In Current Affairs for 16 December 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 16 December 2025
UNESCO Strengthens Protection of Endangered Traditional Arts and Crafts
In an important move to safeguard cultural diversity across the world, UNESCO has added several endangered traditional arts and crafts to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. This step highlights the fragile condition of many age-old cultural practices that are facing extinction due to rapid modernization, migration, declining community participation, and limited financial support.
The list maintained by UNESCO aims to draw global attention to traditions that include music, dance forms, handicrafts, rituals, and oral knowledge systems. Once included, these cultural elements become eligible for international cooperation, expert guidance, and financial assistance. This support helps communities preserve their heritage and ensure that these traditions are passed on to future generations.
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025: A Major Education Reform
In line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Union Government introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 during the Winter Session of Parliament. The Bill marks a significant shift in higher education governance, aiming to streamline regulation and raise academic standards to global levels.
Currently, India’s higher education sector is overseen by multiple regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The proposed legislation seeks to establish a unified and efficient governance structure.
The Bill focuses on empowering universities to excel in teaching, research, innovation, and academic administration. Its key objectives include improved coordination among regulators, uniform academic standards, and a simplified regulatory framework to enhance institutional autonomy and global competitiveness.
Commemorative Stamp Issued in Honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II
To acknowledge India’s rich historical legacy, a commemorative postage stamp was released in memory of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, also known as Suvaran Maran. The stamp was issued by Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to recognising lesser-known rulers who played a vital role in shaping regional history and culture. Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which ruled parts of central Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. Ruling from Tiruchirappalli for nearly forty years, he is remembered as one of the prominent figures of early medieval South India.
India Emerges as a Global Leader in Artificial Intelligence
India has achieved a remarkable milestone in the field of artificial intelligence by securing the third position globally, after the United States and China, according to Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool. This represents a significant rise from India’s seventh rank in 2023.
The index evaluates countries based on parameters such as research and development, availability of skilled talent, economic activity, infrastructure, governance frameworks, and public perception. India’s rapid progress reflects its growing AI ecosystem, strong talent pool, expanding digital infrastructure, and increased innovation-driven initiatives.
Raj Kumar Goyal Takes Charge as Chief Information Commissioner
Former Law and Justice Ministry Secretary Raj Kumar Goyal was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) on December 15, 2025. The oath was administered by President Droupadi Murmu, marking a new phase for the Central Information Commission under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The CIC is appointed by the President based on recommendations from a high-level committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Union Home Minister, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The Commission plays a crucial role in upholding transparency by hearing appeals and complaints related to information access. It is headed by the Chief Information Commissioner and may have up to ten Information Commissioners.
India Clinches Historic WSF Squash World Cup Title
Indian squash reached a historic milestone as the national team won the WSF Squash World Cup 2025 for the first time. In a commanding performance, India defeated top-seeded Hong Kong 3–0 in the final held at Express Avenue Mall, Chennai, cheered on by an energetic home crowd.
Organised by the World Squash Federation, the tournament features leading squash nations competing in team formats involving men’s and women’s singles matches. Prior to this victory, India’s best result was a bronze medal in 2023. The 2025 gold medal reflects India’s rapid rise on the global squash stage, aided by hosting the event in Chennai, a well-known hub for squash development.
MRF Tyres Wins 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Title
India’s footprint in international motorsport expanded further as MRF Tyres secured the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Teams Title. The award was presented at the FIA Awards Gala, underscoring MRF’s consistent excellence in a highly competitive global arena.
This marks the third time MRF has won the ERC Teams Championship, having earlier claimed the title in 2022 and 2023. The victory highlights the company’s ability to perform consistently across diverse and demanding rally conditions across Europe, reinforcing its reputation as a global motorsport contender.
DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards 2025
India’s focus on sustainable and innovative energy solutions was further strengthened with the inaugural DV Kapur Foundation Energy Innovation Awards, held on 12 December 2025 at the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi. The awards honoured pioneering technological innovations that contribute to clean energy and efficiency.
In the Young Innovators category, Dr Achu Chandran of CSIR-NIIST was recognised for developing a Nano Electricity Generator. In the second category, NTPC’s research wing NETRA was awarded for its work on Green Use of Coal Technologies. These recognitions highlight the role of indigenous research and innovation in shaping India’s future energy landscape.
Review Questions
1. Which Indian company won the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Teams Title?
A. CEAT Tyres
B. Apollo Tyres
C. MRF Tyres
D. JK Tyres
Answer: C. MRF Tyres
2. The 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Teams Title boosted India’s presence in which field?
A. Space technology
B. Artificial intelligence
C. Defence manufacturing
D. Global motorsport technology
Answer: D. Global motorsport technology
3. India won which major international sports title for the first time in 2025?
A. Thomas Cup
B. Davis Cup
C. Hockey World Cup
D. WSF Squash World Cup
Answer: D. WSF Squash World Cup
4. Which team did India defeat in the final of the WSF Squash World Cup 2025?
A. England
B. Malaysia
C. Pakistan
D. Hong Kong
Answer: D. Hong Kong
5. What was the scoreline of the WSF Squash World Cup 2025 final?
A. 2–1
B. 3–1
C. 3–0
D. 4–2
Answer: C. 3–0
6. Where was the final of the WSF Squash World Cup 2025 held?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
B. Indira Gandhi Arena, Delhi
C. Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad
D. Express Avenue Mall, Chennai
Answer: D. Express Avenue Mall, Chennai
7. Who took oath as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)?
A. Ashok Kumar
B. Sanjay Murthy
C. Raj Kumar Goyal
D. Rakesh Gupta
Answer: C. Raj Kumar Goyal
8. Who appoints the Chief Information Commissioner of India?
A. Prime Minister of India
B. Chief Justice of India
C. Parliament of India
D. President of India
Answer: D. President of India
9. According to Stanford University’s Global AI Vibrancy Tool, India ranks globally in Artificial Intelligence at which position?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Answer: C. Third
10. A commemorative postage stamp was issued in memory of which historical figure?
A. Rajaraja Chola I
B. Pulakeshin II
C. Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (Suvaran Maran)
D. Harsha Vardhana
Answer: C. Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II (Suvaran Maran)
