Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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December 20 & 21 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

1. On which date is International Human Solidarity Day observed annually?
A) 10 December
B) 15 November
C) 20 December
D) 1 October
E) 5 June
Answer: C) 20 December

Event and Location:

• Event: Observance of International Human Solidarity Day 2025
• Location: Globally observed (United Nations Member States)
• Date: 20 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Promote international unity and cooperation through the annual observance of International Human Solidarity Day on 20 December.
• Objectives: Eradicate poverty, reduce health inequities, and promote inclusive, equitable development by fostering a global spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Human Solidarity Day: A United Nations observance that emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in addressing common challenges such as poverty, health inequality, and sustainable development.
• World Solidarity Fund: A UN-established fund (2002) aimed at supporting initiatives benefiting those living in poverty and promoting equitable development.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed by the UN to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.

Tabular Summary:

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2. When is World Meditation Day observed as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly?
A) 20 June
B) 21 December
C) 2 October
D) 10 October
E) 5 May
Answer: B) 21 December

Event and Location:

• Event: World Meditation Day proclaimed and commemorated by the United Nations
• Location: Global; UN Headquarters event held at Trusteeship Council, New York
• Date: 21 December (annually); 2nd World Meditation Day event on 19 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • UN General Assembly declared 21 December as World Meditation Day to promote physical and mental well-being for all
  • UN-hosted guided meditation and reflections event led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar held at UNHQ
• Objectives:
  • Promote global awareness of the benefits of meditation for inner peace, health, and harmony
  • Reinforce the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
  • Cultivate unity, empathy, and compassion in response to global challenges
  • Integrate meditation as part of the global strategy for achieving SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

Important Terms Explained:

• World Meditation Day: Official UN-recognized day observed on 21 December, emphasizing the universal value of meditation in achieving global peace and personal well-being
• Meditation: A practice of focusing the mind to achieve mental clarity and emotional calmness; proven to aid in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving focus and health
• UN Meditation Room: A space at the UN Headquarters in New York, created in 1952 by Dag Hammarskjöld, symbolizing introspection and the role of silence in diplomacy
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: A goal under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aiming to ensure health for all, emphasizing both physical and mental health
• Mindfulness Meditation: A widely practiced form of meditation that enhances self-awareness, concentration, and emotional balance, supported by WHO for mental health care

Tabular Summary:

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3. When did the Winter Solstice occur in 2025, marking the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere?
A) December 1
B) December 15
C) December 21
D) December 25
E) December 31
Answer: C) December 21

Event and Location:

• Event: Observation of Winter Solstice 2025
• Location: Northern Hemisphere (global astronomical event)
• Date: 21 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Recognition and astronomical observation of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Objectives: To increase awareness of seasonal changes due to Earth’s axial tilt, understand the scientific significance of solstices, and celebrate ancient traditions associated with the return of longer daylight.

Important Terms Explained:

• Winter Solstice: The astronomical event that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurring when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest from the Sun.
• Axial Tilt: The 23.5° tilt of Earth’s axis responsible for seasonal variations in sunlight and day length.
• Tropic of Capricorn: The latitude (23.5° S) where the Sun is directly overhead during the December solstice, marking the longest day in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

4. Which record did Kylian Mbappe equal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla on December 20, 2025?
A) Most assists in La Liga history
B) Fastest hat-trick in a calendar year
C) Most goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid
D) Youngest captain for Real Madrid
E) Most goals in Champions League group stage
Answer: C) Most goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid

Event and Location:

• Event: Kylian Mbappe equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year
• Location: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Kylian Mbappe scored his 59th goal of the calendar year in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla, equalling Ronaldo’s 2013 record
• Objectives: The win secured crucial points in La Liga, celebrated Mbappe’s 27th birthday with a record-equaling performance, and reinforced team morale amid pressure on coach Xabi Alonso

Important Terms Explained:

• La Liga: The top professional football division of the Spanish football league system, consisting of 20 teams including Real Madrid and Barcelona
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s 59-goal record (2013): A historic club record for most goals scored in a calendar year for Real Madrid, previously unmatched until Mbappe’s feat in 2025
• Siu celebration: The iconic goal celebration of Cristiano Ronaldo, used by Mbappe as a tribute upon equaling the record

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

5. What clarification did SEBI issue regarding short selling regulations on December 21, 2025?
A) Introduced new short selling rules for retail investors
B) Banned short selling temporarily due to market volatility
C) Confirmed that no changes were made to the existing short selling framework
D) Allowed intraday short selling in mutual funds
E) Made short selling legal for foreign investors only
Answer: C) Confirmed that no changes were made to the existing short selling framework

Event and Location:

• Event: SEBI clarifies no change in short selling regulations and approves Mutual Fund Regulation overhaul
• Location: Mumbai, India (Headquarters of SEBI)
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Clarification issued by SEBI denying media reports about upcoming changes in the short selling framework
  • Approval of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 2026, replacing the 1996 norms
• Objectives:
  • To dispel misinformation regarding short selling
  • To enhance transparency, reduce Total Expense Ratio (TER), and protect investor interests in mutual funds
  • To align mutual fund costs with actuals and streamline the expense structure for improved clarity

Important Terms Explained:

• Short Selling: A trading strategy where an investor borrows and sells a stock, expecting the price to drop so it can be bought back at a lower price and returned, profiting from the difference.
• Total Expense Ratio (TER): The percentage of a mutual fund’s assets used to cover administrative, management, distribution, and other expenses.
• Base Expense Ratio (BER): The core component of TER covering basic fund management costs, excluding statutory levies and brokerage.

Tabular Summary:

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6. Where did Canara Bank launch a new e-ticketing kiosk on December 21, 2025?
A) Cubbon Park, Bengaluru
B) Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangaluru
C) Brindavan Gardens, Mysuru
D) Bannerghatta National Park, Bengaluru
E) Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Answer: B) Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangaluru

Event and Location:

• Event: Canara Bank launched an e-ticketing kiosk for tourist ticketing
• Location: Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangaluru, Karnataka
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Installation of an e-ticketing kiosk by Canara Bank at Pilikula to facilitate online ticket purchases for tourists
• Objectives: To improve digital convenience and support smart tourism by enabling seamless access to entry tickets at a major ecological and tourist destination

Important Terms Explained:

• Canara Bank: One of India’s leading public sector banks, providing diversified banking services and digital innovations, including smart kiosks and e-governance solutions
• E-ticketing Kiosk: A self-service machine that enables customers to purchase entry tickets electronically, reducing physical queues and enhancing visitor convenience
• Pilikula Nisargadhama: A popular eco-educational and tourism park in Mangaluru that includes a zoo, lake, science centre, botanical garden, and heritage village

Tabular Summary:

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7. What is the name of the NFC-enabled contactless payment sticker recently launched by South Indian Bank?
A) SIB SmartTap
B) RuPay FlexCard
C) RuPay SIB Paytag
D) SIB QuickChip
E) SIB NFC Pro
Answer: C) RuPay SIB Paytag

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of RuPay SIB Paytag – a compact contactless payment sticker by South Indian Bank
• Location: Kochi, Kerala
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • South Indian Bank has introduced the RuPay Contactless SIB Paytag Sticker, powered by NFC technology
  • Enables fast, secure tap-and-pay transactions at POS terminals and e-commerce platforms
• Objectives:
  • To enhance payment convenience by allowing contactless transactions via mobile devices or wallets
  • To reduce dependency on physical debit cards and promote digital-first banking
  • To offer secure, low-friction transactions for daily purchases, aligned with RBI’s digital payment push

Important Terms Explained:

• NFC (Near Field Communication): A short-range wireless communication technology enabling secure and fast data exchange between two devices, used here for tap-and-pay functionality
• RuPay: An Indian card payment network launched by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), accepted across domestic ATMs, POS terminals, and e-commerce platforms
• SIB Mirror+ App: The mobile banking app from South Indian Bank, which allows users to access card credentials of the Paytag sticker for online purchases securely

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

8. Which organization has signed a 10-year MoU to provide telecom solutions at Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport?
A) Reliance Jio
B) Vodafone Idea
C) Tata Communications
D) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
E) Airtel Business
Answer: D) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited

Event and Location:

• Event: BSNL signs 10-year MoU with GVIAL to provide end-to-end telecom solutions at Bhogapuram Airport
• Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BSNL Visakhapatnam and GVIAL to equip the upcoming Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport with total telecom infrastructure
• Objectives:
  • To provide comprehensive telecom connectivity at Bhogapuram airport
  • To support smart infrastructure and digital operations at India’s upcoming greenfield airport
  • To ensure seamless, enterprise-grade communication solutions at a major aviation hub

Important Terms Explained:

• BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited): A state-owned telecommunications company under the Ministry of Communications, providing a wide range of telecom services including broadband, enterprise networks, and digital solutions
• GVIAL (GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd): A subsidiary of GMR Group, responsible for building and operating the Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport in Andhra Pradesh
• Greenfield Airport: A new airport built from scratch on undeveloped land, not constrained by existing infrastructure, allowing for modern design and long-term expansion

Tabular Summary:

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9. According to the Indian Biogas Association, how much investment is expected in India’s biogas sector in FY 2026–27?
A) ₹2,500 crore
B) ₹3,200 crore
C) ₹4,000 crore
D) ₹5,000 crore
E) ₹6,500 crore
Answer: D) ₹5,000 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Investment projection of ₹5,000 crore in India’s biogas sector for 2026–27
• Location: New Delhi (National industry report released by IBA)
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Indian Biogas Association (IBA) reported strong growth and projected ₹5,000 crore investments in the Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector in 2026–27
  • Shared data on current production, policy initiatives, and GST benefits for the sector
• Objectives:
  • To scale up clean energy production through biogas
  • Promote investment-friendly policies and efficient supply chains
  • Encourage the development of medium- and large-scale CBG plants, rural employment, organic manure use, and clean cooking fuel alternatives
  • Achieve $5 billion industry valuation by 2030

Important Terms Explained:

• CBG (Compressed Biogas): Biogas purified and compressed to meet fuel-grade standards, used as a green alternative to CNG for vehicles, cooking, and power generation
• IBA (Indian Biogas Association): India’s leading national association representing biogas stakeholders including plant developers, policy makers, and researchers
• Relaxed GST Regime: A proposed reduction in GST rates on the biogas sector, expected to improve project economics and attract further investments
• Multiplier Effect: An economic term referring to how an investment or policy change triggers broader impact across related industries, leading to exponential benefits

Tabular Summary:

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10. As per RBI data for the week ending December 12, 2025, India’s foreign exchange reserves rose to what level?
A) $685.34 billion
B) $688.94 billion
C) $690.12 billion
D) $686.10 billion
E) $687.26 billion
Answer: B) $688.94 billion

Event and Location:

• Event: Rise in India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves
• Location: India
• Date: December 12, 2025 (Week ending)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Reserve Bank of India reported a $1.68 billion increase in India’s forex reserves, bringing the total to $688.94 billion.
• Objectives: To enhance India’s external sector stability, support the domestic currency, and diversify the reserve portfolio for long-term economic resilience.

Important Terms Explained:

• Foreign Exchange Reserves: External assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies, gold, SDRs, and IMF positions to manage currency stability and liquidity.
• Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs): The largest component of forex reserves, comprising holdings of foreign currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY, valued in USD.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): International reserve assets allocated by the IMF, held to supplement a country’s official reserves.

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Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

11. Who released the book transcript of Harihara Leela Vilasam in Chennai in December 2025?
A) Dr. N. V. Devi Prasad
B) Dr. Subramania Bharati
C) Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti
D) K. J. Yesudas
E) M. K. Stalin
Answer: C) Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti

Event and Location:

• Event: Book release of Harihara Leela Vilasam, a classical dance drama transcript
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Date: December 21, 2025 (Saturday)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Industrialist and cultural patron Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti released the transcript of a classical dance drama originally written in Telugu and Sanskrit
• Objectives:
  • To preserve and promote the literary and cultural legacy of Melattur Venkatrama Sastrigal
  • To acknowledge the scholarly efforts of N. V. Devi Prasad in ensuring the authenticity of the transcript
  • To make classical Indian texts more accessible to future generations

Important Terms Explained:

• Harihara Leela Vilasam: A traditional dance drama portraying divine episodes involving Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara), composed in Telugu and Sanskrit
• Melattur Venkatrama Sastrigal: A renowned composer and dramatist of classical Indian literature and dance-drama traditions
• Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti: A well-known Chennai-based industrialist and philanthropist, celebrated for his patronage of Sanskrit, Tamil arts, and culture
• Madras Sanskrit College: A premier institution for Sanskrit studies in Chennai, known for preserving ancient Indian texts and traditions

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

12. Who was the recipient of the 2025 SASTRA–Ramanujan Award?
A) Manjul Bhargava
B) Dr N. Kailasiselvi
C) Dr Alexander Smith
D) Srinivasa Ramanujan
E) Dr S Vaidhya Subramaniam
Answer: C) Dr Alexander Smith

Event and Location:

• Event: Dr Alexander Smith awarded the 2025 SASTRA–Ramanujan Award
• Location: SASTRA Deemed University, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Presentation of the SASTRA–Ramanujan Award 2025 to Dr Alexander Smith for his contributions to number theory and congruent number problems
• Objectives:
  • To recognise global excellence in the field of mathematics inspired by the legacy of Srinivasa Ramanujan
  • To encourage cutting-edge research in mathematics with relevance to modern areas such as quantum computing and multidisciplinary science in line with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision

Important Terms Explained:

• SASTRA–Ramanujan Award: An international award instituted by SASTRA University in 2005 to honour young mathematicians under the age of 32 for outstanding work in areas influenced by Srinivasa Ramanujan
• Congruent Number Problem: A classical problem in number theory involving the determination of whether a given number is the area of a right-angled triangle with rational side lengths
• Viksit Bharat 2047: A visionary initiative by the Indian government aiming for India’s transformation into a fully developed nation by the 100th year of independence

Tabular Summary:

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13. Which renowned artist received the Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar International Award for Excellence in December 2025?
A) Ilaiyaraaja
B) Annavarapu Ramaswamy
C) Zakir Hussain
D) L. Subramaniam
E) T.M. Krishna
Answer: B) Annavarapu Ramaswamy

Event and Location:

• Event: Annavarapu Ramaswamy awarded the Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar International Award for Excellence
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Honour distinguished contributions in Indian classical music as part of the Chennai Fine Arts’ annual music festival
• Objectives:
  • Recognize Annavarapu Ramaswamy’s excellence and lifelong contributions to the field of Carnatic violin music
  • Celebrate and promote Indian classical music and culture through awards and public recognition

Important Terms Explained:

• Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar International Award for Excellence: A prestigious award instituted to honour legendary contributions to Indian classical music, named after Gotuvadyam (Chitravina) maestro Narayana Iyengar
• Annavarapu Ramaswamy: A senior Carnatic violinist and revered guru known for his vast contributions to Indian classical music, performance, and teaching
• Chennai Fine Arts Annual Music Festival: An annual cultural event celebrating Carnatic music, featuring live concerts, felicitations, and promotion of traditional arts

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

14. What is the primary objective of ISRO’s RESPOND Basket 2025 initiative?
A) Encourage abstract space research
B) Develop private satellite networks
C) Channel academic research to ISRO’s mission needs
D) Train astronauts for future missions
E) Promote international collaborations only
Answer: C) Channel academic research to ISRO’s mission needs

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ISRO’s RESPOND Basket 2025
• Location: Pan-India (Academic Institutions)
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: ISRO released the RESPOND Basket 2025 to invite mission-oriented research proposals from Indian academic and R&D institutions.
• Objectives: To align academic innovation with ISRO’s current and future mission requirements, encourage focused problem-solving, and strengthen India’s space research ecosystem.

Important Terms Explained:

• RESPOND Basket 2025: A collection of mission-aligned research problems released by ISRO to guide academic institutions in contributing to national space missions.
• Department of Space (DoS): The nodal agency for India’s space program, under which ISRO operates, and which publishes the RESPOND initiative.
• I-GRASP Portal: The digital platform for submission and monitoring of academic research proposals under the RESPOND program, ensuring transparency and ease of access.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Who is set to become the first wheelchair user to travel to space on Blue Origin’s NS-37 mission?
A) Samantha Cristoforetti
B) Christina Koch
C) Michaela Benthaus
D) Anousheh Ansari
E) Hayley Arceneaux
Answer: C) Michaela Benthaus

Event and Location:

• Event: Michaela Benthaus to become the first wheelchair user to travel to space
• Location: Blue Origin NS-37 mission (suborbital spaceflight)
• Date: December 20, 2025 (announcement)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: German aerospace engineer Michaela Benthaus will fly aboard Blue Origin’s NS-37 suborbital mission as the world’s first wheelchair user in space.
• Objectives: To promote inclusion and accessibility in space missions, break physical barriers in astronaut selection, and inspire people with disabilities to pursue careers in STEM and space sciences.

Important Terms Explained:

• Blue Origin: A private aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, focused on making space accessible through suborbital and orbital spaceflight missions.
• NS-37 Mission: The 37th mission of Blue Origin’s New Shepard vehicle, a suborbital flight designed to take passengers briefly beyond the Kármán line.
• Kármán Line: An internationally recognized boundary of space located at an altitude of 100 kilometers above sea level, used to define the edge of Earth’s atmosphere.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

16. Which country signed an MoU with India in December 2025 to collaborate on the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat?
A) France
B) United Kingdom
C) Netherlands
D) Japan
E) Germany
Answer: C) Netherlands

Event and Location:

• Event: Signing of MoU between India and the Netherlands for collaboration on National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
• Location: Lothal, Gujarat (NMHC site); MoU exchanged during bilateral meeting
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • MoU signed between India’s NMHC and National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam
  • Facilitates knowledge sharing in maritime museum design, curation, and conservation
• Objectives:
  • Strengthen global cooperation in maritime heritage and cultural exchange
  • Promote joint exhibitions, research projects, and educational initiatives
  • Enhance the visitor experience and public engagement at NMHC
  • Showcase India’s 4,500-year-old maritime legacy on the global stage
  • Align with India’s vision to integrate heritage with innovation, expand tourism and ensure inclusive educational access

Important Terms Explained:

• NMHC (National Maritime Heritage Complex): A world-class museum and cultural hub being developed at Lothal, Gujarat to highlight India’s ancient maritime traditions
• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding): A formal agreement between two or more parties outlining terms of cooperation; in this case, between India and the Netherlands on maritime heritage
• Cultural Exchange Programs: Initiatives promoting sharing of traditions, values, and knowledge between countries to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation
• Green Shipping Initiatives: Sustainable maritime practices aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of shipping operations

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the main purpose of the newly established Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) between India and the Netherlands?
A) Promote cultural exchanges
B) Facilitate student mobility
C) Strengthen bilateral trade and investments
D) Improve defense collaboration
E) Support space exploration projects
Answer: C) Strengthen bilateral trade and investments

Event and Location:

• Event: Establishment of the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC)
• Location: India and the Netherlands
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India and the Netherlands signed an MoU to form a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) for regular institutional-level engagement on economic matters.
• Objectives: To promote bilateral trade, enhance two-way investments, eliminate trade barriers, and deepen cooperation in strategic, sustainable, and innovation-led sectors.

Important Terms Explained:

• Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC): A bilateral platform created by India and the Netherlands for institutionalized dialogue on economic matters, aimed at improving trade and investment flows.
• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding): A formal agreement between two parties outlining the intent to cooperate on shared goals.
• Two-way Investments: Refers to mutual investment opportunities where both countries invest in each other’s markets, strengthening economic interdependence.

Tabular Summary:

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

18. What is the main objective of the PESA Mahotsav being held in Visakhapatnam on December 23-24, 2025?
A) Promote tourism in Andhra Pradesh
B) Celebrate India’s Constitution Day
C) Commemorate the cultural heritage of tribal communities under PESA
D) Launch a rural housing scheme
E) Conduct a national Panchayat election campaign
Answer: C) Commemorate the cultural heritage of tribal communities under PESA

Event and Location:

• Event: PESA Mahotsav: Utsav Lok Sanskriti Ka – a national-level cultural celebration of tribal heritage under PESA
• Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Date: December 23–24, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Organisation of a two-day festival by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to celebrate the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
• Objectives:
  • To honour and promote the traditional and cultural heritage of tribal communities
  • To enhance awareness and implementation of the PESA Act across 10 notified states
  • To launch key digital tools like the PESA Portal, PESA Indicators, training modules, and e-books to support grassroots empowerment

Important Terms Explained:

• PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996): A special legislation extending Panchayati Raj provisions to tribal areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, empowering local self-governance and protecting tribal rights
• PESA Portal: A newly launched digital platform to monitor and disseminate information on the implementation of the PESA Act in different states
• Special Gram Sabhas: Community-level meetings conducted across all 10 PESA States to foster local participation and strengthen governance in Scheduled Areas

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is the theme of Swachh Survekshan 2025–26, launched by MoHUA?
A) Swachh Bharat – Strong Nation
B) Clean City, Green Future
C) Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath
D) My City, My Responsibility
E) From Waste to Wealth
Answer: C) Swachhata Ki Nayi Pehel – Badhayein Haath, Karein Safai Saath

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the 10th edition of Swachh Survekshan (2025–26) by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Union Minister Manohar Lal released the official toolkit for Swachh Survekshan 2025–26, marking a decade of the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey
  • Citizens’ feedback mechanisms enhanced; new award categories and assessment frameworks introduced
• Objectives:
  • Promote Garbage-Free Cities (GFC) and visible swachhata
  • Empower citizens as stakeholders through year-round feedback tools
  • Recognize efforts via new award categories including Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ) for mentorship between cities
  • Expand assessment to river and coastal towns, strengthening urban cleanliness governance

Important Terms Explained:

• Swachh Survekshan (SS): An annual cleanliness survey under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U), launched in 2016 to assess and rank cities on urban sanitation and hygiene parameters
• Swachh Shehar Jodi (SSJ): A mentorship programme pairing cities for knowledge-sharing and peer learning, introduced in September 2025
• Vote For My City App: A citizen engagement platform where users can rate their city’s cleanliness, now active year-round
• GFC & ODF Certification: Garbage-Free City and Open Defecation Free certifications given to cities after strict assessments under SBM-U
• Protocol-Driven Assessment: A structured survey with trained assessors, GPS monitoring, and digital evidence collection to ensure accuracy and transparency

Tabular Summary:

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20. What is the revised number of statutory wage employment days guaranteed under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025?
A) 100 days
B) 110 days
C) 120 days
D) 125 days
E) 150 days
Answer: D) 125 days

Event and Location:

• Event: President of India gives assent to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025
• Location: Nationwide (Rural India)
• Date: 21 December 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Act guarantees 125 days of statutory wage employment per year to eligible rural households, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
• Objectives: The aim is to enhance livelihood security, decentralised planning, and productive rural asset creation aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Important Terms Explained:

• VB-G RAM G: Stands for Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin); a new rural employment scheme replacing MGNREGA with enhanced workdays and convergence-based development.
• Saturation-based delivery: A planning approach aimed at achieving 100% access to basic infrastructure and services in rural areas by ensuring full coverage.
• Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs): Grassroots-level development plans prepared by Gram Panchayats and approved by Gram Sabhas to ensure local participation and relevance.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 20 & 21

21. Where was the special session of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 held by PM Modi with students from Assam?
A) IIT Guwahati
B) Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra
C) MV Charaidew 2 on the Brahmaputra River
D) Assam Legislative Assembly
E) Pragjyoti ITA Centre
Answer: C) MV Charaidew 2 on the Brahmaputra River

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Modi held a special session of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 with students
• Location: Aboard MV Charaidew 2 on the Brahmaputra River, Assam
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Prime Minister interacted with 25 selected students from various districts of Assam aboard a cruise as part of the Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative
• Objectives: To help students cope with exam-related stress, promote balanced preparation techniques, and encourage direct engagement with the Prime Minister before board and entrance examinations

Important Terms Explained:

• Pariksha Pe Charcha: An annual national-level interactive event where PM Modi engages with students, teachers, and parents to discuss exam-related issues and offer stress management advice
• MV Charaidew 2: A three-deck inland water cruise vessel used for the 2026 session on the Brahmaputra River, marking a departure from traditional auditorium settings
• Inland Water Transport (IWT): A government initiative to boost transportation through India’s waterways, supported by the development of terminals like the Guwahati Gateway Terminal

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22. What is the projected annual urea production capacity of the newly announced AVFCCL plant in Assam?
A) 10 lakh metric tonnes
B) 12.7 lakh metric tonnes
C) 15 lakh metric tonnes
D) 9.5 lakh metric tonnes
E) 20 lakh metric tonnes
Answer: B) 12.7 lakh metric tonnes

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a ₹10,601-crore brownfield ammonia-urea plant
• Location: Namrup, Dibrugarh district, Assam
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Construction of a modern, energy-efficient ammonia-urea plant by Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) with a ₹10,601 crore investment
• Objectives: To meet India’s growing fertiliser demand, ensure continuous supply to farmers, reduce import dependency, promote local employment, and boost industrial development in the Northeast

Important Terms Explained:

• AVFCCL (Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd): A joint venture between the Assam government, Oil India, National Fertilisers Ltd (NFL), Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL), and BVFCL, incorporated in July 2025 to establish a new fertiliser plant in Namrup
• Brownfield Project: A project developed on an existing site (in this case, within BVFCL’s premises), involving modernization or expansion instead of building from scratch
• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: A central government scheme providing direct income support to farmers, under which over ₹4 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ bank accounts

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23. Which event marked the beginning of HAL’s 86th Foundation Day celebrations in 2025?
A) Blood Donation Camp
B) Swachh Bharat Drive
C) Fit India Walkathon
D) Cultural Parade
E) HAL Innovation Hackathon
Answer: C) Fit India Walkathon

Event and Location:

• Event: HAL commenced its 86th Foundation Day celebrations with a Fit India Walkathon
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Date: December 21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) began its Foundation Day week with a health-focused walkathon event and a mountaineering expedition flag-off
• Objectives: To promote the Fit India Movement, instill values of physical well-being, unity, and resilience among employees, and celebrate HAL’s legacy of excellence and courage

Important Terms Explained:

• HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited): A premier public sector aerospace and defence company in India, involved in the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and avionics systems
• Fit India Movement: A nationwide initiative launched by the Government of India in 2019 aimed at promoting fitness and healthy living among citizens
• Seven-Summit Challenge: A mountaineering challenge involving scaling the highest peak on each of the seven continents; Mount Aconcagua in South America is one of them and was chosen by Everest Summiteer Aritra Roy

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24. Where was the 11th CREDAI Property Expo, which drew over 14,000 visitors, held in December 2025?
A) Andhra University Grounds
B) Vizag Exhibition Centre
C) Beach Road, Visakhapatnam
D) Gadiraju Palace Convention Centre, Visakhapatnam
E) Vijayawada Convention Hall
Answer: D) Gadiraju Palace Convention Centre, Visakhapatnam

Event and Location:

• Event: 11th CREDAI Property Expo saw massive participation and real estate activity
• Location: Gadiraju Palace Convention Centre, Beach Road, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Date: December 19–21, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Organising a three-day property exhibition by CREDAI Visakhapatnam to showcase residential and commercial projects from leading developers
• Objectives:
  • To connect buyers, investors, and NRIs with developers, banks, and service providers
  • To highlight affordable housing, gated communities, and ready-to-move-in properties
  • To foster business enquiries, promote faster plan approvals, and boost urban development

Important Terms Explained:

• CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India): A national organisation representing real estate developers in India, working to promote ethical and transparent real estate practices
• BR Raju Memorial Awards: Annual awards given to meritorious B.Arch students from Andhra University for excellence in architectural education
• GVMC (Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation): The civic body governing Visakhapatnam, playing a key role in facilitating real estate growth via reforms and faster building plan approvals

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25. Where was Andhra Pradesh’s first Gen-Z themed campus Post Office inaugurated in December 2025?
A) Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
B) VIT-AP University, Amaravati
C) IIIT Sri City, Chittoor
D) SV University, Tirupati
E) Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur
Answer: B) VIT-AP University, Amaravati

Event and Location:

• Event: Inauguration of Andhra Pradesh’s first Gen-Z themed campus Post Office
• Location: VIT-AP University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • India Post launched a Gen-Z transformed Post Office at VIT-AP University as part of its national modernisation initiative
  • Inaugurated by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development
• Objectives:
  • To reimagine traditional post offices into youth-centric service hubs with creative, tech-enabled infrastructure
  • To enhance student engagement with postal, banking, and insurance services
  • Promote financial awareness, digital inclusion, and modern service access on campus

Important Terms Explained:

• Gen-Z Themed Post Office: A rebranded, youth-friendly version of traditional post offices featuring modern aesthetics and amenities like Wi-Fi, coffee zones, digital payment options, and creative spaces tailored for college students
• Special Postal Cover: A commemorative philatelic item released to mark the inauguration of unique events or initiatives—here, a cover titled “VIT: Gen-Z Themed Post Office of Andhra Pradesh” was released
• India Post: The national postal service of India, under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, providing services like mail delivery, banking, insurance, and retail across the country

Tabular Summary:

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26. Which paramilitary force celebrated its Raising Day on December 20, 2025, with greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A) CRPF
B) BSF
C) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
D) CISF
E) ITBP
Answer: C) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends greetings on SSB Raising Day
• Location: Nationwide (Central Armed Police Force – SSB operates across border and remote regions)
• Date: December 20, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Commemoration of Sashastra Seema Bal’s Raising Day to honour the force’s service and dedication
  • Official acknowledgment and appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Objectives:
  • To recognise the sacrifice, vigilance, and dedication of SSB personnel
  • Reinforce the morale and national importance of the SSB in safeguarding India’s borders and internal security
  • Highlight the operational commitment of SSB in challenging terrains and conditions

Important Terms Explained:

• SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal): One of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), primarily responsible for guarding the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, and performing internal security duties
• Raising Day: The annual celebration to commemorate the founding date of a defence or paramilitary force, marked by parades, honours, and messages from national leaders
• Challenging Terrains: Refers to the mountainous, forested, and remote areas where SSB personnel operate, including high-altitude regions and border posts

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