Monday, Dec 15

Daily Current Affairs: 15 December 2025

Daily current affairs for 15 December 2025 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 15 December 2025. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Jose Antonio Kast elected as 38th President of Chile
  2. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Issues Transaction Account Directions, Eases Limits
  3. Indian Banking Sector Achieves 20-Year Non-Performing Assets Low, Strongest Profit Surge
  4. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) extends Rs 1,685.27 crore loan to Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL)
  5. Meri Yojana Portal Launched to Facilitate Citizen Access to Welfare Schemes
  6. United Nations Special Rapporteur urges Pakistan to end Imran Khan's solitary confinement

Jose Antonio Kast elected as 38th President of Chile

[Chile]

Key Updates:

  • Jose Antonio Kast defeated Jeannette Jara in run-off to become Chile's 38th president.
  • Kast won nearly 58 percent of vote, marking third attempt and first successful bid.
  • Jeannette Jara conceded defeat on social media wishing success for Chile.

Similar / Past Coverage

Rodrigo Paz elected President of Bolivia (End of October)

Rodrigo Paz of the centre-right Christian Democratic Party (PDC) was elected President of Bolivia. Paz won 54.5 percent of the vote in Sunday’s run-off race, defeating Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga who received 45.4 percent.

Peru Severs Diplomatic Relations with Mexico Over Asylum Grant (Start of November)

Peru has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico. The severance occurred after Peru accused Mexico of granting asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister who is on trial over an alleged coup attempt in 2022.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Issues Transaction Account Directions, Eases Limits

[Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]

Key Updates:

  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released final guidelines on transaction account directions.
  • The final guidelines removed restrictions on cash credit (CC) accounts.
  • The revised rule permits any lending bank with more than 10% exposure to open a current or overdraft account for the borrower.
  • In situations where no bank or only one bank meets this threshold, the two lenders with the largest exposure will be allowed to operate such accounts.
  • The requirement to transfer funds from collection accounts to designated transaction accounts within two working days remains unchanged.
  • The guidelines will come into effect from April 1.

Similar / Past Coverage

RBI Issues Detailed Guidelines for Payment Aggregators and Payment Gateways (Mid of September)

Non-bank Payment Aggregators must obtain RBI authorisation under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Non-bank PAs must maintain a minimum net-worth of Rs 15 crore at the time of application, increasing to Rs 25…

Indian Banking Sector Achieves 20-Year Non-Performing Assets Low, Strongest Profit Surge

Key Updates:

  • Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) dropped to 2.31% by March 2025.
  • Gross NPAs peaked at 11.46% in 2018.
  • Net NPAs declined to 0.52%.
  • Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reduced Gross NPAs from 9.11% in 2021 to 2.58% in 2025.
  • Domestic deposits increased from ₹88.35 lakh crore in 2015 to ₹231.90 lakh crore in 2025.
  • Credit grew from ₹66.91 lakh crore to ₹181.34 lakh crore between 2015 and 2025.
  • Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) improved from 12.94% in 2015 to 17.36% in 2025.
  • Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) ratio reached 14.81%.
  • Public Sector Bank (PSB) profits rose from ₹1.05 lakh crore in FY 2022–23 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
  • Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) posted their highest ever earnings of ₹4.01 lakh crore in FY 2024–25.
  • Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) earned ₹1.02 lakh crore in the first quarter of FY26.
  • Return on Assets (RoA) stood at 1.37%.
  • Return on Equity (RoE) stood at 14.1%.
  • Key reforms include the Asset Quality Review (2015) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (2016).
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework in 2025.

Similar / Past Coverage

PSU Banks Record ₹49,456 Crore Q2 Profit, Up 9% YoY; SBI Leads with 40% Share (Start of November)

State Bank of India-led public sector banks posted a record cumulative profit of Rs 49,456 crore in the second quarter of the current fiscal, reflecting a 9 per cent year-on-year growth. SBI alone contributed 40 per cent…

The Banker awards Bank of Baroda (BoB) Best Bank in India (Mid of December)

Bank of Baroda (BoB) received the 'Best Bank in India' title from The Banker, a Financial Times publication, at the 2025 Asia-Pacific awards. BoB operates phygital branches that allow customers to obtain statements…

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) extends Rs 1,685.27 crore loan to Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL)

[National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Odisha, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL)]

Key Updates:

  • NABARD has extended a long-term loan of Rs 1,685.27 crore to OPTCL at an interest rate of 7.75% per annum.
  • Rs 900 crore of the loan will be invested in new transmission projects.
  • The remaining amount will be used to swap high-cost existing loans.
  • This is the first-ever project financing by NABARD to any state-owned public sector undertaking in Odisha.

Similar / Past Coverage

Oil India and RVUNL form JV for 1.2 GW solar-wind park in Rajasthan (End of September)

Joint venture between Oil India Limited (OIL) and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) to develop 1.2 GW renewable projects—1000 MW solar and 200 MW wind—within RVUNL’s Renewable Energy Park in Rajasthan.…

Hinduja Group to Invest Rs 20,000 Crore in Andhra Pradesh Across Energy and EV Sectors (Start of November)

Hinduja Group has agreed to invest Rs 20,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh in phases. An agreement of Rs 20,000 crore investment in phases was signed between the Andhra Pradesh government and the Hinduja Group.

Meri Yojana Portal Launched to Facilitate Citizen Access to Welfare Schemes

Key Updates:

  • Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 'Meri Yojana' portal to make welfare schemes more accessible.
  • The Programme Implementation Department released 'Meri Yojana' books detailing central and state government programs.
  • The state government is focused on simplifying processes to deliver social welfare benefits swiftly and effectively.

Similar / Past Coverage

United Nations Special Rapporteur urges Pakistan to end Imran Khan's solitary confinement

[Pakistan]

Key Updates:

  • UN Special Rapporteur on torture Alice Jill Edwards called on Pakistan to lift Imran Khan's solitary confinement, stating it 'should be lifted without delay' as prolonged solitary confinement beyond 15 days constitutes psychological torture.
  • Since his transfer to Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, Imran Khan has reportedly been confined 23 hours a day, under constant camera surveillance, denied outdoor activity, communal prayers, and frequently interrupted legal and family visits.
  • The cell lacks natural light and adequate ventilation, causing extreme temperatures, foul odours, insect infestations, nausea, vomiting and weight loss; authorities have allegedly denied him adequate medical attention despite his history of spinal injury and gunshot wounds.

Similar / Past Coverage

Punjab Assembly resolution seeks ban on Imran Khan and PTI (Start of December)

The Punjab Assembly approved a resolution moved by PML-N lawmaker Tahir Pervaiz urging the federal government to impose a ban on the PTI founder and his political party. The resolution accuses the PTI leader of making…

India launches Operation Sagar Bandhu to restore road connectivity in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka

[Sri Lanka]

Key Updates:

  • Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s humanitarian mission delivering rescue, medical, and relief assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah.
  • A second Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster landed in Colombo carrying Bailey bridge units and a 25-member team of engineers and medical experts.
  • Indian field engineers who arrived with Bailey Bridge units have begun reconnaissance and restoration work on key routes damaged by the cyclone.
  • Indian Air Force helicopters are conducting ongoing rescue operations near Kotmale.
  • Cyclone Ditwah made landfall in Sri Lanka on November 28, causing severe flooding, heavy rainfall, and landslides across multiple districts.
  • High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Mahishini Colonne, stated that more than 400 people have lost their lives due to the cyclone.

Similar / Past Coverage

India Provides Aid to Sri Lanka Following Cyclone Ditwah (End of November)

Sri Lanka has made an appeal for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 132. India was the first to respond, sending two planeloads of relief supplies.

India's Humanitarian Aid Initiative for Hurricane-Hit Jamaica and Cuba (Start of November)

**Initiative Type:** India's humanitarian aid and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) relief materials. **Announced By:** External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar.

Stanford University AI Index ranks India third in Global AI Vibrancy

[United States, China]

Key Updates:

  • India climbed four steps to rank third in the 2024 Global AI Vibrancy Index with a score of 21.59.
  • The United States leads with 78.6 and China follows with 36.95, while India surpasses South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Germany, and France.
  • India’s improvement is measured across seven pillars: R&D, responsible AI, economy, talent, policy and governance, public opinion, and infrastructure.
  • India pledged USD 1.25 billion toward AI initiatives, part of global government investments including China’s USD 47.5 billion semiconductor fund and France’s 109 billion euro commitment.
  • The country slipped five positions on the policy and governance pillar according to the report.

Similar / Past Coverage

India's Atomesus AI, a Hybrid System, Set to Launch Soon (Start of November)

Atomesus AI, developed under the leadership of Indus Valley Group, is gearing up for its official launch. The initiative is led by a group of passionate college innovators with research exposure to ISRO-linked projects.

IBM and AICTE establish National AI Lab at AICTE headquarters to upskill Indian talent (Start of November)

IBM and AICTE collaborate to establish a state-of-the-art National AI Lab at AICTE Headquarters in New Delhi The lab will serve as a national hub for AI research, skilling, and innovation, equipped with advanced…

World Bank Clears $600 Million for Uttar Pradesh and Haryana Clean Air Programs

[World Bank, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana]

Key Updates:

  • The World Bank has approved $599.66 million in financing for two major clean air programs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
  • These initiatives aim to improve air quality, reduce health impacts, and strengthen both states as attractive business destinations.
  • The programs will invest in clean cooking, electric mobility, and cleaner industrial practices.
  • Paul Procee, Acting Country Director, World Bank India, stated that 'Air pollution is causing severe health impacts, loss of productivity and reduced quality of life across South Asia.'
  • The operations mark the first airshed-based, multi-sectoral programs taken up by Indian state governments to address air pollution.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program (UPCAMP), backed by $299.66 million, will expand the state’s Clean Air Plan with investments across transport, agriculture and industry.
  • UPCAMP aims to provide clean cooking access to 3.9 million households and promote clean mobility by deploying 15,000 electric three-wheelers and 500 electric buses in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
  • Haryana’s Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development Operation, supported by $300 million, will invest in air quality and emissions monitoring and expand clean transport options such as electric buses and electric three-wheelers in Gurugram, Sonipat and Faridabad.
  • In November, Haryana slipped into the red zone of India’s air quality map, with no district meeting the national annual PM2.5 standard.
  • The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has identified Haryana as a significant pollution hotspot in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
  • Gurugram is among seven districts in Haryana that rank within India’s 50 most polluted, with PM2.5 levels at least twice—and in some cases nearly three times—above the annual national safety limit.
  • Both state programs form part of the World Bank's Regional Air Quality Management Program in the Indo-Gangetic Plains and Himalayan Foothills.

Similar / Past Coverage

India ranks third globally in clean industrial project pipeline with $150 bn capital need (Start of November)

India’s clean industrial project pipeline is the third largest in the world after China and the US Capital requirement to operationalise the pipeline exceeds $150 billion

Strongest Passports List for 2025 Released

[United Arab Emirates]

Key Updates:

  • Arton Capital, a global citizenship financial advisory service, released the list of the strongest passports in 2025.
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured the first position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.
  • Singapore and Spain share the second position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.
  • The United States secured the ninth position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.
  • India secured the 67th position on the list of strongest passports in 2025.

Similar / Past Coverage

Countries with the strongest passports in 2025 (Mid of November)

Singapore leads the world with its passport granting access to 193 destinations. South Korea’s passport holds the number two spot on the list by allowing access to 190 destinations.

India's Ranking in Global Innovation Index 2025 (Mid of September)

India rose to the 38th position among 139 economies in the World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025. This marks a substantial advancement from India's 81st position in 2015.

Lakshadweep hosts first-ever investors' meet to unlock fisheries, aquaculture potential

[Lakshadweep]

Key Updates:

  • The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India joined hands with the Lakshadweep administration to organise the event.
  • Investors called for value-added facilities for sashimi-grade tuna, fish oil refining capacities, the requirement of skilled labour, and ornamental fish brood banks for the strategic utilisation of Lakshadweep's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC).
  • Union ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, SP Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with Praful Patel, the Administrator of Lakshadweep, attended the event.

Similar / Past Coverage