Current Affairs - December 22, 2025 Current Affairs

Tamil Nadu has initiated a focused conservation drive aimed at studying and protecting smooth-coated otters in the Cauvery delta region. The programme covers key districts such as Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Cuddalore, where these vulnerable mammals are found. The initiative includes scientific population assessments, detailed habitat mapping, and measures to address threats like water pollution, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict. Recognised as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, smooth-coated otters require targeted protection. The state government has approved a budget of ₹20 lakh for the 2025–26 period to support this conservation effort.

Nnena Kalu made history by becoming the first learning-disabled artist to win the Turner Prize, the United Kingdom’s most prestigious award in visual arts. A 59-year-old Scottish artist, she lives with autism and has limited verbal communication, yet her work has gained wide recognition for its originality and expressive power. Her achievement represents a significant milestone for inclusivity and representation in the global art community. The award ceremony took place in Bradford, northern England, where she was honoured with the £25,000 prize money, highlighting the growing recognition of diverse voices and abilities in contemporary art.

East Bengal FC created history by winning the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025, becoming the first Indian women’s club to secure an international football title. The final was held at Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, where East Bengal delivered a dominant performance to defeat the host team APF by 3–0. The team showcased strong tactical discipline, effective teamwork, and defensive solidity throughout the match. This landmark victory marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s football, enhancing the country’s reputation in South Asia and encouraging greater participation, investment, and development in the women’s game.

Smriti Mandhana achieved a historic milestone in women’s cricket by becoming the first Asian batter to score 4,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals. This achievement came during her return to international cricket, highlighting her consistency and longevity in the shortest format of the game. She reached the landmark in a match against Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam, where India secured an eight-wicket victory. Globally, she is only the second player to reach this feat, following New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, placing Mandhana among the elite batters in women’s T20I history.

B P Kanungo has been appointed as the non-executive chairman of IIFL Finance, bringing extensive experience in central banking and financial regulation to the company. A former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2017 to 2021, he also served as a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, which determines India’s key interest rates. His expertise spans currency management, payment systems, and financial stability. In his new role, Kanungo will guide strategic decision-making, strengthen governance standards, and ensure regulatory compliance, reinforcing IIFL Finance’s focus on long-term stability, transparency, and stakeholder confidence.

Assam is the state where the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a major ammonia urea fertilizer plant with an investment of ₹10,601 crore. The project is located at Namrup in the Dibrugarh district and is being developed by Assam Valley Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited, a joint venture involving multiple public sector undertakings. Designed to produce 12.7 lakh metric tonnes of urea annually, the plant aims to strengthen fertilizer availability and agricultural productivity. Its commissioning is targeted by 2030, reflecting a long-term strategy to boost industrial development and economic growth in the region.

Sukhman Singh, a golfer from Noida, emerged as the champion of the IGU 124th Amateur Championship of India, one of the most prestigious events in amateur golf. He secured the title at the historic Tollygunge Club by defeating Haryana’s Harman Sachdeva in the 36-hole final. Singh dominated the match and built an unassailable 7UP lead after 29 holes, sealing a comfortable victory. The championship is recognised as the world’s longest-running amateur matchplay tournament and is organised by the Indian Golf Union, making this win a significant milestone in Singh’s golfing career.

Pakistan emerged as the champions of the U19 Asia Cup 2025 after registering a dominant 191-run victory over India U19 in the final held in Dubai. This emphatic win marked Pakistan’s second U19 Asia Cup title and their first triumph in the tournament since 2012. Batting first, Pakistan posted a massive total of 347 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs, setting an imposing target. Opener Sameer Minhas played a starring role with a brilliant knock of 172 runs off just 113 balls, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s historic victory.

National Mathematics Day in India is observed on December 22 to honour the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of the country’s most celebrated mathematicians. The day was instituted by the Government of India in December 2011 to emphasise the importance of mathematics in scientific development, innovation, and everyday problem-solving. Observances include educational programs, seminars, and activities aimed at promoting mathematical thinking among students. December 22 serves as a tribute to Ramanujan’s extraordinary contributions to number theory and mathematics, while also encouraging greater interest in math education across the nation.

Karnataka was selected for the launch of the ‘VijAIpatha’ initiative, a CSR-driven project inaugurated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to strengthen technology-based education in government schools. Under this programme, five advanced AI, STEM, and robotics labs are being established in schools located in the Hosapete taluka. These labs are equipped with AI-ready computer systems, robotics kits, and broadband connectivity. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the Digital India mission, aiming to enhance digital literacy, innovation, and future-ready skills among students in the public education system.

ISRO is set to launch the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite as part of the LVM3-M6 mission, marking an important step in commercial space collaboration. The satellite has been developed by AST SpaceMobile and is notable for being the largest commercial communications satellite to be deployed in Low Earth Orbit. Its primary objective is to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard mobile smartphones across the globe, without the need for specialised equipment. This mission highlights ISRO’s growing role in launching advanced commercial satellites and supporting next-generation global communication technologies.