Current Affairs 22/12/2025
1. World Basketball Day is celebrated every year on
Answer : 21 December
World Basketball Day
World Basketball Day is celebrated every year on 21 December to honor the birth and global development of the sport of basketball. The day commemorates the historic moment in 1891 when Dr. James Naismith invented basketball as an indoor game to keep students physically active during winter. What began as a simple exercise activity has since grown into one of the most popular and influential sports worldwide.
Basketball today is played and followed across continents, transcending cultural and national boundaries. It promotes values such as teamwork, discipline, strategic thinking, and physical fitness. The sport has also played a significant role in fostering international cooperation through major tournaments and leagues, including the Olympic Games, FIBA World Cup, and professional leagues around the world.
The observance of World Basketball Day serves as a reminder of basketball’s contribution to youth development, social inclusion, and healthy lifestyles. It also acknowledges the sport’s capacity to inspire millions, encourage community engagement, and act as a powerful medium for cultural exchange. Through this annual celebration, the enduring legacy and universal appeal of basketball are formally recognized.
2. India’s first nature-themed airport terminal has been built in
Answer : Guwahati
India’s First Nature-Themed Airport Terminal
India’s first nature-themed airport terminal has been constructed in Guwahati, Assam, representing a landmark achievement in environmentally conscious aviation infrastructure. Located at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, the terminal has been designed to harmonize modern airport facilities with the natural and cultural landscape of the Northeast region.
The architectural concept draws inspiration from Assam’s rich ecology, including its rivers, tea gardens, forests, and wildlife. Extensive use of natural light, open spaces, indoor greenery, and sustainable materials creates a calm and welcoming environment for passengers. The design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also reduces energy consumption and supports eco-friendly operations.
Beyond functionality, the terminal serves as a cultural showcase, incorporating regional art and design elements that reflect local traditions. This nature-themed terminal underscores India’s growing emphasis on sustainable development, passenger comfort, and regional identity, setting a new standard for future airport infrastructure projects across the country.
3. After the Bondi Beach attack, Australia announced a
Answer : Gun buyback scheme
Australia’s Gun Buyback Scheme After the Bondi Beach Attack
Following the tragic attack at Bondi Beach, the Australian government announced the introduction of a gun buyback scheme as part of its efforts to enhance public safety and prevent future incidents of armed violence. The decision underscored the country’s long-standing commitment to strict firearm regulation and responsible gun ownership.
Under the gun buyback scheme, individuals were encouraged to voluntarily surrender firearms in exchange for financial compensation. The primary objective of the initiative was to reduce the number of firearms in civilian circulation, particularly those that posed a higher risk to public security. Such schemes are widely regarded as effective tools for limiting access to weapons and lowering the likelihood of gun-related crimes.
The announcement also reflected Australia’s proactive approach to crisis response, focusing on preventive measures rather than reactive enforcement alone. By combining policy action with public participation, the gun buyback scheme reinforced the nation’s broader framework of law and order, emphasizing community safety, accountability, and social responsibility.
4. The Green Deposit Scheme has been launched in Meghalaya to control plastic pollution at
Answer : Ecotourism sites
Green Deposit Scheme in Meghalaya
The Green Deposit Scheme has been launched by the Government of Meghalaya as an innovative environmental initiative aimed at controlling plastic pollution at ecotourism sites across the state. This scheme reflects Meghalaya’s commitment to preserving its fragile ecosystems while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Under the Green Deposit Scheme, visitors to designated ecotourism destinations are required to pay a refundable deposit on plastic items they carry into these areas. The deposit is returned when tourists exit the site after ensuring that plastic waste is properly collected or brought back. This mechanism encourages responsible behavior among visitors and discourages littering in environmentally sensitive zones.
The initiative plays a crucial role in protecting Meghalaya’s natural landscapes, including waterfalls, caves, forests, and hill regions, which attract large numbers of tourists. By directly involving tourists in waste management, the scheme supports environmental conservation, strengthens eco-friendly tourism, and serves as a model for other regions seeking practical solutions to plastic pollution.
5. The National Conference of State PSC Chairpersons was held in
Answer : Hyderabad
National Conference of State PSC Chairpersons
The National Conference of State Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairpersons was held in Hyderabad, marking an important platform for dialogue and coordination among constitutional recruitment bodies across India. The conference brought together Chairpersons and senior officials of various State Public Service Commissions to deliberate on issues related to recruitment reforms, examination standards, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
The primary objective of the conference was to promote uniformity, integrity, and best practices in the functioning of State PSCs. Discussions focused on challenges faced in conducting competitive examinations, adoption of technology in recruitment processes, and measures to ensure fairness, credibility, and timely selection of candidates for public services.
By hosting the conference in Hyderabad, the event also highlighted the city’s role as a major administrative and institutional hub. Overall, the conference strengthened inter-state cooperation, encouraged knowledge sharing, and reaffirmed the constitutional mandate of Public Service Commissions in upholding merit-based governance and efficient public administration.
6. What percentage of Indian Railways’ broad gauge network has been electrified?
Answer : 99.2 percent
Electrification of Indian Railways’ Broad Gauge Network
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone by electrifying 99.2 percent of its broad gauge network, marking a major step in the modernization of the country’s transport infrastructure. This achievement reflects years of sustained investment and policy focus aimed at improving efficiency, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and promoting environmentally sustainable rail operations.
Railway electrification plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency by enabling faster, more reliable, and cost-effective train services. Electric traction reduces fuel expenditure, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes noise pollution compared to diesel locomotives. As a result, it contributes directly to India’s broader goals of energy security and climate responsibility.
The near-complete electrification of the broad gauge network also strengthens freight movement and passenger connectivity across regions, supporting economic growth and national integration. It positions Indian Railways as one of the world’s largest rail networks with extensive electrified coverage, underscoring its commitment to modern technology, sustainability, and long-term infrastructure development.