Daily Current Affairs 21st & 22nd December 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Asian Development Bank Commits USD 4.26 Billion Sovereign Lending to India for Development Sectors in 2025

• Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed USD 4.258 billion in sovereign lending to India in 2025 to support skilling, renewable energy, urban infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and ecotourism.
• Out of 16 newly committed ADB projects, nearly 32% focus on human and social development, 26% on the energy sector (mainly renewables), and over 18% on urban development.
• A major allocation of USD 846 million was approved for PM-SETU, aimed at modernising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and strengthening India’s skill ecosystem.
• ADB committed USD 650 million for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to scale up rooftop solar adoption nationwide.
• For urban transformation, USD 775 million was allocated to projects in Assam, Kerala, Sikkim, and West Bengal, focusing on water supply and sanitation services.
• An additional USD 729 million will be used to expand regional rapid rail (Delhi–Meerut) and metro networks in Chennai and Indore, improving urban mobility and reducing congestion.
• Other key loans include USD 460 million for rural power and solar irrigation in Maharashtra.
• USD 398.8 million was sanctioned for healthcare infrastructure and medical education in Assam.
• Over USD 200 million was committed for ecotourism projects in Meghalaya and Uttarakhand, highlighting ADB’s focus on inclusive and sustainable growth.

Reserve Bank of India Imposes Regulatory Curbs on Two Urban Cooperative Banks Amid Financial Stress

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed regulatory restrictions on two Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) — The Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank Limited (Assam) and The Valsad Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited (Gujarat) — due to weak financial position, liquidity stress, and unresolved supervisory concerns.
• The restrictions were issued as ‘Directions’ under the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949 and will remain in force for six months, subject to review by RBI.
• Under the common restrictions, the banks are barred from granting or renewing loans, making investments, incurring liabilities, accepting fresh deposits, disbursing payments, disposing of assets, or entering into compromises without prior RBI approval.

Key Highlights :

• For depositor protection, eligible depositors are insured up to Rs. 5 lakh by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) under the DICGC Act, 1961.
• For The Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank Limited, the Directions became effective from the close of business on 17 December 2025.
• Depositors of Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank are allowed to withdraw up to Rs. 35,000 across all deposit accounts, with the bank permitted to adjust outstanding loans against deposits.
• The RBI imposed restrictions on Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank due to its weak liquidity position and failure to implement effective corrective measures despite engagement with the Board and senior management.
• For The Valsad Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited, the Directions became effective from the close of business on 18 December 2025.
• No withdrawals are permitted from any deposit accounts of Valsad Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank, while the bank may adjust outstanding loans against deposits subject to RBI conditions.
• The RBI imposed restrictions on Valsad Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank due to recent adverse developments, persistent supervisory concerns, and failure to address regulatory issues and safeguard depositor interests.

About Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) :

• Established : 1978.
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Swaminathan J (Deputy Governor of RBI).
• It is a wholly owned subsidiary of RBI, operating under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
• All commercial banks (including foreign bank branches), local area banks, regional rural banks, and state, central and primary cooperative banks are insured by DICGC, while primary cooperative societies are excluded.
• Savings, fixed, current, and recurring deposits are covered under DICGC insurance.
• Excluded deposits include those of foreign governments, central and state governments, inter-bank deposits, deposits of State Land Development Banks with State cooperative banks, deposits received outside India, and any amount exempted by DICGC with RBI approval.

Unified Payments Interface Transactions Jump 33.5% YoY to 59.33 Billion in Q3 2025: Worldline India

• India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions witnessed a sharp surge in Q3 2025, with transaction volume reaching 59.33 billion, registering a 33.5% year-on-year (YoY) growth, as per a Worldline India report.
• The value of UPI transactions increased by 21% YoY to ₹74.84 trillion, highlighting continued growth in digital payments.
• The Average Ticket Size (ATS) of UPI transactions declined to ₹1,262, indicating greater usage for low-value, everyday payments such as tea, vegetables, and bus tickets.
• Credit card issuance rose by 8% YoY to 113.39 million cards, reflecting steady growth in card penetration.
• Debit card usage declined as UPI increasingly replaced cards for routine transactions.
• India recorded 709 million active UPI QR codes, marking a 21% increase since July 2024, signifying wider merchant adoption of UPI-based payments.

Reserve Bank of India Data Shows Sharp Post-Covid Surge in Unsecured Personal Loans

• Personal loans, largely unsecured and used mainly for consumption purposes, have seen rapid growth since the Covid period, as per analysis of data from the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Handbook of Statistics on Indian States.
• In FY25, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest year-on-year growth of 18.5% in personal loans among large states.
• Bihar registered 15.5% YoY growth, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 15% growth, indicating strong retail credit expansion.
• Andhra Pradesh–Telangana, Haryana, and Rajasthan have shown strong long-term growth in personal loans, driven by urbanisation, growth in salaried employment, and improved access to formal credit.
• Maharashtra leads in absolute terms, accounting for nearly 20% of India’s total outstanding personal loan liabilities at the end of FY25.

Canara HSBC Life Joins Hands with Equitas SFB to Boost Life Insurance Reach in India

• Canara HSBC Life Insurance has entered into a bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) to expand life insurance penetration across India.
• The partnership will leverage Equitas SFB’s network of 994 branches and 365 ATMs across 18 States and Union Territories, with a focus on southern and western India.
• Canara HSBC Life Insurance will offer a wide range of products including protection, savings, annuity, child plans, and investment-linked insurance products through the bank’s distribution channels.

About Canara HSBC Life Insurance:

• Incorporated : 2007
• It is a joint venture between Canara Bank and HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Ltd., and was recently listed on the stock exchanges in October 2025.

About Equitas Small Finance Bank :

• Founded : 2016 as a microfinance lender
• Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Managing Director & CEO (MD & CEO) : P.N. Vasudevan.

Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹61.95 Lakh Penalty on Kotak Mahindra Bank

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.95 lakh on Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.
• The penalty was imposed for non-compliance with RBI guidelines on Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDA), Business Correspondent (BC) activities, and Credit Information Companies (CIC) Rules, 2006.
• RBI found that Kotak Mahindra Bank opened multiple BSBDA accounts for customers who already held such accounts, violating regulatory norms.
• The bank also entered into arrangements with BCs to undertake activities beyond the permissible scope under RBI directions.
• The penalty was imposed under the powers conferred by Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act and Section 25(1)(iii) read with Section 23(4) of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank:

• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Vaswani
• Tagline: Let’s Make Money Simple

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate New Terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam.
• The inauguration marks a major milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure in North East India and is expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism, and economic activity.
• The new integrated terminal has an annual passenger handling capacity of 13.1 million, making it one of the most advanced airports in eastern India.
• The project includes major upgrades in runway, aprons, taxiways, and airfield systems, ensuring smoother and safer aircraft operations.
• The terminal is being described as India’s first nature themed airport terminal, setting a benchmark in sustainable and passenger friendly design.
• The architectural theme “Bamboo Orchids” reflects Assam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Design elements include the use of around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced North East bamboo, orchid inspired columns symbolising the Kopou flower, japi motifs, and references to the one horned rhinoceros of Kaziranga National Park.
• A unique “Sky Forest” featuring nearly one lakh indigenous plants offers passengers an immersive nature experience.
• The terminal focuses strongly on sustainability and technology, incorporating systems for energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity.
• Passenger convenience is enhanced through DigiYatra enabled contactless travel, full body scanners, automated baggage handling systems, fast track immigration facilities, and Artificial Intelligence driven airport operations.
• The project supports the Government of India’s vision of modern infrastructure development and enhanced regional integration of the North Eastern states.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The government of Assam has taken a landmark step by approving the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025. This move aims to prohibit the practice of polygamy — entering into more than one marriage while a first marriage subsists — making it a punishable offence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Released Commemorative Postal Stamp on Ashwagandha at the 2nd World Health Organization Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

• At the 2nd World Health Organization Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha, one of India’s most well- known medicinal plants.
• The release reflects India’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine and strengthening its global recognition as a component of holistic and preventive healthcare.
• The commemorative stamp acts as a cultural and educational medium, highlighting India’s heritage and policy priorities related to healthcare and wellness.
• By featuring Ashwagandha, India showcased the scientific relevance and cultural importance of medicinal plants used in traditional systems.
• The initiative reinforces India’s efforts to promote AYUSH systems – Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy – at the international level.
• It supports India’s broader vision of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a prominent medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda for centuries.
• It is known for benefits such as stress reduction, immunity enhancement, improved vitality, and overall well-being.
• Ashwagandha is often referred to as an adaptogen, as it helps the body manage physical and mental stress.
• In recent years, Ashwagandha has gained global popularity in wellness, nutraceutical, and integrative medicine markets.

Jammu and Kashmir Launches First Gen Z Post Office at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur

• Jammu and Kashmir has launched its first Gen Z Post Office at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur, marking a major step towards modernising and digitising postal services.
• With this launch, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur has become the first All India Institute of Medical Sciences in India to host a Gen Z Post Office.
• The Gen Z Post Office was inaugurated on 17 December 2025 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur campus.
• The facility was inaugurated by Professor (Dr.) Shakti Kumar Gupta, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of All India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur, in the presence of the Chief Postmaster General of the Jammu and Kashmir Circle and other senior postal officials.
• The initiative reflects the Department of Posts’ shift towards customer centric, technology enabled and youth oriented postal services, aligned with the expectations of younger generations.
• The Gen Z Post Office integrates postal services, banking services and insurance services under one roof with a modern ambience and simplified service delivery.
• It offers digital payment options, faster transaction processing and improved accessibility, making postal services more efficient and user friendly.
• The facility promotes India Post Payments Bank services, postal savings schemes and insurance products, with a special focus on financial inclusion of students and young professionals.
• Establishing the Gen Z Post Office within an institutional campus ensures easy access to essential services and strengthens collaboration between India Post and premier educational and healthcare institutions.

About Jammu & Kashmir:

• Chief Minister: Omar Abdullah

• Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha
• Capital: Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
• National Parks: Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary, Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• The Darbar Move, one of India’s oldest administrative traditions, has officially been revived in Jammu and Kashmir after being scrapped four years ago. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the restoration of this century-old practice, fulfilling a key government promise.

Haryana State Assembly Passes Resolution to Mark 350th Martyrdom Year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

• The Haryana State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru.
• The resolution was adopted during the winter session of the Assembly in Chandigarh, reflecting respect for Guru Ji’s supreme sacrifice, commitment to truth, justice, religious freedom, and human dignity.
• Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is remembered as a great spiritual leader, protector of human rights, defender of religious freedom, and a symbol of truth and righteousness, whose teachings continue to inspire people of all faiths.
• The resolution was passed on the first day of the winter session with support from all political parties, reflecting unity beyond political differences.
• The proposal for commemorative celebrations was earlier approved on 25 August, and the Chief Minister stated that the decision represents the shared respect of the Government and people of Haryana.
• To ensure inclusive celebrations, an all-party meeting was held on 3 November in Chandigarh, where leaders from various parties provided suggestions, highlighting Haryana’s democratic and cultural unity.
• The Haryana Government, in collaboration with Sikh organisations and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, organised state-wide events throughout November to spread Guru Ji’s teachings, especially among the youth.
• Sacred religious processions were organised across the state, with the first procession starting from Rodhi in Sirsa district on 8 November, and others from Pinjore, Faridabad, and Sadhaura.
• These processions passed through over 500 villages and culminated at Kurukshetra on 24 November, receiving participation and welcome from people of all religions and communities.
• A grand religious congregation was held on 25 November at Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, attended by lakhs of devotees, with participation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• On the occasion, a commemorative coin and postage stamp were released, and a coffee table book prepared by the Haryana Government was launched.
• As part of social and educational initiatives, 350 blood donation camps were organised, collecting over 23,000 units of blood.
• Essay competitions were conducted in Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi, and English, with participation from around 3.5 lakh students.
• Development of a forest in Kalesar, Yamunanagar, and the announcement of a Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Agricultural College in Kishanpura were also made in honour of Guru Ji.

About Haryana:

• Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
• Governor: Ashim Kumar Ghosh
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary

RECENT NEWS

• In a major step towards sustainable energy and environmental conservation, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated a biomass pellet plant and laid the foundation stone for a bio-ethanol plant in Rewari district, Haryana.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Armenia Unveils Yerevan Blue Butterfly as Official Logo for COP17 on Biodiversity

• The Government of Armenia unveiled the Yerevan Blue Butterfly as the official logo for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• COP17 is scheduled to be held in October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.
• Armenia also announced the official COP17 slogan – “Taking Action for Nature.”
• The COP17 logo is inspired by the Erivan Anomalous Blue (Polyommatus eriwanensis), a blue butterfly endemic to the Yerevan region.
• The butterfly symbol represents local biodiversity, ecological resilience, and conservation awareness.
• The logo features 23 blended colours, symbolising the 23 targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• The Kunming (China)–Montreal (Canada) Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted in 2022.
• The framework aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
• The COP17 emblem and slogan underline Armenia’s focus on shifting from broad commitments to targeted and coordinated global action for biodiversity conservation.

About Armenia :

• President : Vahagn Khachaturyan
• Prime Minister : Nikol Pashinyan
• Capital : Yerevan
• Currency : Dram

India Takes Part in 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Government of India (GoI) participated in the 11th edition of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum, held from 14–15 December 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• The UNAOC Global Forum 2025 was organised under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity – Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.”
• The Indian delegation was led by Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• India participated in the High-Level Meeting of the Group of Friends of UNAOC, reaffirming its support for multilateral dialogue.
• The Indian delegation highlighted India’s ancient civilizational heritage, rich cultural diversity, and strong commitment to pluralism.
• The Government of India reaffirmed the Sanskrit ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning “The World is One Family.”
• India also emphasised the principle of “Sarva Dharma Samabhav”, meaning “Equal Respect for All Religions.”
• The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) was launched in 2005 to promote intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
• The initiative aims to reduce polarization and counter terrorism through dialogue among civilizations.
• UNAOC was initiated by Spain and Turkey and later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

India and Netherlands Reiterate Support for a Free, Open, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific

• India and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi, Delhi, to strengthen and institutionalize bilateral defence ties.
• The LoI was signed by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD), India, and Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands to India.
• The signing took place in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and David Van Weel, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands.
• The key objective of the LoI is to prioritize co-development and co-production of defence equipment and expand bilateral defence cooperation.
• Both countries will develop a Defence Industrial Roadmap to guide technology collaboration, co-production, and co-development in niche defence technologies.
• The roadmap aims to strengthen military-to-military and industrial cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
• India and the Netherlands reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region.
• The two nations recognized the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands as a “living bridge” enhancing people-to-people and strategic ties.
• India and the Netherlands also agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC).
• The JTIC will focus on boosting bilateral trade and investment, improving market access, and promoting sector-specific cooperation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Indian Satellite Internet Concept Wins Global Recognition at NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025

• India’s innovation ecosystem gained global recognition as a Chennai-based team, Photonics Odyssey, won the Most Inspirational Award at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025.
• The team proposed a sovereign satellite-based broadband infrastructure aimed at expanding high-speed internet access in remote, rural, and underserved regions of India.
• The winning concept focuses on an indigenous phased-array satellite internet system, reducing dependence on ground-based and terrestrial networks.
• By minimizing reliance on fibre and mobile infrastructure, the solution aims to address persistent connectivity gaps in geographically difficult areas.
• The primary objective of the project is to bridge the digital divide in India, where over 700 million people are estimated to lack broadband connectivity.
• The proposed satellite-based system seeks to enable access to education, healthcare, e-governance, digital services, and economic opportunities.
• The project aligns with national priorities such as Digital India and inclusive development, while ensuring technological sovereignty.
• NASA awarded the concept the Most Inspirational Award, citing its social impact, scalability, and innovative application of space-based technology.
• The project stood out among thousands of global submissions for addressing connectivity challenges at a national scale.
• The Photonics Odyssey team members include Manish D., M. K., Prasanth G., Rajalingam N., Rashi M., and Sakthi R., whose diverse technical expertise contributed to the solution.
• The achievement highlights the strength of India’s grassroots innovation ecosystem and collaborative problem-solving culture.
• The NASA Space Apps Challenge 2025 saw participation from more than 1,14,000 participants, across 551 local events in 167 countries and territories.
• Indian American students and participants of Indian origin featured prominently among the winners, reflecting the strong contribution of the Indian diaspora to global science and technology innovation.

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh Named India’s Best Health Technology Assessment Institute for Second Consecutive Year

• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh won the title of India’s Best Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Institute for the second consecutive year.
• The award was conferred by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) at the ARISE 2025 national conclave held in New Delhi.
• ARISE 2025 was organised by Health Technology Assessment in India (HTA In) at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, with participation from 35+ leading medical colleges and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) institutes.
• The award was jointly presented by Prof. V. K. Paul, Member (Health), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, and Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary, Department of Health Research (DHR).
• PGIMER’s recognition is anchored in its HTA Resource Hub under the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, established by the Department of Health Research.
• The HTA Resource Hub is led by Prof. Shankar Prinja, Professor of Health Economics, known for advancing evidence-based and cost-effective health policymaking at national and state levels.
• PGIMER had earlier received the same honour at the Indian Council of Medical Research–Department of Health Research Health Summit, making it a back-to-back national achievement.
• Health Technology Assessment outputs from PGIMER have supported key government decisions, including:
  • Reimbursement rate design under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)
  • Value-based procurement of medical devices
  • Transparent and rational coverage decisions
  • Improved efficiency and equity in public healthcare spending

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

India–Netherlands Establish Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC)

• India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.
• The JTIC will act as a dedicated institutional mechanism to regularly review, guide, and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
• The committee will focus on enhancing trade flows, promoting two-way investments, and facilitating cooperation in areas of mutual economic interest.
• A key objective is the identification and removal of trade and investment barriers, including regulatory and procedural challenges faced by businesses.
• The JTIC will meet annually, with meetings held alternately in India and the Netherlands, ensuring continuity and balanced engagement.
• It will be co-chaired by the Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (India) and the Director General (Foreign Economic Relations), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Netherlands).
• Delegations will include relevant government officials and designated members based on the agenda.
• The initiative provides a structured platform for economic dialogue, improves ease of doing business, and creates a predictable environment for investors.
• For India, it supports deeper economic engagement with European partners.
• For the Netherlands, it reinforces its role as a key gateway for Indian trade and investment in Europe.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

Hurun Rich List 2025 Highlights India’s Startup-Driven Wealth Creation

• The Hurun Rich List 2025 highlighted India’s rapidly evolving startup and new-age business ecosystem, reflecting strong wealth creation led by technology-driven enterprises.
• Deepinder Goyal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eternal (formerly Zomato), emerged as India’s top self-made entrepreneur, overtaking Radhakishan Damani, Founder of Avenue Supermarts (DMart).
• Deepinder Goyal ranked first after Eternal’s valuation increased by 27 percent year-on-year to ₹3.2 lakh crore, showcasing the growing dominance of digital platforms, food delivery, and consumer internet businesses.
• Radhakishan Damani slipped to the second position as Avenue Supermarts (DMart) witnessed a 13 percent decline in valuation to around ₹3 lakh crore.
• Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal, Founders of InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), secured a place among the top three, with the company valued at ₹2.2 lakh crore, highlighting the revival of the aviation sector and the importance of low-cost carriers.
• Several prominent startup founders from Razorpay, Zerodha, and Dream11 dropped out of the top ten, indicating intense competition and valuation volatility in the startup ecosystem.
• Peyush Bansal, Founder of Lenskart, ranked 10th on the list; founded in 2008, Lenskart entered the public markets in 2025 with a valuation of ₹70,236 crore, recording a 60 percent year-on-year growth.
• The list showed that entry into the top 200 self-made entrepreneurs has become more challenging, with the minimum wealth threshold rising 1.5 times from about ₹3,000 crore to nearly ₹4,500 crore.
• The combined valuation of the top 200 companies increased by 15 percent to ₹42 lakh crore (United States Dollar 469 billion).
• These 200 companies together employ around 8 lakh people, underlining the employment generation role of startups and young enterprises.
• The Hurun India Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia, presented by IDFC First Bank, focuses on founders of companies established after the year 2000, emphasizing value creation over inherited wealth.
• The Hurun Rich List continues to serve as a key indicator of entrepreneurial success, sectoral shifts, and valuation trends in India’s modern economy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Coast Guard Commissions New-Generation Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’ Built by Goa Shipyard Limited

• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned ICG Ship ‘Amulya’ on 19 December 2025 at Goa.
• Amulya is the third of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels, representing a new-generation indigenous patrol vessel.
• The vessel was designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), reflecting India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability.
• With over 60% indigenous components, ICGS Amulya supports the Government initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
• The 51-metre-long vessel integrates a modern design philosophy focused on efficiency, endurance, and rapid response capability.
• The ship is powered by two advanced 3000 kW diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 27 knots.
• ICGS Amulya has an operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles, allowing extended missions in India’s maritime zones.
• Mission roles of ICGS Amulya include surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue (SAR), anti-smuggling operations, and pollution response.
• ICGS Amulya will be based at Paradip, Odisha, under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East).
• The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) Anupam Singh.
• Crew strength of ICGS Amulya consists of 05 officers and 34 personnel, totaling 39 crew members.

About ICG :

• • Formed : 18 August 1978
• Headquarters : New Delhi
• Director General : Paramesh Sivamani

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Shriram Finance Approves $4.4 Billion Equity Investment by MUFG Bank

• Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) approved a landmark investment agreement with MUFG Bank Limited. involving a ₹39,618 crore ($4.4 billion) equity infusion through preferential allotment.
• The deal will result in MUFG Bank acquiring a 20% stake in SFL on a fully diluted basis, marking the largest FDI in India’s financial services sector.
• This investment represents MUFG’s biggest-ever investment in India, reflecting global investor confidence in India’s NBFC sector.
• SFL is India’s second-largest retail NBFC by assets under management (AUM), with AUM exceeding ₹2.81 lakh crore.
• MUFG’s parent group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, has over 130 years of presence in India, with cumulative investments of $1.7 billion (prior to this deal) and creation of around 5,000 jobs.
• The Shriram Group, through Shriram Capital and Shriram Value Services, holds a 24.98% stake in SFL, while Sanlam Life Insurance (South Africa) owns 0.41%, taking the total promoter holding to 25.39%.
• Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance Limited : Umesh Revankar

About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) :

• It is a leading global financial services group and one of the largest banking institutions in Japan, with Hironori Kamezawa as Group CEO.

Piramal Finance to Sell Its 14.72% Stake in Shriram Life Insurance

• Piramal Finance has signed an agreement to sell its entire 14.72% stake in Shriram Life Insurance Company (SLIC).
• The stake will be sold to Sanlam Emerging Markets (Mauritius) Limited (SEMM) for ₹600 crore.
• The transaction is expected to be completed by the quarter ending 31 March 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
• The deal requires approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• SEMM is a subsidiary of the Sanlam Group, a South Africa-based pan-African financial services group operating in over 30 countries.

About Piramal Finance :

• Founded : 11 April 1984
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO : Jairam Sridharan

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Google to Invest USD 8 Million in Government-Backed AI Centres in India

• Global tech giant Google announced a USD 8 million (≈ Rs 72.4 crore) funding commitment to support four Government of India (GoI)–backed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centres of Excellence (CoEs) during Google’s Lab to Impact Dialogue, held as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.

Key Highlights :

• The funding will be provided by org, the philanthropic arm of Google, aligning with the GoI initiatives ‘Make AI in India’ and ‘Make AI work for India’.
• One AI CoE beneficiary is the Translational AI for Networked Universal Healthcare (TANUH) Foundation at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, focusing on non-communicable disease treatment.
• The Airawat Research Foundation at Indian Institute of Technology–Kanpur (IIT-K), Uttar Pradesh will use the funding for AI-driven urban governance solutions.
• The AI CoE for Education at Indian Institute of Technology–Madras (IIT-M), Chennai, Tamil Nadu will develop innovative AI tools to improve learning and teaching outcomes.
• AI (Alliance for Next-Gen Nourishment through Agriculture Modernization) at Indian Institute of Technology–Ropar (IIT-Ropar) will utilise the funds to create data-driven solutions for agriculture and farmer welfare.
• In the healthcare sector, Google announced USD 400,000 to support MedGemma-based collaborations for developing Health Foundation Models and integrating AI into India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• To strengthen Indic language technologies, Google pledged USD 50,000 each to startups AI and CoRover.AI for voice-based and e-governance AI solutions using Gemma.
• Indian Institute of Technology–Bombay (IIT-B), Mumbai, Maharashtra will receive a USD 50,000 grant to process Indic language health governance and policy documents for creating an India-Centric Trait Database.
• Google also announced a USD 2 million founding grant to establish the Indic Language Technologies Research Hub at IIT-Bombay.
• Google committed USD 2.5 million to support Wadhwani AI’s HealthVaani assistant for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, along with an additional USD 2 million to develop Garuda, a Large Language Model (LLM) for agriculture.
• In December 2025, Google collaborated with the National Health Authority (NHA) to deploy advanced AI for converting medical records into Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), a globally accepted machine-readable healthcare standard.
• With Google’s assistance, NHA plans to onboard over 4 lakh registered health facilities onto Google Maps and Google Search.
• ReNew Energy Global Plc (ReNew) signed a long-term agreement with Google to develop a 150 MW solar power project in Rajasthan.
• Under the agreement, Google will purchase energy attributes such as carbon credits from ReNew, enhancing project viability and supporting Google’s carbon reduction targets.
• The solar project, scheduled for commissioning in 2026, is expected to generate about 4.25 lakh MWh of clean electricity annually, powering over 3.60 lakh Indian households.

About Google :

• Established : 1998
• Headquarters : California, USA
• CEO : Sundar Pichai.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Telangana Set to Roll Out Mobile App-Based Urea Purchase System for Farmers

• The Agriculture Department has introduced an online urea booking system through a new mobile application available on the Google Play Store to ensure transparent and efficient fertiliser distribution.
• Farmers with pattadar passbooks and tenant farmers without formal documents can book urea through the app, ensuring inclusive access.
• For tenant farmers, landowner confirmation will be used to validate urea bookings.
• For farmers without any documents, paddy sale details will be cross-verified before issuing urea.
• Under the new system, farmers need not wait at fertiliser outlets, and any person carrying booking details with a One-Time Password (OTP) can collect urea.
• In Nizamabad district, during the Rabi season, about 2.5 lakh farmers cultivate crops across 5.4 lakh acres, with paddy grown on 4.4 lakh acres.
• The estimated urea requirement in Nizamabad is 80,000 metric tonnes (MT), of which 40,000 MT is expected to be supplied to retail outlets.
• So far, 23,000 MT of urea has been distributed, while 17,000 MT remains in stock.
• Each farmer is allowed one booking every 15 days, and urea supply will be released in four phases.
• In Telangana, the State Agriculture Department is set to roll out an app-based urea purchase system to ensure seamless distribution and sales.
• The mobile app, named ‘Fertilizer Booking App’, is available for Android smartphones.
• The app was tested in Peddapalli district and later extended to 10 more districts, with statewide rollout expected early next week.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Legendary Sculptor and Padma Bhushan Awardee Ram Vanji Sutar Passed Away

• Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, designer of the world’s tallest statue – Statue of Unity, passed away at the age of 100 years in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on 18 December 2025.

About Ram Vanji Sutar :

• Born on 19 February 1925 in Dhule, Maharashtra, he was one of India’s most celebrated sculptors known for monumental public art.
• He specialised in bronze and realistic sculptures, blending fine artistic detail with large-scale engineering excellence.
• He created the 182-metre Statue of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, making it the tallest statue in the world.
• He sculpted the 108-foot Kempe Gowda statue (Statue of Prosperity) installed at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• He designed the 45-foot Chambal Monument located in Madhya Pradesh, representing “Chambal Devi.”
• He co-created the bronze Krishna Arjun Rath Monument at Brahma Sarovar with his son Anil R. Sutar in 2008.
• His Gandhi-related works include the seated meditative Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Parliament complex, New Delhi, and the bronze Gandhi statue at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru.
• His Mahatma Gandhi sculptures and busts have been installed in over 450 cities worldwide, including Hanover (Germany) and Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane (Australia).
• He created the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Parliament complex, New Delhi.
• He was associated with the design of the proposed Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, and contributed to the upcoming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• His major recognitions include the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony (2018) and the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar (2025).
• He was honoured with the Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2016) in the field of Art.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Mathematics Day 2025 is observed on 22 December

• National Mathematics Day 2025 is observed on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s greatest mathematicians.
• The day has been observed since 2012, with educational programmes, seminars, and mathematics-related activities conducted across schools, colleges, and universities in India.
• The observance aims to promote mathematical education, innovation, and scientific temper, while recognising Ramanujan’s extraordinary contribution to mathematics in India and globally.
• Srinivasa Ramanujan was born in 1887 in Erode, Tamil Nadu, into an Iyengar Brahmin family.
• Despite limited formal education, he demonstrated exceptional talent by mastering trigonometry by the age of 12 and developing several original mathematical theorems independently.
• At the age of 14, Ramanujan left home and later joined Pachaiyappa’s College, Madras, where he excelled only in mathematics and could not complete his Fellow of Arts degree due to poor performance in other subjects.
• Facing extreme poverty, Ramanujan continued independent mathematical research, which gradually drew the attention of mathematicians in Madras (now Chennai).
• In 1912, he was helped by Ramaswamy Iyer, founder of the Indian Mathematical Society, to secure a clerkship at the Madras Port Trust, which allowed him to continue his research.
• In 1913, Ramanujan sent his mathematical work to British mathematicians, leading to recognition by G. H. Hardy, a renowned mathematician at Cambridge University.
• Impressed by Ramanujan’s work, G. H. Hardy invited him to England, and in 1914, Ramanujan joined Trinity College, Cambridge.
• Ramanujan became a member of the London Mathematical Society in 1917, marking his growing international recognition.
• In 1918, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, becoming one of the youngest Fellows in its history.
• National Mathematics Day honours Ramanujan’s legacy and serves as an inspiration for students, researchers, and educators, highlighting India’s rich contribution to the field of mathematics.

World Basketball Day 2025 – Observed on 21 December

• World Basketball Day 2025 is observed annually on 21 December to commemorate the first-ever basketball game played in 1891.
• The United Nations officially declared 21 December as World Basketball Day in 2023, recognising the sport’s global cultural, social, and developmental impact.
• Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a physical education instructor in the United States of America, as an indoor winter sport.
• The original game used a soccer ball and two peach baskets, with no holes in the baskets, requiring manual retrieval of the ball after each score.
• Over time, basketball evolved into a fast-paced global sport, followed or played by nearly 3.3 billion people worldwide.
• The United Nations recognition highlights basketball’s role in promoting peace, social inclusion, and community bonding.
• The sport is also acknowledged for encouraging youth development, education, healthy lifestyles, and teamwork across nations.
• World Basketball Day underlines how a simple sporting idea grew into a powerful global force connecting people across cultures and countries.

United Nations Observes Second World Meditation Day on 21 December 2025

• The United Nations observed the second World Meditation Day on 21 December 2025 with a high-level event at its Headquarters in New York.
• The observance reaffirmed the growing global recognition of meditation as a pathway to inner peace, mental well-being, and global harmony.
• The event brought together diplomats, spiritual leaders, scientists, and civil society members, highlighting the universal relevance of mindfulness in a fast-changing and conflict-prone world.
• The programme was organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, in collaboration with the missions of Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
• These countries together form the core group behind the World Meditation Day initiative.
• The event was held at the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the United Nations.
• Nearly 700 participants attended the programme, indicating strong global interest in meditation and mental health.
• World Meditation Day is a recent global observance, officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly.
• It was proclaimed on 6 December 2024 through Resolution A/RES/79/137, which was adopted unanimously.
• The resolution recognises meditation as a practice that promotes well-being, peace, and harmony at both individual and societal levels.

Daily CA One- Liner: December 21 & 22

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam
• At the 2nd World Health Organization Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha, one of India’s most well- known medicinal plants
• Jammu and Kashmir has launched its first Gen Z Post Office at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences Vijaypur, marking a major step towards modernising and digitising postal services
• The Haryana State Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru
• India’s innovation ecosystem gained global recognition as a Chennai-based team, Photonics Odyssey, won the Most Inspirational Award at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025
• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh won the title of India’s Best Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Institute for the second consecutive year
• India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations
• The Hurun Rich List 2025 highlighted India’s rapidly evolving startup and new-age business ecosystem, reflecting strong wealth creation led by technology-driven enterprises.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed USD 4.258 billion in sovereign lending to India in 2025 to support skilling, renewable energy, urban infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and ecotourism.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed regulatory restrictions on two Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) — The Gauhati Cooperative Urban Bank Limited (Assam) and The Valsad Mahila Nagrik Sahakari Bank Limited (Gujarat) — due to weak financial position, liquidity stress, and unresolved supervisory concerns.
• India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions witnessed a sharp surge in Q3 2025, with transaction volume reaching 59.33 billion, registering a 33.5% year-on-year (YoY) growth, as per a Worldline India report.
• Personal loans, largely unsecured and used mainly for consumption purposes, have seen rapid growth since the Covid period, as per analysis of data from the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Handbook of Statistics on Indian States.
• Canara HSBC Life Insurance has entered into a bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank (ESFB) to expand life insurance penetration across India.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.95 lakh on Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited.
• The Government of Armenia unveiled the Yerevan Blue Butterfly as the official logo for the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Government of India (GoI) participated in the 11th edition of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum, held from 14–15 December 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• India and the Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi, Delhi, to strengthen and institutionalize bilateral defence ties.
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned ICG Ship ‘Amulya’ on 19 December 2025 at Goa.
• Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) approved a landmark investment agreement with MUFG Bank Limited. involving a ₹39,618 crore ($4.4 billion) equity infusion through preferential allotment.
• Piramal Finance has signed an agreement to sell its entire 14.72% stake in Shriram Life Insurance Company (SLIC).
• Global tech giant Google announced a USD 8 million (≈ Rs 72.4 crore) funding commitment to support four Government of India (GoI)–backed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centres of Excellence (CoEs) during Google’s Lab to Impact Dialogue, held as part of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The Agriculture Department has introduced an online urea booking system through a new mobile application available on the Google Play Store to ensure transparent and efficient fertiliser distribution.
• Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, designer of the world’s tallest statue – Statue of Unity, passed away at the age of 100 years in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on 18 December 2025.
• National Mathematics Day 2025 is observed on 22 December to commemorate the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of India’s greatest mathematicians
• World Basketball Day 2025 is observed annually on 21 December to commemorate the first-ever basketball game played in 1891
• The United Nations observed the second World Meditation Day on 21 December 2025 with a high-level event at its Headquarters in New York