Current Affairs Quiz 23rd December 2025 Quiz

Exp.  India–Russia Conduct Joint Air Exercise AviaIndra to Strengthen Defence and Aerospace Cooperation

The Indian Air Force is hosting Exercise AviaIndra with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), continuing the bilateral air exercise series that began in 2014.

Personnel from both countries are conducting joint flying operations on platforms such as Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters, focusing on operational coordination.

The exercise aims to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and strengthen aerospace synergy by sharing best practices and lessons learned

Exp. Indian Coast Guard Commissions ICGS Amulya, Strengthening Indigenous Maritime Security Capabilities

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, the third vessel of the new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels, at Goa, with the ceremony attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited.

Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the 51-metre vessel has over 60% indigenous content, reflecting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives; Amulya means “priceless”.

Powered by two 3000 kW diesel engines, ICGS Amulya can achieve a top speed of 27 knots with an operational endurance of 1,500 nautical miles, and is equipped with advanced integrated navigation, machinery, and power management systems.

Based at Paradip, Odisha, the vessel will strengthen maritime security along the eastern seaboard by undertaking missions such as surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, interdiction, and pollution response.

Exp. Chennai Team Wins Global Honour at NASA’s 2025 Space Apps Challenge with Satellite Internet Innovation

An Indian team’s satellite internet concept emerged as a global winner of NASA’s 2025 International Space Apps Challenge. The Chennai-based team, Photonics Odyssey, proposed a sovereign, phased-array satellite internet infrastructure to expand broadband access across remote regions and won the Most Inspirational Award.

The project aims to reduce ground dependency and help connect more than 700 million people in India who currently lack access to broadband connectivity. The winning team members, according to NASA Space Apps, are Manish D., M. K., Prasanth G., Rajalingam N., Rashi M., and Sakthi R.

The 2025 edition of its flagship global hackathon brought together more than 1 lakh 14 thousand participants across 5 hundred and 51 local events in 1 hundred and 67 countries and territories.

Indian American students and participants of Indian origin also featured prominently among the winners, reflecting the strong presence of the Indian diaspora in global science and technology innovation.

Launched in 2012, the International Space Apps Challenge is NASA’s annual global hackathon designed to engage citizens worldwide in solving real-world problems using the agency’s open data. It has grown into one of the world’s largest collaborative platforms for STEM innovation.

About National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• Formed- July 29, 1958
• Headquarters- Washington, D.C., USA
• Administrator Jared Isaacman

Exp. Centre to set up statutory Bureau of Port Security to strengthen maritime security framework

Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting to initiate the creation of a dedicated Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) aimed at strengthening the security of ships and port infrastructure across India.

The Bureau of Port Security will be set up as a statutory body under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with responsibilities for regulatory oversight and coordination of port security.

The proposed security framework will follow a graded and risk-based approach, factoring in vulnerabilities, trade potential, geographical location, and emerging threats, including cyber security, with a dedicated division to protect port IT systems.

CISF has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation for ports, responsible for security assessments, preparation of security plans, and training and certification of private security agencies, while the BoPS will be headed by a Director General of IPS rank, modeled on BCAS.

Exp. IIFL Finance Appoints Former RBI Deputy Governor B P Kanungo as Non-Executive Chairman

India Infoline Finance Limited (IIFL) has appointed B.P. Kanungo, a former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, as non-executive chairman of its board, bringing extensive regulatory and central banking expertise.

Kanungo has over four decades of experience in monetary policy, financial regulation, and central banking, having served as Deputy Governor of the RBI (2017–2021) and as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee.

As chairman, he will lead the board in strategic direction, enhance governance standards, and ensure the protection of interests of shareholders, customers, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Exp. PM Modi Releases Commemorative Ashwagandha Postal Stamp at WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

At the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha, symbolising India’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine globally.

The stamp highlights the scientific and cultural value of Ashwagandha, a key medicinal herb in Ayurveda known for stress reduction, immunity enhancement, and overall well-being, and reinforces India’s efforts to promote AYUSH systems internationally.

The release serves as a symbolic and educational initiative, acting as a cultural ambassador to spread awareness of India’s traditional medicinal heritage and its vision of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems.

Exp. Meghalaya Mandates Khasi and Garo in Early Education to Strengthen Cultural Roots

Meghalaya has made Khasi and Garo mandatory in the curriculum up to Class-1 to simplify learning and strengthen cultural identity from the foundational years.

New textbooks will be optional in the coming academic year and will become compulsory from the next session, considering schools have already finalised syllabi.

Approval was given for a ₹25-crore Mission Mode HIV/AIDS project, mandatory green building certification for large constructions, new cooperative financing society, and arrangements for hosting the 39th National Games.

Exp. Jammu & Kashmir Inaugurates First Gen Z Post Office at AIIMS Vijaypur

Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated its first Gen Z Post Office at the AIIMS Vijaypur campus, marking a major step in modernising postal services.

Launched under the Department of Posts’ modernisation initiative, the facility offers a contemporary ambience, digital payments, and simplified service delivery tailored for Generation Z.

The post office provides postal, banking, and insurance services together, enhancing convenience for students and staff on campus.

Exp. South Indian Bank Launches RuPay Contactless ‘SIB Paytag’ NFC Payment Sticker

South Indian Bank has introduced the RuPay Contactless SIB Paytag Sticker, an NFC-enabled payment solution for faster, secure, and seamless transactions.

The compact sticker can be affixed to mobile phones, wallets, or cardholders, allowing customers to make contactless payments without carrying a physical debit card.

Payments up to ₹5,000 do not require a PIN, while transactions above ₹5,000 need PIN authentication to ensure enhanced security.

The SIB Paytag Sticker works at all contactless POS terminals and also supports online e-commerce payments through secure card details access via the SIB Mirror+ app.

Exp. President Assents to Viksit Bharat (Gramin) Act

The President has given assent to the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, replacing MGNREGA, 2005 and aligning rural employment policy with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

The Act increases the statutory wage employment guarantee to at least 125 days per rural household per financial year, strengthening livelihood security, income stability, and the right to demand employment.

States may notify up to 60 days of aggregated pause during peak agricultural seasons while retaining the full 125-day guarantee; weekly or within 15 days wage payments are mandated, with compensation for delays.

Wage employment is integrated with the creation of durable rural assets across priority areas like water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihoods, and climate resilience, using bottom-up planning via Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans and national convergence platforms.

Implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with defined cost-sharing (60:40; 90:10 for NE/Himalayan states), enhanced administrative expenditure cap (9%), technology-enabled transparency, and strengthened decentralised governance through Panchayats and Gram Sabhas.

Exp. PM Modi Lays Foundation for ₹10,601-Crore Fertiliser Plant in Assam

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the ₹10,601-crore brownfield ammonia-urea plant in Dibrugarh, Assam, set to be commissioned by 2030.

The new Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL) plant will have an annual urea production of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes, enhancing the region’s fertiliser output.

AVFCCL is a joint venture among the Assam Government, Oil India, National Fertilisers Ltd (NFL), Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL), and BVFCL, combining public and state expertise.

The plant will be the first in India to use associated natural gas as a primary raw material for producing nitrogenous fertiliser, leveraging sustainable and efficient resources.

Exp. 23 December -Kisan Diwas

23rd December is observed as Kisan Diwas (Farmer’s Day) in India to honour the contributions of farmers to the nation.

The day marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India, known for his work towards farmers’ welfare.

Kisan Diwas highlights the vital role of farmers in food security, rural economy, and sustainable agriculture in India.

Exp. Airtel Payments Bank Enables EV Wallet Recharges via Bharat Connect on Airtel Thanks App

Airtel Payments Bank, in partnership with NPCI Bharat BillPay, has enabled electric vehicle (EV) wallet recharges on the Airtel Thanks app through the Bharat Connect (BBPS) platform.

The facility allows users to instantly top up EV charging point operator (CPO) wallets linked with Bharat Connect, eliminating the need to use multiple operator-specific apps and ensuring secure, interoperable payments.

Customers can recharge EV wallets by selecting the “Recharge EV” option in the Airtel Thanks app, entering their registered mobile number and amount, with instant credit to the EV wallet across India.

Exp. MUFG Bank to Acquire 20% Stake in Shriram Finance for ₹39,618 Crore in India’s Largest Financial Services FDI

Shriram Finance has entered into definitive agreements with Japan’s MUFG Bank for a ₹39,618 crore ($4.4 billion) investment to acquire a 20% stake via a preferential share issue, marking India’s largest FDI in a financial services company.

MUFG will be allotted over 471 million shares at ₹840.93 per share and will have the right to appoint two nominee directors to Shriram Finance’s board.

The transaction may lead to a credit rating upgrade for Shriram Finance and provides MUFG a clear pathway to gradually acquire a controlling stake, subject to RBI approvals, including a $200 million non-compete fee signalling long-term strategic intent.

Exp. Piramal Finance to Sell 14.72% Stake in Shriram Life Insurance to Sanlam for ₹600 Crore

Piramal Finance has signed a share purchase agreement to sell its entire 14.72% equity stake in Shriram Life Insurance Company Ltd (SLIC) to Sanlam Emerging Markets (Mauritius) Ltd for ₹600 crore.

The deal is expected to be completed by the quarter ending March 31, 2026, subject to necessary regulatory approvals, including clearance from IRDAI.

SLIC contributed ₹12.68 crore to Piramal Finance’s FY25 revenue, accounting for just 0.12% of its total revenue, mainly through dividend income.