Current Affairs
Date: 18-12-2025
CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. Italy Becomes the First Country to Receive UNESCO Recognition for its National Cuisine
In December 2025, Italy achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first country in the world to have its entire national culinary tradition inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. This recognition was announced during a UNESCO cultural assembly held in Delhi, highlighting the cultural significance of food traditions globally.
2. NHAI Launches India's First Wildlife-Safe Highway on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched India's first wildlife-safe highway on a section of NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh, a significant example of environmentally sensitive infrastructure development. This project is located on the 11.96-kilometer Hiran Sindoor section of the Bhopal-Jabalpur highway, which passes through the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
3. ICC Player of the Month November 2025: Simon Harmer and Shafali Verma's Historic Recognition
For November 2025, the ICC honored South African off-spinner Simon Harmer as the Men's Player of the Month and Indian opener Shafali Verma as the Women's Player of the Month. This recognition symbolizes their exceptional performances in international cricket and their significant contributions to their respective countries.
4. B. Sairam Appointed as the New CMD of Coal India Limited
In December 2025, the Ministry of Coal appointed B. Sairam as the new Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited, effective December 15, 2025. This appointment comes at a time when India's energy security and the role of public sector undertakings remain crucial.
5. Filmfare OTT Awards 2025: ‘Black Warrant’ Wins Best Series
The sixth edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025 was held in Mumbai on December 15, 2025, clearly highlighting the growing influence of digital streaming platforms and the robustness of the creative economy in India.
6. ADB Approves US$240 Million Loan for Chennai Metro Expansion in Tamil Nadu
The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$240 million loan for the expansion of the Chennai Metro Rail network, a significant step towards strengthening clean, safe, and reliable public transportation in India's rapidly growing metropolitan areas.
7. India's First Indigenous 1.0 GHz Microprocessor
India has achieved a historic milestone in the field of semiconductor design with the launch of the DHRUV64 microprocessor. This is India's first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, considered a decisive step towards technological self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
8. Minority Rights Day
Minority Rights Day is observed annually on December 18th, aiming to protect the rights of minority communities, promote equality, and raise awareness against discrimination. This day symbolizes the strengthening of human rights, social justice, and the values of an inclusive society.
QUIZ (With Explanation)
1. Which country's entire national cuisine was included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2025?
A - France
B - Spain
C - Italy
D - Greece
Explanation:
In December 2025, Italy became the first country in the world to have its entire national cuisine included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This announcement was made at the UNESCO cultural assembly held in Delhi. This recognition acknowledges Italian cuisine not merely as a collection of dishes, but as a living tradition of community life, social relations, and knowledge passed down through generations.
2. On which National Highway has India's first wildlife-safe road been developed?
A - NH-44
B - NH-27
C - NH-45
D - NH-16
Explanation:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched India's first wildlife-safe road on NH-45 in Madhya Pradesh. Located on the Hiran Sindoor section of the Bhopal–Jabalpur route, the road passes through the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
3. Who was chosen as the ICC Men's Player of the Month for November 2025?
A - Mohammad Nawaz
B - Taijul Islam
C - Simon Harmer
D - Kagiso Rabada
Explanation:
For November 2025, the ICC selected South African off-spinner Simon Harmer as the Men's Player of the Month and Indian opener Shafali Verma as the Women's Player of the Month. Harmer received this honor for his historic bowling performance in the World Test Championship against India, in which South Africa won a Test series in India for the first time since 2000, with a 2-0 victory.
4. Under which ministry does Coal India Limited operate?
A - Ministry of Power
B - Ministry of Steel
C - Ministry of Heavy Industries
D - Ministry of Coal
Explanation:
In December 2025, the Ministry of Coal appointed B. Sairam as the new Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited, effective December 15, 2025. An experienced mining engineer, B. Sairam previously headed Northern Coalfields Limited and has over three decades of experience in the coal sector.
5. Which trophy is awarded at the Filmfare OTT Awards?
A - Golden Leaf
B - Silver Star
C - Black Lady
D - Crystal Award
Explanation:
The sixth edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025 was held in Mumbai on December 15, 2025, showcasing the growing influence of OTT platforms and the strength of the creative economy in India. The event honored artists and creative teams with the ‘Black Lady’ trophy for their contributions to web series, web films, short films, and technical achievements.
6. How much loan has the Asian Development Bank approved for the expansion of the Chennai Metro?
A - US$120 million
B - US$180 million
C - US$240 million
D - US$300 million
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of US$240 million for the expansion of the Chennai Metro rail network.
7. Which institution developed the DHRUV64 microprocessor?
A - ISRO
B - DRDO
C - C-DAC
D - BEL
Explanation:
India has achieved a major breakthrough in semiconductor design with the launch of the DHRUV64 microprocessor. This is the country's first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core processor, developed by C-DAC under MeitY.
8. Minority Rights Day is related to which United Nations declaration?
A - Universal Declaration of Human Rights
B - Declaration of the Rights of the Child
C - Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities
D - Declaration on the Rights of Women
Explanation:
Minority Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 18th, with the aim of protecting the rights of minority communities, promoting equality, and raising awareness against discrimination.
ONE LINER
Which country became the first to be included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list for its entire national cuisine in December 2025? – Italy
On which date is Minority Rights Day celebrated annually? – December 18
Who became the ICC Women's Player of the Month for November 2025? – Shafali Verma (India)
On which National Highway has India's first wildlife-safe road been developed? – NH-45 (Madhya Pradesh)
How much loan has the ADB approved for the Chennai Metro expansion? – US$240 million
Who was appointed as the new Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited in December 2025? – B. Sairam
What is India's first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor? – DHRUV64
Which web series won the Best Series title at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025? – Black Warrant
Between which two protected forest areas is the wildlife-safe road of NH-45 located? – Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Which player received the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for November 2025? – Simon Harmer (South Africa)