via systematic withdrawal
3. Amazon Pay Launches Biometric UPI Authentication Feature
Context:
Amazon Pay has introduced a new biometric authentication feature for UPI payments, allowing users to complete transactions using fingerprints or facial recognition.
Key Highlights:
- Users can make UPI payments without entering a PIN.
- Authentication will be done through fingerprint or face scan, depending on the device.
- Amazon Pay claims this is an industry-first feature in India for UPI transactions.
Facts To Remember
ICG Ship Sarthak makes first port call at Iran’s Chabahar
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Sarthak, an offshore patrol vessel, entered the Chabahar port in Iran on December 16 for a four-day visit till December 19.
2. World Tennis League
A sports exhibition is a double-edged sword. There is a certain detachment that it maintains from fierce competition, which a purist may liken to trivialising.
3. Anantjeet, Darshna clinch mixed team skeet gold
Rajasthan’s Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Darshna Rathore won the senior skeet mixed team gold at the 68th National shooting (shotgun) in New Delhi on Wednesday, defeating Uttar Pradesh’s Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Areeba Khan 45-43.
4. Kolkata unveils 70-foot Lionel Messi statue during GOAT India Tour 2025
A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi was virtually unveiled in Lake Town, Kolkata, as part of the kickoff to the GOAT India Tour 2025, honouring the Argentine football legend’s remarkable career, including his FIFA World Cup triumph. The statue, commissioned by Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, was inaugurated remotely by Messi — an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner — ahead of his visit to India.
5. Navy Commissions Second MH-60R Helicopter Squadron ‘Ospreys’: Significance Explained
The Indian Navy has commissioned INAS 335 (‘Ospreys’), its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, at INS Hansa, Goa, marking a key step in strengthening naval aviation and maritime security on the western seaboard.
6. India’s GDP Growth Outlook Strong Despite Global Slowdown: CareEdge Ratings
CareEdge Ratings has projected that India’s economy will continue to show resilience over the next two years, despite global growth challenges and trade uncertainties.
Growth Forecasts:
- FY26 GDP growth: 7.5%
- FY27 GDP growth: 7%
7. Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav 2025
Held in New Delhi on Mahakavi Subramania Bharati’s birth anniversary.
Theme: “Many Languages, One Emotion.”
Focus: India’s linguistic diversity; tribal languages and cultural performances.
8. AIM–HUL Circular Economy Start-up Accelerator
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission partnered with HUL under Project Circular Bharat.
Aim: Support 50 start-ups in 3 years in areas like recycling, refill/reuse systems, next-gen packaging, and textile/e-waste recovery.
9. Craftkatha 2025
Inaugurated in New Delhi by Sudha Murty.
Part of National Handicrafts & Heritage Week 2025.
Focus: Promotion of Indian handicrafts and artisans.
10. India & Oman ink Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to deepen trade ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman was very significant, especially when both friendly Nations are marking the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them.
11. Union Ministers Congratulate Prime Minister Modi on Receiving Oman’s Highest Civilian Honour
Union Ministers Amit Shah, Dr S Jaishankar and Jagat Prakash Nadda today congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being conferred with the First Class of the Order of Oman, the highest civilian honour of Oman.
12. India and Saudi Arabia Sign Visa Waiver Agreement to Facilitate Official Travel
India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement in Riyadh to facilitate official travels and boost bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
13. Indian Navy commissions second MH 60R helicopter squadron INAS 335 in Goa
Indian Navy’s second MH 60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (The Ospreys), was commissioned at INS Hansa in Goa.
