Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

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 21 & 22. 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 21 & 22 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

1. Who led the global meditation session during the first-ever World Meditation Day event at the UN in 2024?
A) Dalai Lama
B) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
C) Sadhguru
D) Thich Nhat Hanh
E) Eckhart Tolle
Answer: B) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Event Overview:

• Occasion: First-ever World Meditation Day celebrated on 21st December 2024.
• Establishment: Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through a resolution passed on 29th November 2024.

India’s Role in the Celebration:

1. Leadership at the UN:
   • The Permanent Mission of India hosted a special event at the UN Headquarters in New York to mark the occasion.
2. Chief Guest and Meditation Session:
   • Renowned Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, led a global meditation session at the event.
3. Event Theme:
   • Themed as “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony,” the session emphasized fostering mental well-being and global unity.

Significance of Meditation:

1. UN Recognition:
   • Highlights meditation’s transformative power in addressing stress, violence, and societal disconnection.
   • Promotes peace, unity, and mental resilience on a global scale.
2. India’s Cultural Legacy:
   • Rooted in Indian heritage, meditation has become a universal practice, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
3. Key Benefits of Meditation:
   • Individual: Reduces stress, improves focus, emotional balance, better sleep, and physical health.
   • Collective: Fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

2. Richa Ghosh equaled the record for the joint-fastest fifty in women’s T20Is during which match?
A) India Women vs Australia Women at Sydney
B) India Women vs West Indies Women at DY Patil Stadium
C) New Zealand Women vs India Women at Bangalore
D) India Women vs Pakistan Women at Karachi
E) India Women vs Sri Lanka Women at Colombo
Answer: B) India Women vs West Indies Women at DY Patil Stadium

Event Details:

• Player: Richa Ghosh, India’s wicketkeeper-batter.
• Achievement: Scored the joint-fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, reaching her half-century in 18 balls.
• Match Details:
  • Match: India Women vs West Indies Women.
  • Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai.
  • Date: December 19, 2024.

Record Context:

• Richa’s innings matched the record held by:
  • Sophie Devine (New Zealand) against India Women in 2015 at Bangalore.
  • Phoebe Litchfield (Australia) against West Indies Women in 2023 at Sydney.

Richa’s Innings Highlights:

• Key Stats:
  • 3 boundaries and 5 sixes.
  • Broke Smriti Mandhana’s Indian record for the fastest fifty (24 balls, 2019).
• Team Performance:
  • India scored their highest-ever total in women’s T20Is: 217/4 in 20 overs.

Significance of the Achievement:

• Rise of Young Talent:
  • Reflects the emergence of young, fearless players in Indian women’s cricket.
• Evolution of Women’s Cricket:
  • Highlights the growing intensity, power-hitting, and competitiveness in women’s T20Is.
• Inspiration for Future Generations:
  • Richa’s performance showcases her ability to handle pressure, inspiring aspiring cricketers.

Fastest Fifties in Women’s T20Is:

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3. Where will the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships be held in India?
A) Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi
B) Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
C) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
D) Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
E) Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune
Answer: C) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

Event Details:

• Event Name: 2025 Para Athletics World Championships
• Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
• Dates: September 26 to October 5, 2025.
• Significance:
  • First time India will host the Para Athletics World Championships.
  • The largest international Para sports event ever hosted in India.

Participation:

• Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected.

Significance for India:

1. Inclusivity and Visibility:
   • Promotes inclusivity and enhances the visibility of Para sports in India.
   • Represents over 60 million persons with disabilities in the country.
2. Global Sports Profile:
   • Elevates India’s global position in Para athletics.
   • Supports India’s ambitions to host major international events like the 2029 World Athletics Championships and potentially the 2036 Olympics.
3. Inspiring Future Generations:
   • Provides representation and empowerment to athletes with disabilities.
   • Boosts the Paralympic movement in India.

India’s Recent Achievements in Para Athletics:

• Secured 17 medals (including 6 golds) at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan.

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

4. What is the primary objective of the $350 million policy-based loan agreement between India and ADB under the SMILE program?
A) To promote gender equality in urban development.
B) To enhance logistics efficiency and strengthen India’s manufacturing sector.
C) To develop agricultural supply chains across India.
D) To create a global trade finance network in India.
E) To improve India’s renewable energy capacity.
Answer: B) To enhance logistics efficiency and strengthen India’s manufacturing sector.

Event and Agreement:

• Event Name: $350 Million India-ADB Loan Agreement
• Date: December 21, 2024
• Program Name: Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE)
• Stakeholders:
  • Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance
  • Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Objectives of the Loan:

• Enhance logistics efficiency to strengthen India’s manufacturing sector.
• Improve supply chain resilience through comprehensive logistics reforms.
• Lower logistics costs to boost international competitiveness.

Key Focus Areas of SMILE:

1. Institutional Strengthening:
   • Develop multimodal logistics infrastructure at national, state, and city levels.
   • Establish policies to promote logistics sector growth.
2. Standardization:
   • Create standards for warehousing and logistics assets.
   • Incentivize private sector investments to modernize supply chains.
3. Trade Logistics:
   • Improve external trade logistics for greater global competitiveness.
4. Digital and Smart Systems:
   • Integration of smart, low-emission systems for efficient logistics operations.

Expected Outcomes:

• Economic Growth: Lower costs, improved manufacturing competitiveness.
• Employment Generation: Significant job opportunities in logistics and related sectors.
• Gender Inclusion: Encouragement of gender-inclusive practices.
• Environmental Sustainability: Adoption of low-emission logistics systems.

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5. What is the primary target audience for the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card launched by ICICI Bank and Times Internet?
A) College students and young professionals
B) Small business owners and retailers
C) High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and affluent customers
D) Frequent travelers and adventure enthusiasts
E) Rural customers and farmers
Answer: C) High-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and affluent customers

Event and Launch:

• Event: Launch of the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card
• Collaborators: ICICI Bank, Times Internet, and Visa
• Purpose: Aimed at redefining luxury for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and affluent customers in India.

Key Features of the Card:

• Card Design:
  • Premium metallic design featuring historic printing plates from The Times of India, symbolizing a blend of tradition and innovation.
• Exclusive Benefits:
  • Global Lounge Access: Unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
  • Visa Services at Home: Convenience for premium cardholders.
  • Access to ‘The Quorum Club’: An exclusive space for high-end members.
• Rewards Program:
  • International Spending: Earn 2.5% reward points.
  • Domestic Spending: Earn 2% reward points.
• Milestone Rewards:
  • Helicopter rides, airport transfers, luxury resort stays, and ₹10,000 e-commerce gift cards.
• Application Process:
  • Available via the official website and ICICI Bank branches.

Collaboration Highlights:

• ICICI Bank: Focus on a customer-centric approach to meet the needs of affluent customers.
• Times Internet: Aimed at redefining luxury experiences for India’s high-income segment.
• Visa: Utilizes global payments expertise and insights into affluent consumer behavior.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

6. Why did the RBI impose penalties on IndusInd Bank and Manappuram Finance?
A) For non-compliance with loan recovery guidelines.
B) For failure to maintain statutory liquidity ratios.
C) For deficiencies in customer verification and account management compliance.
D) For errors in their quarterly financial reporting.
E) For opening fraudulent accounts in foreign branches.
Answer: C) For deficiencies in customer verification and account management compliance.

Event and Penalties:

• Imposed By: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Date of Penalty Announcement: December 21, 2024
• Institutions Penalized:
  • IndusInd Bank: Rs 27.3 lakh
  • Manappuram Finance: Rs 20 lakh

Reasons for Penalties:

1. IndusInd Bank:
   • Violation: Opened savings deposit accounts for ineligible entities.
   • Penalty Basis: Deficiencies in regulatory compliance.
   • Clarification: Penalty does not affect the validity of transactions or agreements with customers.
2. Manappuram Finance:
   • Violation:
     • Failed to verify PAN during customer acceptance.
     • Assigned multiple customer identification codes instead of a Unique Customer Identification Code (UCIC) for individuals.
   • Penalty Basis: Breach of customer verification and account management norms.

RBI’s Penalty Process:

1. Statutory Inspection:
   • Conducted based on financial positions as of March 31, 2023.
2. Non-Compliance Identified:
   • Deficiencies in adherence to regulatory norms.
3. Show Cause Notice:
   • Issued to institutions, requesting explanations for non-compliance.
4. Consideration of Responses:
   • Written replies, additional submissions, and oral hearings evaluated by RBI.
5. Decision:
   • Penalties imposed for sustained charges of non-compliance.

Significance of RBI’s Action:

1. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Demonstrates RBI’s strict enforcement of banking and financial regulations.
2. Accountability:
   • Holds institutions accountable for breaches, ensuring higher standards of transparency.
3. Customer Protection:
   • Safeguards customer interests by addressing deficiencies in verification and account management processes.

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7. What is the main objective of the partnership between Tata Power Renewable Energy and Canara Bank?
A) To promote electric vehicle financing.
B) To encourage the adoption of rooftop solar systems through affordable loans.
C) To fund wind energy projects across rural India.
D) To provide loans for industrial solar installations.
E) To develop large-scale solar farms for commercial purposes.
Answer: B) To encourage the adoption of rooftop solar systems through affordable loans.

Event and Collaboration:

• Partnership Between: Tata Power Renewable Energy (a subsidiary of Tata Power) and Canara Bank.
• Purpose: To offer affordable financing options for rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme.
• Significance:
  • Supports India’s renewable energy targets by promoting clean energy solutions for residential households.
  • Simplifies access to rooftop solar systems by reducing upfront costs through loans.

Loan Details:

• For Systems Up to 3 kW:
  • Loan Amount: Up to Rs 2 lakh.
  • Interest Rate: 7% per annum.
  • Margin: 10%.
  • Repayment Period: 10 years.
  • Collateral: None.
• For Systems Between 3 kW and 10 kW:
  • Loan Amount: Up to Rs 6 lakh.
  • Interest Rate: 10% per annum.
  • Margin: 20%.
  • Repayment Period: 10 years.
  • Collateral: None.

Government Subsidy:

• Up to 2 kW: 60% subsidy.
• Between 2-3 kW: 40% subsidy (capped at 3 kW).

Significance of the Partnership:

• Supports Renewable Energy Goals:
  • Helps India move closer to achieving its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
  • Increases solar energy adoption across residential sectors.
• Economic Benefits:
  • Reduces financial burden on households by eliminating high upfront installation costs.
• Contribution of Tata Power Renewable Energy:
  • Total renewable capacity of 10.9 GW (5.4 GW operational, 5.5 GW under development).
  • Operational capacity includes 4.4 GW solar and 1 GW wind energy.

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Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

8. What is the title of the memoir by India’s first female Paralympic medalist, Dr. Deepa Malik?
A) Limitless: My Life Beyond Boundaries
B) Wheels of Freedom: My Story
C) BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life
D) Inspiration in Motion
E) Against All Odds: The Deepa Malik Story
Answer: C) BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life

Event and Announcement:

• Book Title: BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life
• Author: Dr. Deepa Malik, India’s first female Paralympic medalist.
• Publisher: HarperCollins India.
• Significance: The memoir provides a candid account of Dr. Malik’s extraordinary life, highlighting her resilience, triumphs, and advocacy for para-sports and empowerment.

About Dr. Deepa Malik:

1. Paralympic Achievements:
   • First Indian female Paralympic medalist, winning a silver medal in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
   • Decorated with 23 international medals in her illustrious career.
2. Honors and Awards:
   • Recipient of the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Award, and Arjuna Award.
   • Honored with the Asian Order, the highest para-sports recognition in Asia.
3. Multifaceted Talents:
   • A paraplegic swimmer, biker, and car rallyist with four Limca World Records.
   • Advocate for gender equality and empowerment of differently abled individuals.
4. Leadership Roles:
   • First female president of the Paralympic Committee of India.
   • South Asian representative on the executive board of the Asian Paralympic Committee.

About the Memoir – BRING IT ON:

1. Themes and Philosophy:
   • Overcoming Adversity: Survived spinal tumors and paralysis, redefining her identity as “wheelchair-liberated.”
   • Breaking Stereotypes: Advocated for the inclusion of women and differently abled individuals in all fields.
   • Empowerment: Showcased resilience and determination, challenging societal norms.
2. Inspirational Journey:
   • Shares struggles against patriarchy, sports politics, and societal stigma.
   • Highlights mental strength and her philosophy that “impossible is just an opinion.”
3. Universal Appeal:
   • Not just for para-athletes, but for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome challenges.

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

9. What is the significance of the MoD’s Rs 7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T)?
A) Procurement of Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
B) Strengthening Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.
C) Procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns to enhance the Indian Army’s firepower.
D) Development of advanced missile systems for India’s defence.
E) Production of indigenous aircraft for commercial use.
Answer: C) Procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns to enhance the Indian Army’s firepower.

Event and Context:

• Event: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) on December 20, 2024.
• Objective: To procure 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns under the “Buy (Indian)” category, promoting self-reliance in defence.

Specifications of K9 VAJRA-T Artillery Guns:

• Type: Self-propelled tracked artillery guns.
• Calibre: 155 mm/52 calibre.
• Features:
  • Long-range precision firepower.
  • High rate of fire for sustained operations.
  • High cross-country mobility, suitable for diverse terrains.
  • Operational capability in sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude regions.
  • Equipped with advanced systems for precision strikes.

Strategic and Operational Benefits:

1. Enhanced Modernization:
   • Strengthens the Indian Army’s operational readiness and strike capabilities.
   • Meets modern battlefield requirements across diverse terrains.
2. Increased Firepower:
   • Enables deeper, more precise strikes, enhancing combat effectiveness.
3. Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India:
   • Reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence.
   • Strengthens domestic industries, including MSMEs, boosting indigenous manufacturing.
4. Employment Impact:
   • Over nine lakh man-days of employment generated over four years.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

10. Who represented India at the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held virtually by Thailand?
A) S. Jaishankar
B) Vinay Kwatra
C) Jaideep Mazumdar
D) Amrit Rai
E) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
Answer: C) Jaideep Mazumdar

Event Details:

• Event Name: 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
• Date: December 20, 2024
• Host: Thailand (virtual meeting)
• India’s Representation:
  • Representative: Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

• Progress Review:
  • Reviewed the progress made by BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) since the last SOM in March 2023.
• Focus Areas:
  • Sustainable development.
  • Regional connectivity.
  • Security.
  • People-to-people exchanges.
• Finalization of Documents:
  • Plans of Action for cooperation.
  • New cooperation mechanisms.
  • Collaboration with external partners.
• Upcoming Summit:
  • Discussions were held on preparations for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.
• India’s Commitment:
  • Reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for BIMSTEC’s vision of a vibrant, prosperous region.

Significance of BIMSTEC:

• Regional Cooperation Platform:
  • BIMSTEC links South and Southeast Asia, focusing on multi-sectoral collaboration.
• India’s Policy Alignment:
  • Aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Act East Policy.
• Future Areas of Cooperation:
  • Maritime and digital connectivity.
  • Health, food security, and energy.
  • Trade, investment, and skill development.
  • Establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 21 & 22

11. Which joint venture is responsible for NTPC’s upcoming nuclear power project in Bihar?
A) NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd.
B) Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI)
C) Nabinagar Power Generating Company Ltd (NPGCL)
D) NTPC Green Energy Solutions
E) Bharat Atomic Energy Corporation
Answer: B) Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI)

Event and Context:

• Event: NTPC announced plans to establish a nuclear power project in Bihar as part of its diversification strategy.
• Significance:
  • Contributes to NTPC’s shift toward non-fossil energy sources.
  • Strengthens India’s nuclear energy capabilities for future energy demands.

Joint Venture Details:

• Joint Venture Name: Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI)
  • A partnership between NTPC (49%) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) (51%).
  • Role: Build, own, and operate nuclear power plants in India.

Key Points of NTPC’s Nuclear Project in Bihar:

• Land Request: NTPC has approached the Bihar government for land allocation.
• Study and Viability: A study will be conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the project.
• Future Role of Nuclear Energy:
  • CMD Gurdeep Singh highlighted nuclear energy’s critical role in India’s energy landscape over the next 20-30 years.

NTPC’s Renewable Energy Goals in Bihar:

• Energy Mix:
  • Exploring solar (rooftop, floating, ground-mounted), pumped storage, and battery storage solutions.
• Capacity Target:
  • Aims for 60,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, with Bihar contributing significantly.
• Battery Storage Plans:
  • Plans for 3,000–4,000 MWh battery storage systems to stabilize energy supply.

NTPC’s Existing Projects and Capacity:

• Installed Capacity in Bihar:
  • 8,850 MW, with an investment of Rs 80,000 crore.
• NPGCL’s Contribution:
  • Nabinagar Power Generating Company Ltd (NPGCL) working on a 2,400 MW power project in Bihar.
• Total NTPC Capacity:
  • 76,531 MW, including thermal, solar, wind, and other sources.

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Over All Review

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