🌐 International Relations & Agreements

🔷 PM Modi Honoured with 'Order of Oman'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Order of Oman, the highest civilian honour of Oman, during his official visit to Muscat.
Economic Pact: India and Oman officially signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to reduce trade barriers.
Maritime Cooperation: Both nations adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation to enhance security in the Indian Ocean.
Trade Target: The agreement aims to boost exports in sectors like textiles, automobiles, and chemicals.
Diplomatic Milestone: This visit marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Oman.

🏛️ Polity & Governance

🔷 First Woman Officer Graduated from IMA

Sai Jadhav, hailing from Kolhapur (Maharashtra), became the first-ever woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
History Broken: She broke a 93-year-old tradition that previously saw only male graduates from the academy.
Commission: She has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army.

💰 Economy & Banking

🔷 India’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.7%

The National Statistical Office (NSO) released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for November 2025.
Key Finding: India's unemployment rate has declined to 4.7%, showing an improvement in the job market.
Focus: The report highlights a rise in self-employment and better participation of women in the workforce.

🔷 SBI Signs €150 Million Loan for Climate Projects

The State Bank of India (SBI) signed a Euro 150 million (approx. ₹1,350 crore) Line of Credit with the German bank KfW.
Purpose: The funds will be used to support climate-friendly energy projects and innovative renewable technologies in India.
Significance: This partnership aligns with India’s goal to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.

🔬 Science & Technology

🔷 India’s First Wildlife-Safe Road on NH-45

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched India’s first 'wildlife-safe road' in Madhya Pradesh.
Location: A 2-km section of the Hiran–Sindoor stretch on National Highway 45 (NH-45).
Special Features: The road includes 25 underpasses for animals like tigers and deer to cross safely without meeting with accidents.

🪖 Defence & Security

🔷 Navy Commissions 'INAS 335 Ospreys' in Goa

The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R (Romeo) helicopter squadron, named INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Goa.
Role: These advanced helicopters will be used for Anti-Submarine Warfare and search-and-rescue operations.
Diving Support: Additionally, the Navy commissioned 'DSC A20', India’s first indigenously designed Diving Support Craft, in Kochi.

🎭 Culture & Important Events

🔷 Goa Liberation Day: 64th Anniversary

Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year.
Historical Fact: On this day in 1961, the Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Vijay' to free Goa, Daman, and Diu from 451 years of Portuguese rule.
Significance: It marks the final departure of European colonial powers from the Indian subcontinent.

🔷 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

India is hosting the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi (Dec 17–19).
Theme: "Restoring Balance for People and Planet: The Science and Practice of Well-Being."
Digital Library: The summit saw the launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL), a repository of over 1.5 million records.

📌 December 19, 2025 General Knowledge

Martyrdom Day of Kakori Heroes: On December 19, 1927, great freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil (Gorakhpur Jail), Ashfaqulla Khan (Faizabad Jail), and Roshan Singh (Allahabad Jail) were hanged by the British for the Kakori Train Action.
Pratibha Patil's Birthday: Born on Dec 19, 1934, she served as the 12th President of India and was the first woman to hold the office.
Operation Vijay (1961): The military operation that successfully integrated Goa into the Indian Union.
Lord Dalhousie: The Governor-General of India (famous for the Doctrine of Lapse) died on this day in 1860.