Daily Current Affairs and GK | 20 December 2025

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

1. The Ministry of Jal Shakti organised the second edition of Sujal Gram Samvad.

• The event was held on 19 December in New Delhi.
• Sujal Gram Samvad is a platform for direct interaction between the Centre and rural communities.
• It is a multilingual platform that allows dialogue in multiple languages.
• Sujal Gram Samvad is a first-of-its-kind initiative.
• It is designed to reduce the gap between policymakers and grassroots.
• This edition is focused on eight specific states. These states are Assam, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Gujarat, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation is supporting the event.
• It has identified officials and consultants for the programme.
• These officials are skilled in the local dialects of the participating villages.
• Their role is to ensure smooth and effective communication during discussions.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

2. The government is carrying out comprehensive modernisation of Doordarshan and Akashvani, with an aim to improve content quality, technology and audience reach.

• The modernisation is being done under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme (2021 to 2026), with a total financial outlay of about ₹2,539.61 crore.
• The scheme is focused on digitisation, replacement of legacy systems, and studio and transmitter upgrades.
• It also focuses on expansion of coverage and adoption of new broadcasting technologies.
• The Simplified Content Sourcing Policy was introduced by the government in 2024, and this policy allows wider participation in programme creation and faster acquisition of programmes.
• Government has revised artists and casual assignee rates to attract talent across 66 programme production centres of the network.
• From 2022 to 2025, Akashvani and Doordarshan earned about ₹587.78 crore from non-government advertisements. This reflects attempts to diversify revenue.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

3. The ICAR–INTA work plan for 2025–27 signed by India and Argentina to promote agricultural cooperation.

• A Work Plan for the period 2025–2027 has been signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) to enhance bilateral agricultural cooperation.
• The signed ICAR–INTA Work Plan was formally exchanged by Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, and H.E. Mariano Augustin Caucino, Ambassador of Argentina to India.
• Bilateral collaboration in agricultural research, capacity building and technology exchange has been formally strengthened through this agreement.
• Cooperation has been planned across natural resource management, sustainable agronomy, zero tillage, mechanisation, micro-irrigation and fertigation.
• The Work Plan also covers crop and animal biotechnology, livestock improvement, and production technologies for temperate and tropical crops.
• Collaboration in digital agriculture, biosafety, phytosanitary measures, and value-chain development has been included.
• Implementation will be carried out through joint research, germplasm exchange, expert interactions, and structured training and study visits.
• Training programmes will focus on greenhouse vegetable production, floriculture, temperate fruits, post-harvest technologies, and functional food development.
• Germplasm exchange will include crops such as soybean, sunflower, maize, blueberry, citrus, guava, and selected vegetable varieties.
• Cooperation between India and Argentina is deepening in the areas of oilseeds and pulses, agricultural mechanization (including zero-tillage, cotton harvesters, and drones), and horticulture value chains.

Topic: Report and Indices

4. Singapore’s Changi Airport named World’s Best Airport for 2025.

• Singapore’s Changi Airport has been named the world’s best international airport for 2025 at India’s Best Awards by Travel + Leisure.
• The recognition was awarded based on global reader votes, highlighting excellence in overall travel experience, comfort and facilities.
• Changi Airport was ranked highest among global airports for delivering a smooth and enjoyable passenger journey.
• The airport is widely known for its sky-lit interiors, indoor gardens, and relaxing transit environment.
• Unique attractions such as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, butterfly garden, and art installations enhance passenger experience.
• Facilities such as transit hotels, sleeping pods, and rest zones support long-haul and transit travellers.
• The award was announced during the 14th edition of India’s Best Awards, which recognises excellence across travel and hospitality sectors.
• Changi Airport was acknowledged for setting global benchmarks by combining efficiency with comfort, making it a destination in itself.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

5. The National Conference for the Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions inaugurated by the President of India in Hyderabad.

• On 19 December, the National Conference for the Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The conference is being organised by the Telangana Public Service Commission and brought together leaders of Public Service Commissions from across the country.
• The President emphasized the constitutional importance of the Public Service Commission and said that a specific part of the Constitution is dedicated to it.
• The functioning of Public Service Commissions was linked to the constitutional ideals of justice, equality of opportunity and welfare of the people.
• Public Service Commissions were described as change agents that promote both equality of opportunity and equality of outcomes.
• The role of civil servants as part of the permanent executive was emphasised for ensuring continuity and stability in governance.
• The President stressed that honesty and integrity must be given the highest priority in recruitment processes.
• The President emphasized that sensitivity towards marginalized and vulnerable sections of society and women is essential for future civil servants.
• Public Service Commissions were urged to contribute towards building a future-ready administrative system aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Topic: Banking/Finance

6. A new logo launched for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), reflecting a single and unified brand identity.

• A common logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) has been unveiled to establish a single and unified brand identity across the country.
• Based on the principle of "One State One RRB," the Department of Financial Services of the Ministry of Finance has merged 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in 11 states/union territories, effective from May 1, 2025.
• This reform is a decisive step towards creating stronger and more efficient regional rural banks.
• At present, 28 RRBs continue to operate through a network of over 22,000 branches across more than 700 districts.
• The new logo has been introduced as part of strengthening the identity and visibility of RRBs serving rural India.
• Upward Arrow (Symbol of Progress): Represents growth, development and advancement in rural economies.
• Hands (Symbol of Nurturing): Conveys care, support and a helping hand to rural communities.
• Flame (Symbol of Enlightenment): Signifies warmth, knowledge and empowering rural populations.
• The colors of the RRB logo have been chosen to reflect the objectives of the RRB.
• The dark blue color represents finance and trust, while the green color symbolizes life and growth, reflecting their mission to serve rural India.
• The branding exercise aims to create a modern, easily recognisable national identity for RRBs.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

7. Air India has been named Best Domestic Airline at the Travel + Leisure Awards 2025.

• Air India has been named Best Domestic Airline for second consecutive year.
• The Travel + Leisure Best Awards was decided through votes cast by readers.
• This result reflects positive feedback from passengers who have flown with Air India.
• Air India said the award highlights customer trust in the airline.
• Air India is investing heavily in fleet modernisation. It has ordered a total of 570 new aircraft.
• Additionally, it is implementing a USD 400 million retrofit programme for existing planes.
• The retrofit of A320 aircraft has already been completed.
• Two Boeing 787-8 aircraft are undergoing retrofit in the United States, expected to return to service in February 2026.

Topic: Sports

8. Jammu and Kashmir is hosting its first international Indian style wrestling event and Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir Title 2025 on 20 December at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.

• Over 100 wrestlers are taking part in the competition, including national and international Dangal stars.
• Wrestlers have come from India, Iran, and other countries.
• This is one of the biggest wrestling events ever held in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The competition includes open-category wrestling bouts.
• The event aims to revive the region’s traditional Dangal wrestling heritage in addition to providing a global platform for local and visiting athletes.
• The Rustam-e-Jammu Kashmir title is open to wrestlers above 85 kilograms. The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.
• Traditional honours like the Gurj and Patta will also be awarded to the winners.
• The runner-up will receive Rs. 30,000. The third-place wrestler will earn Rs. 20,000.
• The competition is being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.

Topic: Indian Economy

9. India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.69 billion during the week ending December 12, according to RBI data.

• After an increase of $1.69 billion, total forex reserves now stand at $688.94 billion.
• This increase has come after an increase of about $1.03 billion in the previous week.
• Gold reserves also recorded an increase of around $758 million to about $107.74 billion during the reporting period.
• Special Drawing Rights rose by nearly $14 million to roughly $18.74 billion during the week.
• In the earlier week ending December 5, gold reserves had risen sharply to over $1.18 billion.
• SDRs had also grown by around $93 million in that period.
• India has also reported strong growth in foreign direct investment this year.
• During the first half of FY 2025–26, inflows reached $50.36 billion and marked a 16% rise compared to the same period last year.
• It is the highest FDI inflow ever recorded in the first half of the financial year.
• Inflows during April to September 2025 reached $35.18 billion.

Topic: State News/West Bengal

10. PM Modi visited West Bengal to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for two National Highway projects.

• The projects are worth around Rs. 3,200 crores.
• They are aimed at improving road connectivity. They will also support economic growth in West Bengal.
• PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of the highway projects at Ranaghat in Nadia district.
• He inaugurated the 66.7-kilometre-long four-laning of the Barajaguli–Krishnanagar section of National Highway-34 in Nadia.
• He will also lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Barasat–Barajaguli section of NH-34 in North 24 Parganas district.
• The projects will serve as a connectivity link between Kolkata and Siliguri.