Daily Current Affairs News: 17th December, 2025

National News

Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan Inaugurated By President of India

• President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 16, 2025, on Vijay Diwas.
• The gallery showcases portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, honoring India’s national heroes for their exceptional valour, courage, and self-sacrifice.
• The initiative replaces former British ADC portraits, symbolizing a shift toward celebrating India’s military heritage and national pride.

Non-Government NPS Subscribers Can Now Withdraw 80% of Pension Corpus

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has announced major reforms in the National Pension System (NPS), allowing non-government subscribers to withdraw up to 80% of their pension corpus, compared to the earlier 60% limit, while only 20% must be invested in an annuity if the corpus exceeds ₹12 lakh.
• The changes aim to enhance retirement flexibility, introduce tiered withdrawal slabs, allow subscribers to stay invested up to 85 years, and provide clearer rules for death, disability, citizenship renunciation, and premature exit, though government employees will continue under the 60:40 structure.

State News

‘Ponduru Khadi’ Awarded Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• Ponduru Khadi of Andhra Pradesh receives Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its fine handspun cotton fabric famed for durability and craftsmanship, historically praised by Mahatma Gandhi.
• The GI status, granted by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, protects its geographical origin and boosts cultural and economic value for local artisans.

Three MoUs Signed as PM Modi Visits Addis Ababa

• India and Ethiopia strengthened bilateral ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Addis Ababa for the first time and oversaw the signing of three MoUs covering customs cooperation, establishment of a data centre at the Ethiopian Embassy, and UN peacekeeping operations.
• The agreements highlight growing India–Africa engagement, shared commitment to trade facilitation, digital infrastructure, and global peacekeeping, while the ceremonial welcome reflected deepening diplomatic and cultural ties.

Right-Wing Leader José Antonio Kast Becomes Chile’s President

• Chile elects ultra-conservative José Antonio Kast as President, defeating leftist Jeannette Jara with 58.16% of the vote.
• Kast’s victory, taking office on 11 March 2026, signals a rightward political shift driven by public concerns over crime, migration, and security, with key priorities including border control, law-and-order, and fiscal stability.

Banking News

JP Morgan to Set Up Asia’s Largest GCC in India

• JP Morgan to set up Asia’s largest Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Mumbai’s Powai, spanning 2 million sq ft and expected to employ 30,000 people by 2029.
• The centre will strengthen India’s position as a global hub for banking, finance, and technology, supporting functions like IT, financial operations, data analytics, and innovation, and further boosting multinational investment in the country.

Google Launches Its First-Ever Credit Card in India on RuPay

• Google has launched its first-ever credit card globally in India, partnering with Axis Bank on the RuPay network, with full Google Pay–UPI integration, allowing credit-based UPI payments at merchants.
• The card stands out for offering instant rewards/cashback on every transaction, highlighting India’s leadership in digital payments, the growing RuPay–UPI ecosystem run by NPCI, and a strong bank–fintech collaboration model.

Government Extends Tenure of SBI MD Ashwini Kumar Tewari by Two Years

• Ashwini Kumar Tewari has been granted a second two-year extension as Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), with his tenure now running until December 31, 2027.
• Originally appointed in January 2021, Tewari has led SBI through key phases of digital expansion, credit growth, and balance sheet strengthening. The extension ensures leadership continuity at India’s largest public sector bank, reflecting the government’s confidence in his strategic and operational guidance.

Awards News

PM Modi Becomes First World Leader to Receive Ethiopia’s Top Award

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian award, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, becoming the first global Head of State or Government to receive it.
• The award, presented by Ethiopian PM Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali during Modi’s official visit to Addis Ababa, marks his 28th top foreign honour. The recognition highlights India–Ethiopia historic ties, PM Modi’s global stature, and the enduring contributions of Indians in Ethiopia’s education and bilateral development.

India’s Homebound Enters Oscar 2026 Shortlist for Best International Feature

• Indian cinema reached a major milestone as Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound was shortlisted among the final 15 films for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards 2026.
• Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, and backed by Dharma Productions, the film—India’s official Oscar entry—earned global acclaim after premieres at Cannes 2025 and TIFF, and is now in contention for a place among the final five Oscar nominations.

Sports News

Complete List of Winners at FIFA Best Football Awards 2025

• FIFA Best Football Awards 2025 were held in Doha, Qatar, celebrating top global football talent. Ousmane Dembélé (France/PSG) won Men’s Player of the Year after a treble-winning season, while Aitana Bonmati (Spain/Barcelona) claimed Women’s Player of the Year for the third consecutive time.
• Other key winners included Gianluigi Donnarumma (Men’s Goalkeeper), Luis Enrique (Men’s Coach), and Hannah Hampton (Women’s Goalkeeper), highlighting standout performances across men’s and women’s football.