In Current Affairs for 20 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 20 December 2025
International Human Solidarity Day 2025
International Human Solidarity Day 2025 is observed globally on 20 December to underline the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility among nations and people. The observance serves as a reminder that humanity faces many common challenges—such as poverty, inequality, health crises, and climate change—that cannot be addressed in isolation.
Established by the United Nations, the day emphasizes solidarity as a fundamental human value. In today’s highly interconnected world, the observance highlights that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collective global action. It encourages governments, institutions, and individuals to work together for inclusive development and social justice.
The key objectives of International Human Solidarity Day include strengthening international cooperation, mobilising joint efforts to reduce poverty, and reinforcing global commitment towards equality, dignity, and sustainable development for all.
World’s Oldest Wooden Structure Discovered in Zambia
A remarkable archaeological breakthrough in northern Zambia has transformed our understanding of early human innovation. Beneath the roaring Kalambo Falls, researchers have uncovered a wooden structure estimated to be around 476,000 years old, making it the oldest known wooden construction in the world.
This discovery reveals that early humans were not merely adapting to their environment but actively modifying it using advanced skills. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature, demonstrate that these ancient communities possessed a sophisticated understanding of materials like wood long before the emergence of modern humans.
The structure consists of two carefully interlocked wooden logs, shaped with precision and deliberately fitted together. Clear signs of carpentry indicate planning, skill, and knowledge of structural stability. Dating such ancient material posed a major challenge, as traditional radiocarbon techniques were ineffective at this age.
To overcome this, scientists used luminescence dating, which measures how long mineral grains such as quartz and feldspar have remained buried and unexposed to light. This advanced method confirmed the extraordinary age of the structure, made possible by exceptional preservation conditions at the site.
Government Raises Reservation for Ex-Agniveers in CAPFs
In a significant policy shift, the Union Home Ministry has decided to substantially increase reservation for former Agniveers in Group C posts of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The reservation quota has been raised from 10% to 50%, even before the first batch of Agniveers completes its service tenure.
As per the notification issued on December 19, 2025, half of the vacant constable posts in the Border Security Force (BSF) will now be reserved for ex-Agniveers. While these candidates will receive exemptions from physical tests, they will still be required to clear the written examination like other applicants.
The recruitment rules for Group C posts across all CAPFs will be amended in phases. This move marks a major departure from the earlier policy announced after the launch of the Agnipath scheme in 2022, which had faced widespread protests and political opposition.
To support smooth absorption, the government has also announced age relaxations—five years for the first batch and three years for subsequent batches. The first group of Agniveers will become eligible for CAPF recruitment in 2026. The CAPFs include the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
India’s Largest Circular Labyrinth Unearthed in Maharashtra
Archaeologists have discovered India’s largest classical circular labyrinth in the Boramani grassland area of Solapur district, Maharashtra. The newly found structure features 15 circuits, making it the most complex circular labyrinth identified in the country so far.
The discovery was made by Sachin Patil of Deccan College, Pune, and provides valuable insights into ancient cultural and trade connections. Researchers believe the labyrinth reflects trade links between Ter in Dharashiv (ancient Tagara) and Rome, dating back nearly 2,000 years.
Measuring approximately 50 feet by 50 feet, the structure surpasses previous circular labyrinths in complexity. Experts note that while a larger labyrinth exists in Tamil Nadu, the Solapur find is the largest of its kind in a circular design. The discovery will be featured in the 2026 edition of Caerdroia, a UK-based journal specialising in labyrinth studies.
Prime Minister Launches Ayush Mark at Global Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayush Mark during the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Ayush Mark aims to serve as an international quality benchmark for products and services related to India’s traditional medicine systems.
The Prime Minister also honoured recipients of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga for the years 2021–2025. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted India’s role in promoting holistic healthcare globally.
The summit, jointly organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, was held from December 17 to 19 under the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.”
Operation Hawkeye Strike Launched by the United States
The United States launched Operation Hawkeye Strike targeting Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Syria in response to the killing of two American soldiers earlier in the month. US President Donald Trump described the operation as a strong act of retaliation against terrorist forces.
In a statement shared on social media, the President warned that any group threatening American lives would face severe consequences. The strikes focused on key ISIS strongholds in Syria, with the stated objective of dismantling the group’s operational capabilities.
The US administration emphasised that eliminating ISIS is crucial not only for American security but also for long-term stability in the region. The operation reflects Washington’s continued commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in West Asia.
Review Questions
- Operation Hawkeye Strike, launched by the United States, targeted which terrorist
organisation?
A. Al-Qaeda
B. Taliban
C. Islamic State
D. Boko Haram
Answer: C. Islamic State - Operation Hawkeye Strike was launched by the United States in which country?
A. Iraq
B. Afghanistan
C. Libya
D. Syria
Answer: D. Syria - The Union Home Ministry enhanced reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts
of CAPFs from 10% to:
A. 25%
B. 40%
C. 45%
D. 50%
Answer: D. 50% - The enhanced reservation for ex-Agniveers applies to which organisations?
A. Indian Army only
B. State Police Forces
C. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
D. Indian Coast Guard
Answer: C. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) - The ancient wooden structure discovered beneath Kalambo Falls dates back
approximately:
A. 50,000 years
B. 120,000 years
C. 300,000 years
D. 476,000 years
Answer: D. 476,000 years - Kalambo Falls, where the ancient wooden structure was discovered, is located in:
A. Southern Kenya
B. Northern Zambia
C. Eastern Ethiopia
D. Western Tanzania
Answer: B. Northern Zambia - The largest classical 15-circuit labyrinth discovered in India was found in which
district?
A. Pune
B. Dharashiv
C. Solapur
D. Satara
Answer: C. Solapur - The Boramani grassland labyrinth discovery highlights ancient trade links between
Ter and which civilisation?
A. Greek
B. Egyptian
C. Persian
D. Roman
Answer: D. Roman - The archaeologist who identified the Boramani grassland discovery belongs to
which institution?
A. Archaeological Survey of India
B. Jawaharlal Nehru University
C. Deccan College, Pune
D. Banaras Hindu University
Answer: C. Deccan College, Pune - International Human Solidarity Day is observed every year on:
A. 18 December
B. 19 December
C. 20 December
D. 21 December
Answer: C. 20 December
