Daily Current Affairs Quiz21&22 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Hornbill Population Survey Source: TH Context: Tamil Nadu forest authorities are planning an extensive survey to determine hornbill populations across forest landscapes, beginning late December 2025 and continuing till March/April 2026. Hornbill A hornbill is a large, striking bird found mainly in tropical and subtropical forests of Asia and Africa, known for its long curved bill and the distinctive casque (helmet-like structure) on top. Ecological Importance Hornbills are called “farmers of the forest” because they disperse seeds over large areas, helping forests regenerate. IUCN Status of Hornbills (Major Species) Hornbills as a group fall under different IUCN categories depending on the species. Below are the important hornbill species (India & Asia focused) with their current IUCN Red List status: Hornbill Species IUCN Status Great Hornbill Vulnerable (VU) Indian Grey Hornbill Least Concern (LC) Malabar Pied Hornbill Near Threatened (NT) Rhinoceros Hornbill Vulnerable (VU) Oriental Pied Hornbill Least Concern (LC) Narcondam Hornbill Endangered (EN) Why Some Hornbills Are Threatened 2. India & Netherlands sign MoU on Maritime Heritage Cooperation Source: ET Context: India and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in maritime heritage, particularly supporting the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. Objectives of the MoU About NMHC, Lothal 3. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Report Context: India has emerged as the world’s top doping offender for the third consecutive year, according to the latest World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report — a troubling sign for a nation with rising sporting ambitions. The Indian Express editorial argues that the problem is no longer about individual athletes but a deep cultural and structural failure in Indian sport. What the numbers show About World Anti-Doping Agency The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an independent international organization established in 1999 to promote, coordinate, and monitor the global fight against doping in sports.Headquarters: Montreal, CanadaMandate: Ensure fair play, athlete health, and integrity of sports worldwide. 4. Private Member Bills (PMBs) Source: Business Standard Context: The recent introduction of several Private Member Bills (PMBs) — on issues such as digital harms, workplace rights, and voting freedom — has renewed focus on their role in India’s legislative system. What is a Private Member Bill? A Private Member Bill is a bill introduced in Parliament by any MP who is not a Minister. Relevant Constitutional Articles Article 107 – Ordinary Bills Article 109 – Money Bills Article 110 – Definition of Money Bill Article 117 – Financial Bills Article 118 – Rules of Procedure Private Member Bill vs Government Bill (Constitutional Angle) Aspect Private Member Bill Government Bill Article applicable Art. 107 Art. 107 Introduced by Non-Minister MP Minister Money Bill (Art. 109, 110) Financial Bill (Art. 117) Rules governed by Art. 118 Art. 118 5. Good Governance Week 2025 – ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ Context: Good Governance Week 2025 has been launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and will be observed from 19–25 December 2025.Guidelines for the observance were released by DARPG Secretary Rachna Shah. What is Good Governance Week? 6. GI-Tagged Indi Lime from Karnataka Enters Oman Market Why important: Enhances farmers’ income, market diversification, and brand India for horticulture. 7. Sujal Gram Samvad – 2nd Edition Impact: Strengthens participatory water governance and course-correction. 8. India’s First Dedicated Forest University – Gorakhpur (UP) Why it matters: Builds human capital for biodiversity conservation and green jobs. Banking/Finance 1. RBI Slaps ₹61.95 Lakh Penalty on Kotak Mahindra Bank Source: ET Why in News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.95 lakh on Kotak Mahindra Bank for non-compliance with regulatory norms, detected during a supervisory inspection. About the Penalty Regulatory Violations Identified The RBI found non-compliance with norms related to: Legal Basis 2. SEBI group to Review Non-Agri Commodity Derivatives Source: TH Context: SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced that the regulator will form a working group to review India’s non-agricultural commodity derivatives segment. The group will be notified soon. Objective: What are Non-Agri Commodity Derivatives? Non-Agricultural (Non-Agri) Commodity Derivatives are financial contracts whose value is derived from non-farm commodities such as metals and energy products. These contracts are traded on commodity exchanges for price discovery and risk management (hedging). Major Categories of Non-Agri Commodities Types of Derivative Instruments Where are They Traded in India? Regulator Agriculture 1. Reforming the Fertiliser Subsidy in India Source: IE Why in News? Amid ongoing economic reforms, economists have urged the government to urgently restructure India’s fertiliser subsidy regime due to rising fiscal burden, nutrient imbalance, and environmental concerns. What is the Fertiliser Subsidy? Why is the Subsidy Needed in India? Key Challenges with the Existing Regime Way Forward Facts To Remember 1. Sreenivasan: Master Satirist Who Made Malayalam Cinema Laugh, Think, and Change Sreenivasan, the versatile actor, screenwriter, and director who shaped the conscience of Malayalam cinema through razor-sharp satire and humane humour, passed away in Kochi on Saturday at the age of 69. 2. Eggs safe for use; cancer risk claims unfounded: FSSAI The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stated that the eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption and that recent claims linking eggs to cancer risk are misleading, scientifically unsupported, and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm. 3. Indigenous duck varieties return to Kuttanad after bird flu setback Three indigenous duck breeds that were nearly wiped out in last year’s bird flu outbreak have made a strong comeback in the Kuttanad wetlands, Kerala. Key Varieties Restored: 4. Armenia Unveils COP17 Logo – ‘Yerevan Blue Butterfly’ 5. India at 11th UNAOC, Riyadh 6. ADB Commits USD 4.26 bn to India (2025) Takeaway: Accelerates India’s clean energy and urban transformation. 7. India Assumes BRICS Presidency 2026 8. Bhopal joins India’s metro network: Orange Line begins operations Bhopal became the 26th Indian city with metro services as commercial operations commenced on the Orange Line priority corridor on December 21, 2025. The launch marks a major upgrade in public