Daily Current Affairs Quiz December 22 2025

1. The Quad Foreign Ministers met during the FTX task force exercises (Guam, mid-Dec 2025) to review regional security and post-pandemic cooperation among India, the US, Japan and Australia.

2. At the 13th BRICS Summit, Brazil handed over the BRICS chair to India (India to chair BRICS 2026). Leaders adopted a declaration on expanding cooperation in science, finance, AI, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

3. The UN/WHO convened a high-level meeting on Dec 16, 2025 and adopted a landmark Global Declaration on NCDs and mental health, emphasizing integrated health policies worldwide. This declaration commits countries to tackle chronic diseases and mental health as interconnected challenges.

4. Cambodia accused Thailand of launching air strikes on Cambodian territory just after ASEAN talks (Dec 22), citing bombings near Siem Reap and Preah Vihear. This renewed border tensions despite recent ceasefire talks.

5. The US State Department expanded mandatory online vetting to all H-1B/H-4 visa applicants globally (starting 15 Dec) to combat visa misuse, a move that adds scrutiny to foreign workers (including many Indians) seeking US visas.

6. US envoy to Greenland controversy: President Trump announced a special envoy to Greenland, provoking Denmark and Greenland to publicly reject any US claim to the territory. This caused a diplomatic row over Arctic sovereignty.

1. RBI reforms deposit insurance: The Reserve Bank announced from Jan 2026 banks will pay risk-based premiums for deposit insurance (higher fees for riskier loans, lower for low-risk) to strengthen the Deposit Insurance & Credit Guarantee Corporation.

2. Insurance and fintech: PNB MetLife launched DigiProtect, an online individual term life insurance plan. Separately, HCLTech partnered with Associated Bank (USA) to modernize its digital banking platform, aiming to improve customer experience.

3. India’s growth data: Government data showed India’s eight core infrastructure sectors grew +1.8% (YoY) in Nov 2025. The RBI noted India’s economy held steady into late 2025, with manufacturing and services showing resilience.

4. Free trade pacts: Commerce Minister Goyal said India concluded an India–New Zealand FTA in record 9 months (announced 22 Dec). He also noted talks on an India–UAE trade pact finished in just 88 days – unprecedented speed in negotiating major FTAs.

5. Commodity prices: Gold hit an all-time high (surpassing $3,000/oz) as silver also set a new peak, amid investor buying. Crude oil prices rose (over $100) on concerns about supply cuts in Venezuela and Russia.

1. AI hardware: NVIDIA announced it will begin shipping its new H200 AI inference chips to China by mid-Feb 2026, despite past export controls. This move follows recent US approval and comes amid U.S.-China tech tensions.

2. Green energy tech: Alphabet (Google) agreed to acquire Intersect Power (a U.S. solar energy developer) for $4.75 billion, boosting its investments in carbon-free power to supply its AI and cloud services.

3. Tech investment report: A Dealogic survey found global tech companies issued a record $428.3 billion in bonds by early Dec 2025, driven by an AI spending boom. This was the largest annual tech debt issuance on record.

4. Space mission: ISRO announced that on 24 Dec 2025 it will launch BlueBird Block-2 (AST SpaceMobile’s largest mobile-telecom satellite) from Sriharikota. The mission uses the GSLV Mk III (LVM3) rocket to place a commercial satellite enabling direct-to-mobile broadband.

1. Water & climate: At the 2025 UN climate summit, Dutch envoy Henk Ovink emphasized that “90% of climate adaptation depends on water management.” He warned climate change is massively amplifying floods and droughts, urging water-centric policies.

2. Forests & carbon: Scientists reported Europe’s forests are now absorbing 30% less CO₂ than a decade ago. Widespread tree health decline has prompted the EU to delay its 2040 carbon-neutrality target and re-evaluate climate plans.

3. Pollution controls: Delhi authorities ordered the closure of 411 industrial units across Delhi-NCR for lacking pollution consents. This crackdown was part of efforts to curb visible air and water pollution in the capital region.

US-Taiwan arms deal: The U.S. announced an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan (Dec 2025) – the largest ever – including advanced artillery, drones and other weapons. This move, intended to bolster Taiwan’s defenses, drew sharp rebuke from China.

1. Narendra Modi: Indian PM Narendra Modi was conferred the “Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia” (Ethiopia’s highest civilian award) on 16 Dec 2025. Two days later, Oman’s Sultan awarded him the Order of Oman (First Class) on 18 Dec 2025 – both honoring bilateral ties.

2. Maria Corina Machado (Venezuela): Awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work on democratic rights and peaceful transition efforts in Venezuela. The prize was presented on 10 Dec 2025 in Oslo (accepted by her daughter).

3. Jane Goodall (UK/USA): The renowned primatologist and environmentalist died at age 91 (Oct 1, 2025). Goodall was famous for her pioneering study of chimpanzees and later global conservation activism.

4. Gary “Mani” Mounfield (UK): The bassist of The Stone Roses and former member of Primal Scream passed away on 20 Nov 2025. Mani was celebrated for his influential bass lines in the Manchester rock scene of the 1980s–’90s.

1. Cricket (Global): The ICC will invest about $15 million over the next 5 years to support the USA men’s and women’s cricket programs (announced 22 Dec), aiming to help the US qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

2. Football (Africa Cup of Nations): Host nation Morocco won their opener 2–0 against Comoros on Dec 22, 2025, sparking celebrations. It was the first match of AFCON 2025.

3. Sailing (America’s Cup): Swiss team Alinghi announced it will re-enter the America’s Cup partnership for the 2027 Naples races, joining a five-team consortium. Alinghi’s return marks revival of the famous sailing syndicate after earlier plans to withdraw.

4. Olympic Sports (Egypt): In Cairo, an Olympic club for girls wrestling was profiled (Dec 22) – training youngsters in a one-room hall to pursue wrestling, a rare female-focused program in Egypt. The club’s coach expressed hopes to groom future Olympians.

1. Nobel Prizes 2025: The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was shared by Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (both USA) and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for discoveries about immune tolerance. The Nobel Peace Prize went to María Corina Machado (Venezuela) for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela.

2. India – international honours: PM Modi received Ethiopia’s Nishan (Country’s highest civilian award) and Oman’s Order (First Class) in mid-Dec 2025. These honours highlight India’s strengthened ties with Ethiopia and Oman.

1. National Mathematics Day (India): December 22 marks the birth anniversary of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887). India observes this as National Mathematics Day, celebrating contributions to mathematics and STEM.

2. Hanukkah (Judaism): The Jewish festival of Hanukkah continued in its 8-day cycle, with the eighth (final) day falling on Dec 22, 2025. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple and is observed with candles, festivities and traditional foods.

1. Catholic Church: Pope Leo XIV (the pontiff following Pope Francis) accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York. Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ronald Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York.

2. New York City (USA): Catherine Almonte Da Costa, an appointee to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration, resigned after past antisemitic social-media posts resurfaced.

3. US Federal Reserve: Fed Governor Adriana Kugler announced she will step down from the Fed Board on August 8, 2025, ahead of her term’s scheduled end, opening a vacancy for President Trump to fill.

1. WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: (2nd edition, Delhi, 17–19 Dec) – Focused on integrating traditional medicine into health systems; attended by health ministers and WHO officials.

2. UEF Summit (EU–India): (Chennai, 12–14 Dec) – Brought together EU and Indian leaders to discuss trade, tech, education; multiple agreements signed on higher education exchange and industrial R&D.

3. QUAD Foreign Ministers/FTX: (Guam, early Dec) – “Foreign Ministers’ 2+2 Dialogue” alongside joint military exercises; issued a joint statement affirming open Indo-Pacific and coordinated pandemic response.

4. BRICS 2025: (Brazil summit in Nov) – Concluded with a declaration on new banking rules, cooperation on AI/health; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva handed over the BRICS chairmanship to India for 2026.

1. Punjab: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Badal demanded that the new rural job scheme (intended to replace MGNREGA) be withdrawn, calling it “anti-poor”. The Punjab assembly is debating related farm-sector issues.

2. Haryana: The state legislature passed 8 major bills during its winter session (tabled on 22 Dec), covering finance, education, housing, and other sectors. This was the final day of the assembly’s session.

3. Goa: A court extended the custody of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra (owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub) by five days in the probe of the Dec 6 fire that killed 25 people. The brothers had fled to Thailand after the blaze and were deported back.

4. Maharashtra: Central Railway announced 76 special trains for the Christmas/New Year travel rush. These include extra services between Mumbai and southern destinations (like Nanded, Karmala, etc.) to handle passenger demand.

1. Pope Francis (87) – Head of the Catholic Church (Bishop of Rome) died on 21 April 2025 after a lengthy pontificate marked by global outreach to the poor and efforts at church reform. He had been in declining health since early 2025.

2. Jane Goodall (91) – British primatologist and conservationist who pioneered the study of chimpanzees and later promoted environmental causes. She died Oct 1, 2025 in California while on a speaking tour, as confirmed by her institute.

3. Gary “Mani” Mounfield (63) – British bassist (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream). He died Nov 20, 2025 at home in Stockport. Mani was acclaimed for his influential bass grooves that helped define the “Madchester” music era.

Development Index: A report by the Center for Global Development showed many rich countries backsliding on foreign aid. The Commitment to Development Index 2025 ranked Sweden, Germany, Norway and Finland top, while the US fell to 28th place (in part due to recent cuts in aid). The index noted some progress on migration and environment but overall a decline in global development effort.

No significant books or author-related news (new releases, awards, etc.) were reported on 22 Dec 2025 in the available sources.

No other major events fell outside the above categories on 22 Dec 2025 according to the consulted sources.