Daily GK Update- 21st Dec, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Post Launches Karnataka’s First Gen Z-Themed Post Office at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru: India Post unveiled Karnataka’s first Gen Z-themed post office at Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, aimed at engaging the younger generation and reimagining the role of post offices in the digital age.The post office includes colourful interiors, full Wi-Fi, selfie points, student-designed decor, reading areas, cafe-style seating, wellness spaces, and a physiotherapy lab, making it a social and functional hub for students.The initiative reflects India Post’s transition from traditional services like letters and money orders to digital banking, logistics, and e-commerce, showcasing its nationwide transformation to align with modern business models and youth engagement.

 

2. PM Unveils Assam Fertiliser Project for 2030 Commissioning: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for a ₹10,601-crore ammonia–urea fertiliser plant in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, marking a major industrial push for the northeast. The project, undertaken by the newly incorporated Assam Valley Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd (AVFCCL), aims to revive the region’s legacy of fertiliser production through modern, energy-efficient technology. The plant is being developed within the existing premises of Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Ltd. It will have an annual urea production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes. The government expects commissioning by 2030. Officials describe the project as a transformative step in strengthening India’s fertiliser security and reducing dependence on imports. The Centre states that the new facility will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Ancillary sectors, including repair services, logistics, and supply chains, are also expected to expand. Faster local production is projected to lower logistic costs and improve fertiliser availability for farmers across Assam and neighbouring states.

 

3. CSIR–CFTRI Advances Annatto Research and Post-Harvest Technologies: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has highlighted significant progress in annatto research and technology development through its constituent laboratory, the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR–CFTRI), Mysuru. These initiatives focus on value addition, post-harvest processing, and diversified food and non-food applications of annatto, a natural colourant crop with growing industrial relevance. CSIR–CFTRI undertook four Grant-in-Aid projects related to annatto research and development. Of these, three projects received funding from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, while one was supported by the Department of Biotechnology. In addition, the institute is a participant in the CSIR Mission Mode project “Bioresource Conservation & Prospection (CSIR-BioCap)”, which aims to develop Vitamin-E enriched annatto oil for food, cosmetic, and allied applications. The institute has developed and successfully demonstrated key post-harvest technologies for annatto. These include an annatto dye preparation process using batch-type percolation and counter-current extraction with selective solvents, followed by solvent recovery and vacuum dehydration to obtain crystal-like dye.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. MLFF Tolling System to Go Nationwide by End of 2026: The Union Government plans to complete the nationwide rollout of the multi-lane free flow (MLFF) tolling system along with artificial intelligence-based highway management by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to eliminate waiting time at toll plazas and significantly enhance travel efficiency on national highways. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed the Rajya Sabha that the MLFF system will allow vehicles to pass through toll points without stopping. The objective is to reduce waiting time at toll plazas to zero minutes. Under the new system, vehicles will be able to cross toll locations at speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and improved commuter convenience. The MLFF tolling mechanism will operate through an integrated technology framework. It will combine artificial intelligence-based number plate recognition, satellite tracking, and FASTag integration to automatically identify vehicles and deduct toll charges. This digital approach is designed to ensure seamless toll collection while minimising manual intervention and errors.

 

2. Singapore Changi Airport Named World’s Best International Airport 2025: Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the best international airport in the world for 2025 at India’s Best Awards, organised by Travel+Leisure. The recognition reflects strong global traveller preference, with readers ranking Changi highest for overall travel experience, comfort, and facilities among international airports. The honour was announced during the 14th edition of India’s Best Awards, which celebrates excellence across the global travel and hospitality sector. Winners are chosen through an online voting process involving readers from across the world. Categories span airports, airlines, hotels, cruises, and destinations, making the results a direct indicator of traveller satisfaction. Changi Airport’s top ranking highlights its consistent appeal to international passengers. Changi Airport was recognised for offering more than efficient connectivity. Its sky-lit terminals, indoor gardens, and open architectural design create a calm and spacious environment. 

 

3. PM Modi Pays Tribute at Adwa Victory Monument in Ethiopia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage at the Adwa Victory Monument in Addis Ababa, commemorating Ethiopia’s landmark victory in the 1896 Battle of Adwa. The visit highlighted India’s respect for Africa’s anti-colonial legacy and underscored the deepening strategic and historical ties between India and Ethiopia. The Battle of Adwa in 1896 marked a decisive Ethiopian victory over Italian colonial forces and became a powerful symbol of African resistance to colonial domination. It safeguarded Ethiopia’s sovereignty at a time when much of the continent was under foreign rule. The Adwa Victory Monument stands as a national and continental reminder of unity, courage, and self-determination, resonating far beyond Ethiopia’s borders. The Adwa Victory Monument is a modern commemorative complex that celebrates Ethiopia’s triumph and broader freedom struggles. It houses a museum displaying historical artefacts, weapons, and detailed dioramas depicting the battle. The complex also includes conference halls, an amphitheatre, and a library, serving as a centre for culture, research, and tourism. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi toured the Adwa Museum, where officials briefed him on Ethiopia’s history and the enduring relevance of the Adwa victory.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Operation Hawkeye Strike Targets ISIS in Syria: The United States has launched Operation Hawkeye Strike, a coordinated series of airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria. The action follows the killing of three Americans in a December attack in the Syrian desert and marks a significant escalation in US military retaliation against the extremist group. Washington has described the strikes as a direct response aimed at deterring further attacks on US personnel. The operation was prompted by a December 13 assault attributed to ISIS, which resulted in the deaths of two members of the Iowa National Guard and a US civilian interpreter. The victims were part of a broader American deployment operating alongside coalition forces in eastern Syria. Following confirmation of the attack, US officials blamed ISIS cells active in remote desert regions, despite sustained counter-terrorism pressure over recent years. Operation Hawkeye Strike involved advanced US air assets, including F-15 Eagle fighter jets, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, and AH-64 Apache helicopters. According to US officials, multiple ISIS strongholds were hit in precision strikes aimed at degrading leadership, logistics, and operational capabilities.

 

SPORTS

 

1. U19 Asia Cup Final: Pakistan Defeated India by 191 Runs: India suffered a crushing defeat against Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai, folding for just 156 while chasing a daunting target of 348. Pakistan’s emphatic 191-run victory sealed their first outright Men’s U19 Asia Cup title and marked a historic moment for their youth cricket programme.: Batting first, Pakistan Under-19 posted an imposing 347 for 8 in 50 overs. Opener Sameer Minhas delivered a sensational performance, smashing 172 off 113 balls. His innings included 17 fours and nine sixes, reflecting complete dominance over the Indian bowling attack. Pakistan maintained momentum throughout, refusing to allow India any sustained control in the field. India Under-19 began the chase with early intent, scoring 32 runs in the first two overs. However, the innings collapsed rapidly. India slumped to 49 for 3 inside five overs, losing both openers and the number three batter cheaply. The required run rate and relentless pressure proved too much, with wickets falling at regular intervals and no meaningful partnerships forming.

 

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MY Bharat Launches Dedicated Portal for Republic Day Celebrations–2026 Youth Competitions: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through the MY Bharat Portal, has launched a special webpage to host national-level youth competitions as part of Republic Day Celebrations–2026.The initiative includes Essay Writing, Painting, and Slogan/Signature competitions, aimed at fostering patriotism, creativity, and civic engagement among youth nationwide.Prize money has been announced for top performers, and selected participants will get an opportunity to attend and take part in the Republic Day Celebrations–2026 Parade.

 

2. James Webb Discovers Lemon-Shaped Exoplanet Near Pulsar: The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed one of the most extreme and unusual worlds ever detected beyond the Solar System. Located about 2,000 light-years from Earth, the exoplanet PSR J2322-2650b displays a striking lemon-like shape, challenging long-held assumptions about planetary structure and survival in hostile cosmic environments. PSR J2322-2650b orbits a millisecond pulsar, the ultra-dense remnant of a collapsed star. Unlike typical planets that circle luminous stars, this world revolves around an object roughly the mass of the Sun but compressed to the size of a city. The planet completes one orbit in just 7.8 hours at a distance of nearly one million miles, exposing it to intense gravity and relentless radiation. The close orbit subjects the Jupiter-sized planet to extreme heating. Observations indicate temperatures of about 3,700°F on the side facing the pulsar, while the far side remains near 1,200°F. These enormous temperature differences and gravitational forces stretch the planet along its orbit, producing its distinctive lemon-like appearance through powerful tidal deformation.

 

3. BlueBird Satellite Launch Set for December 24: India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM-3 is set to place a major US commercial satellite into orbit on December 24, marking another milestone in the country’s expanding role in global space commerce. The mission will be executed by NewSpace India Limited under a commercial agreement, highlighting India’s growing credibility as a launch service provider for high-mass foreign satellites. Indian Space Research Organisation has confirmed that the LVM3-M6 mission will lift off at 8.54 am from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The mission was initially planned for mid-December but was rescheduled to December 24 following internal readiness assessments. The launch will place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, also referred to as BlueBird-6, into low Earth orbit. NewSpace India Limited is responsible for executing the launch under a commercial contract. While the PSLV has historically been India’s workhorse for foreign satellite launches, the LVM-3 has emerged as a platform for heavier payloads. Its commercial debut in 2022 demonstrated India’s capability to launch satellites weighing well over five tonnes, expanding its addressable market in the global launch sector.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI to Sign €150 Million Credit Line with KfW for Climate-Friendly Energy Projects: SBI will sign a €150 million credit line with KfW, Germany’s development bank, in Frankfurt to finance climate-friendly energy generation projects.The facility, structured as Phase-2 of the SBI–KfW arrangement, will see SBI act as the lending intermediary for eligible projects aligned with climate and sustainability goals.The funds are intended for renewable and low-emission energy projects, supporting India’s climate objectives through long-term development financing.

 

2. Amazon Pay Launches UPI Biometric Authentication for Faster, PIN-Free Transactions: Amazon Pay introduces UPI Biometric Authentication, allowing users to approve UPI transactions using fingerprint or face recognition without entering a PIN.The feature covers transactions up to ₹5,000 across Amazon Pay UPI services, including peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, in-store QR payments, and balance checks.Biometric authentication is linked to the user’s device, ensuring added security as biometric data cannot be shared, while simplifying and speeding up payments.Early adoption shows strong acceptance, with over 90% of users opting for biometric verification, currently available for Android devices, aiming to make digital payments faster and more convenient.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Air India Retains Best Domestic Airline Title at Travel + Leisure Awards 2025: Air India has been named Best Domestic Airline at the Travel + Leisure India and South Asia’s Best Awards 2025 for the second consecutive year, based on reader votes reflecting passenger feedback.The award highlights Air India’s focus on comfort, service quality, and consistency, and acknowledges the efforts of frontline staff delivering services across airports and onboard flights.In 2026, Air India is set to receive six new widebody aircraft (B787-9 and A350-1000), with plans for 96% of narrowbody fleet and nearly 60% of widebody fleet to be new or upgraded by the end of 2026.Customer-Centric Improvements: The airline continues to focus on gradual operational enhancements as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen customer experience and overall service quality.

 

2. Haryana Assembly Honours Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom Year: The Haryana Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to commemorate the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the first day of its winter session in Chandigarh. The resolution reflected collective respect for the Ninth Sikh Guru, revered for his supreme sacrifice in defence of truth, religious freedom, and human dignity. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life represents the moral conscience of Indian civilisation and its refusal to bow before injustice. Addressing the House, the chief minister recalled that the proposal for state-wide observance of the 350th martyrdom year had earlier been approved unanimously on August 25. He said the commemoration was not merely ceremonial but rooted in Haryana’s commitment to honour spiritual and historical legacies that shaped the nation’s values. Members across party lines endorsed the resolution, underlining the Guru’s universal relevance beyond religious boundaries.