Current Affairs
Date: 31-12-2025
CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. Aryaman Finance (India) Limited Receives RBI Approval to Operate as NBFC
In a significant regulatory development in India's financial sector in December 2025, Aryaman Finance (India) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services Limited (AFSL), received a Certificate of Registration from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This approval allows the company to legally operate as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) under the RBI's supervision.
2. Expansion of Ayushman Bharat and Development of Digital Healthcare in 2025
The year 2025 proved to be a pivotal and transformative year for India's public health system, with the national expansion of health insurance coverage under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, including the inclusion of Odisha and Delhi. This gave renewed momentum to India's progress towards universal health coverage.
3. 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries Chaired by the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi, which was held over three days from December 26, 2025. The conference aimed to strengthen regular, structured, and outcome-oriented dialogue between the Centre and the States to foster long-term national development and cooperative federalism.
4. Wildfires and Natural Disasters Caused Over $120 Billion in Damage Globally in 2025
In 2025, extreme weather events linked to climate change caused unprecedented devastation globally, resulting in economic losses exceeding $120 billion due to wildfires, extreme heat, floods, cyclones, and droughts. This assessment was made in a report by the UK-based non-governmental organization Christian Aid, which highlights the growing cost of climate change and the lack of adequate action to address it.
5. Former England Cricketer Hugh Morris Dies at 62
Former England cricketer and administrator Hugh Morris passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 62. He had been battling bowel cancer since January 2022. Hugh Morris was known as a reliable opening batsman on the field and a skilled cricket administrator off the field.
6. Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Amidst Border Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a ceasefire agreement to end weeks of intense border conflict in Southeast Asia. The agreement comes after nearly 20 days of fierce military clashes involving artillery, rocket attacks, and fighter jets. The ceasefire was signed by the defense ministers of Thailand and Cambodia and came into effect at noon.
7. India's First PPP Medical Colleges to be Established in Tribal Districts of Madhya Pradesh
India is witnessing a historic shift in medical education with the establishment of the first medical colleges under a public-private partnership (PPP) model in Madhya Pradesh. The foundation stones for these colleges have been laid in tribal-dominated districts like Dhar and Betul, marking a significant step towards addressing regional disparities.
8. Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project: Government's Green Panel Approves the Project
The proposed Dulhasti Stage-II hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir has received approval from the central government's environmental clearance mechanism. This decision comes at a time when India is rapidly advancing the development of water and energy infrastructure in the Indus Basin following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
QUIZ (WITH EXPLANATION)
1. Which institution granted Aryaman Finance (India) Limited permission to operate as an NBFC?
A - SEBI
B - Ministry of Finance
C - Reserve Bank of India
D - NITI Aayog
Explanation:
Aryaman Finance (India) Limited received its registration certificate from the Reserve Bank of India, enabling it to operate as an NBFC under the RBI's supervision. It was recognized as a Type-II non-deposit-taking investment and credit company (NBFC-ICC).
2. Which two states joined Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY in 2025?
A - Bihar and Jharkhand
B - Odisha and Delhi
C - Kerala and Tamil Nadu
D - Rajasthan and Haryana
Explanation:
In 2025, Odisha and Delhi joined Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, expanding the scheme and increasing national health insurance coverage.
3. In which city was the fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries held?
A - Mumbai
B - New Delhi
C - Bhopal
D - Hyderabad
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the conference in New Delhi to strengthen coordination between the Centre and the States.
4. Which organization published the report on climate disasters of 2025?
A - UNEP
B - WHO
C - Christian Aid
D - World Bank
Explanation:
According to Christian Aid, climate-linked disasters in 2025 caused losses exceeding $120 billion due to floods, droughts, wildfires, and other disasters.
5. Which country did Hugh Morris formerly play cricket for?
A - Australia
B - England
C - South Africa
D - New Zealand
Explanation:
Hugh Morris, a former cricketer and administrator, played for England and was a significant figure in cricket during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
6. The ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia was implemented to end a conflict related to which region?
A - Maritime dispute
B - Border dispute
C - Trade dispute
D - Resource disputes
Explanation:
The ceasefire aims to de-escalate tensions and stabilize the region after 20 days of border conflict.
7. Under which model are medical colleges being established in Madhya Pradesh?
A - Full government model
B - Cooperative model
C - Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model
D - Private model
Explanation:
The PPP model aims to improve access to healthcare education in backward and tribal districts like Dhar and Betul.
8. On which river is the Dulhasti Stage-II hydroelectric project located?
A - Jhelum
B - Ravi
C - Chenab
D - Sutlej
Explanation:
The Dulhasti Phase-II hydroelectric project is located on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
ONE LINER
Aryaman Finance is registered under which NBFC category? – Type-II Non-Deposit Taking Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)
Theme of the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries – Human Capital for Developed India
Digital health ID under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is called – ABHA Account
Organization estimating $120 billion climate disaster loss – Christian Aid
Two states newly included under PMJAY in 2025 – Odisha and Delhi
Thailand-Cambodia conflict was related to – Border dispute
First PPP model medical colleges launched in which districts? – Dhar and Betul (Madhya Pradesh)
Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project located on – Chenab River
Which company’s subsidiary got RBI NBFC approval? – Aryaman Finance (India) Limited
Hugh Morris’ county cricket association – Glamorgan