Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Correct Answer :   Asian Development Bank

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* The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $350 million policy-based loan agreement with the Government of India under the second subprogram of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) initiative.

* This loan aims to enhance India's logistics sector through reforms, infrastructure development, and digital integration, contributing to the efficiency of logistics, strengthening the manufacturing sector, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

* The agreement involves stakeholders such as the Department of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

Correct Answer :   12

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* Rajya Sabha nominated 12 members to the joint committee tasked with examining the "One Nation, One Election" proposal.

* This nomination brings the total membership of the joint committee to 39, including 27 members from the Lok Sabha and 12 from the Rajya Sabha.

* The nominated members include prominent figures such as Ghanshyam Tiwari, Bhubaneshwar Kalita, and Sanjay Singh, reflecting a balanced representation to deliberate on this significant electoral reform initiative.

Correct Answer :   December 21

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* The first-ever World Meditation Day will be celebrated on December 21, 2024.

* This day was established following a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly on November 29, 2024.

* The theme for the day is "Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony," which reflects the vision of meditation as a tool to connect individuals and nations.

* The celebrations aim to highlight the mental, physical, and social benefits of meditation while fostering peace, unity, and collective well-being globally. Prominent figures like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will lead global meditation sessions.

Correct Answer :   Assam

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* The Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary is located in Assam, a state known for its rich biodiversity, including approximately 950 bird species.

* A study conducted between October 2022 and March 2024 revealed a 72% decline in bird species count over 27 years, dropping from 167 species in 1997 to 47 species.

* The major causes include overfishing, poaching, and habitat degradation. Assam's unique ecosystems underscore the need for urgent conservation efforts to restore the sanctuary's biodiversity.

Correct Answer :   December 22

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* National Mathematics Day is celebrated annually on December 22, marking the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a mathematical genius from India.

* Ramanujan made significant contributions to mathematics, including his work in number theory and infinite series.

* This day, established in 2012 by Dr Manmohan Singh, highlights the importance of mathematics in everyday life and honours Ramanujan’s lasting legacy, whose brilliance continues to inspire mathematicians worldwide.

Correct Answer :   UltraTech

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* UltraTech Cement, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its ?3,954-crore acquisition of India Cements Ltd (ICL).

* This strategic deal involves a significant stake acquisition, including shares from ICL promoters and associates, to enhance UltraTech’s market presence in the southern cement market, especially in Tamil Nadu.

* The acquisition aligns with UltraTech’s growth strategy to expand its installed capacity and strengthen its position as a global leader in the cement industry.

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

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* The Central government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $42 million loan agreement aimed at strengthening coastal and riverbank protection in Maharashtra.

* This initiative is designed to enhance the resilience of coastal communities against coastal erosion, flooding, and climate change.

* The project includes hybrid approaches like offshore reefs, rock protection works, and nature-based solutions such as beach and dune nourishment.

* It also focuses on boosting local sectors such as tourism and fisheries, vital for the state's economy, and incorporates advanced technologies for better shoreline management.

Correct Answer :   December 20

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* The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will celebrate its 61st Raising Day on December 20, 2024, in Ranidanga, Siliguri.

* The event will highlight the achievements, cultural heritage, and contributions of the force to border security.

* Union Home Minister Amit Shah is invited to attend this significant event, which will include a grand parade, cultural performances, and displays of traditional Indian arts and sports.

* The event will reflect the rich diversity of the region, with a special focus on local tribal communities' traditions.

Correct Answer :   Caitlin Sandra Neil

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* Caitlin Sandra Neil, a 19-year-old Indian-American born in Chennai, was crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey.

* Currently a second-year student at the University of California, Davis, Caitlin is passionate about women's empowerment and literacy.

* She aspires to make a positive impact in her community while pursuing a career in web design, modelling, and acting. Her win highlights her commitment to both social causes and personal growth, reflecting her vision for the future.

Correct Answer :   China

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* China set a new global spacewalk record with two astronauts, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, completing a nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the Tiangong space station.

* This achievement surpassed the previous record of 8 hours and 56 minutes held by U.S. astronauts since 2001.

* The record-setting spacewalk highlights China’s growing presence in space exploration and its ambitious plans for future lunar missions, marking a significant milestone in its space program.