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December 21, 2025 Global Current Affairs: December 20, 2025

This summary covers significant global events from the last 24 hours, focusing on international relations, economic developments, scientific and technological advancements, and social welfare initiatives. Key highlights include ongoing geopolitical tensions with new US strikes in Syria and continued EU aid to Ukraine, alongside efforts to improve US-Russia trade relations. Economically, the European Central Bank maintained steady interest rates amidst an improving outlook, while India and Oman solidified economic ties with a new trade agreement. In science, breakthroughs were reported in quantum computing, solar cell efficiency, and exoplanet discovery, with China also making strides in semiconductor technology. Social welfare saw efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and new support for vulnerable women in Myanmar and prisoners in India.

International Relations & Politics

  • US Conducts Strikes in Syria: The United States has carried out "massive" strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Syria. This action comes amidst ongoing efforts to combat extremist groups in the region.

  • EU Approves €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine: European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion ($105 billion) loan package to support its needs over the next two years. This financial assistance underscores continued European solidarity with Ukraine. Separately, Russia and Ukraine conducted another exchange of bodies as part of earlier agreements. Russian President Vladimir Putin also indicated a willingness to consider halting strikes in Ukraine if elections were held and Ukrainians residing in Russia participated.

  • US-Venezuela Maritime Incident: The U.S. Coast Guard boarded and seized the Venezuelan tanker Skipper in international waters. This action follows previous naval operations and occurs amid U.S. allegations of electoral manipulation by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

  • Cyprus Aims to Enhance EU-Iran Relations: Cyprus's foreign minister expressed optimism that his country, holding the EU's rotating presidency in early 2026, could play a constructive role in improving relations between the EU and Iran.

  • India's Ambitious Foreign Policy Vision: India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, articulated a vision for a developed India's foreign policy, emphasizing ambitious, long-term plans to strengthen its global standing and enhance manufacturing, technology, and capacity building.

  • Belarus and Oman Boost Cultural Ties: The Foreign Minister of Belarus met with an Omani delegation to discuss expanding cooperation in culture and education. This includes plans for an exhibition of Omani traditional silverware in Belarus and future cultural exchanges.

  • Russia-Myanmar Industrial Collaboration: A groundbreaking ceremony took place in Nay Pyi Taw for a Russia-Myanmar factory that will produce foliar spray, aiming to reduce costs for local farmers and minimize foreign currency expenditure.

  • Russia to Host Eurasian Economic Union and CIS Meetings: Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to participate in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting on December 21 in St. Petersburg, where discussions will focus on integration processes and a potential free trade agreement with Indonesia. An informal meeting of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) heads of state will also be hosted by Russia on December 22.

Economy

  • ECB Holds Interest Rates Steady: The European Central Bank (ECB) announced it would keep interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive time. This decision was based on signs of an improving economic outlook for the euro area, with inflation remaining stable at 2.1 percent in November.

  • India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement grants zero-duty access on 98.08% of tariff lines, covering 99.38% of Indian exports to Oman.

  • US and Russia Discuss Trade Relations: Despite existing complexities arising from the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the United States and Russia have agreed to continue coordinating efforts to foster a more favorable environment for businesses and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

  • Concerns Over US Economy: Public approval of the U.S. administration's handling of the economy has declined, with many citizens expressing concerns over persistently high prices for essential goods and services such as gas, groceries, healthcare, and housing.

Science & Technology

  • Quantum Processor Breakthrough: Scientists have developed a new quantum processor utilizing tantalum, which demonstrates a lifespan 15 times longer than current processors used by tech giants like Google and IBM. Further advancing the field, Fujitsu has launched a $100,000 Quantum Simulator Challenge for 2025-26, inviting researchers and industry teams to test real-world problems on its quantum simulator.

  • Enhanced Solar Cell Efficiency: A significant advancement in solar energy sees scientists boosting solar cell efficiency by nearly 30% through the incorporation of a nanometric germanium oxide layer, addressing a long-standing problem in the field.

  • Discovery of New Exoplanet Type: Astronomers have identified an entirely new category of exoplanet. This carbon-rich exoplanet exhibits a bizarre atmosphere and shape and orbits a neutron star.

  • Potential "Superkilonova" Sighting: Researchers may have observed a never-before-seen "Superkilonova" embedded within a supernova. This rare phenomenon is thought to be a result of a double explosion generating both gravitational waves and light.

  • Challenging Dinosaur Evolution Theories: A rare fossil discovery of feathered dinosaurs that were incapable of flight is prompting scientists to re-evaluate long-held theories regarding the evolution of wings.

  • China's Progress in Semiconductor Technology: In a significant development for its technological independence, Chinese scientists in Shenzhen have successfully built a prototype of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machine. This marks a crucial step in China's pursuit of semiconductor self-sufficiency, despite international restrictions.

  • India's Nuclear Energy Expansion: The Indian Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. This legislation aims to open India's civil nuclear sector to private companies and sets an ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047.

Social Welfare

  • Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Worsens: Doctors Without Borders has reported a sharp increase in respiratory infections in Gaza, a dire consequence of harsh winter conditions exacerbating already poor living conditions and posing a severe threat to young children. Thousands of patients requiring life-saving care remain trapped, despite over 10,600 medical evacuations since October 2023.

  • Support for Vulnerable Women in Myanmar: Myanmar has established One-Stop Women's Support Centres in various regions to provide temporary shelter and protection for women experiencing violence.

  • Singapore Implements Mandatory Caning for Scammers: New amendments to Singapore's criminal law, effective December 30, will introduce mandatory caning of at least six strokes for scammers, recruiters, and members of scam syndicates.

  • India's "Support to Poor Prisoners" Scheme Revised: India's Ministry of Home Affairs has revised the guidelines for its "Support to Poor Prisoners" scheme. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to states and union territories to help poor prisoners who are unable to secure bail or release due to financial constraints in paying fines.

Sports (Non-Cricket)

  • Thailand Dominates SEA Games: Thailand is leading the SEA Games, securing a historic gold medal in sailing and demonstrating strong performances across various other sports.

  • Copa Colombia Final Riot: The Copa Colombia final was marred by fan riots, resulting in 59 injuries.

  • Morocco Wins FIFA Arab Cup: Morocco emerged victorious in the FIFA Arab Cup, defeating Jordan 3-2 after extra time to claim the title.

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