Current Affairs - December 18, 2025 Current Affairs

The Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index 2025 measures how well countries can withstand and manage investment-related risks arising from geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, technological disruption, and climate challenges. India was ranked 104th in this index, indicating a relatively lower level of resilience compared to many other nations assessed. While countries such as Switzerland topped the rankings due to strong institutional stability and investor-friendly environments, India’s position reflects ongoing challenges related to infrastructure, regulatory consistency, and risk mitigation. This ranking serves as an indicator of areas where policy reforms and economic strengthening could improve investor confidence.

Air India was awarded the Best Domestic Airline title at the Travel + Leisure India & South Asia Awards 2025 for the second consecutive year. The recognition is significant as it is entirely based on reader and passenger votes, reflecting real travel experiences rather than jury assessments. The award highlights growing customer trust in Air India during its large-scale transformation phase, which includes fleet modernization, improved onboard comfort, enhanced service quality, and better operational reliability. With major investments such as large aircraft orders and fleet upgrades, the airline is strengthening its domestic market credibility and working toward becoming a world-class aviation brand.

Minorities Rights Day is observed in India on December 18 to highlight the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of minority communities. The day commemorates the United Nations’ 1992 declaration on minority rights and has been observed in India since 2013 under the National Commission for Minorities. It emphasizes safeguarding constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 29 and 30, which ensure cultural, linguistic, and educational rights. The observance promotes inclusion, equality, and safety while recognizing the social, cultural, and economic contributions of the six officially notified minority communities in the country.

India and Saudi Arabia entered into a bilateral visa waiver agreement aimed at facilitating smoother official travel between the two nations. The pact provides mutual short-term visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports, reducing administrative barriers for government officials. Signed in Riyadh under the Strategic Partnership Council framework, the agreement reflects deepening diplomatic ties and growing cooperation across sectors such as trade, energy, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. By simplifying travel procedures, the initiative is expected to enhance institutional dialogue, accelerate joint initiatives, and further strengthen the long-standing strategic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.

The FIFA Best Football Awards 2025 ceremony took place in Doha, Qatar, marking the city’s growing prominence as a global hub for major sporting events. Doha has previously hosted several international tournaments and conferences, supported by world-class infrastructure and facilities. The awards recognized outstanding football achievements over the past year, including individual honours for top male and female players. Hosting the event in Doha highlights FIFA’s efforts to expand football’s global reach and celebrate excellence in diverse regions, while also reinforcing Qatar’s role in international sports following successful large-scale events in recent years.

Bharat Taxi is scheduled for its full-scale rollout in Delhi in January 2026, marking a significant development in India’s ride-hailing sector. After pilot operations in Delhi and parts of Gujarat in December 2025, the platform plans to expand operations with a cooperative, driver-owned model. Its zero-commission approach, at least in the initial phase, aims to improve driver earnings and welfare while offering affordable and transparent pricing for passengers. The January 2026 rollout is expected to intensify competition with established players like Ola and Uber, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the urban mobility market in India.

International Migrants Day is observed every year on December 18 to recognize and highlight the rights, contributions, and challenges of migrants across the world. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It draws attention to the cultural, social, and economic contributions made by nearly 272 million international migrants globally, including millions of displaced persons, while also promoting awareness about migration-related issues and inclusive development.

Amazon Pay introduced a PIN-free UPI payment feature in India that allows users to authenticate transactions through fingerprint or facial recognition on Android devices. Launched on 16 December 2025, this facility supports transactions up to ₹5,000 and covers services such as Send Money, Scan & Pay, and merchant payments. By relying on device-bound biometrics that remain securely stored on the user’s phone, the feature enhances convenience, speed, and security. This innovation aims to simplify digital payments, promote one-handed usage, and encourage wider adoption of UPI-based transactions.

The Hurun Global 1000 Report 2025 ranks the world’s 1,000 most valuable companies and reflects major shifts in global corporate leadership. In this edition, Nvidia secured the top position, surpassing long-time leaders such as Microsoft and Apple. Nvidia’s rise has been driven by its dominance in advanced semiconductor technology, particularly in graphics processing units and artificial intelligence applications. The growing global demand for AI-driven solutions, data centers, and high-performance computing significantly boosted the company’s valuation. This achievement highlights the increasing importance of technology and innovation in shaping the global economic landscape.

India and Argentina entered into a Work Plan for 2025–27 aimed at enhancing collaboration in agricultural research and technology exchange. The agreement was signed in New Delhi and involves cooperation between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural Technology. Key focus areas include sustainable agronomy, efficient natural resource management, zero tillage practices, agricultural mechanisation, micro-irrigation, fertigation techniques, and germplasm exchange. This partnership is designed to promote innovation, improve farm productivity, and support sustainable agricultural development in both countries through shared expertise and advanced research practices.