Daily Current Affairs Quiz: December 23, 2025

Notes:
Chillai Kalan is a 40-day period of the harshest winter cold in Kashmir, starting 21 December and ending 30 January. The term Chillai Kalan comes from Persian, meaning “Major Cold.” It is followed by Chillai-Khurd (Small Cold) for 20 days from 31 January–19 February, and Chillai-Bacha (Baby Cold) for 10 days from 20 February–2 March. This period brings widespread snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and strong cold waves in Kashmir. Heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan recharges water reservoirs, supporting rivers, lakes and streams in summer.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu launched a conservation initiative to protect the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in the Cauvery River delta due to habitat loss and rising human–wildlife conflict. The programme will estimate population, map habitats, study threats like pollution, dams and pesticides, and restore habitats through reeds planting and fish ladders. Otters live in bevvies of 4–12, communicate with whistles and chirps, and control freshwater ecosystems by feeding on fish. Their numbers fell due to dams, contaminated water, plastic pollution, and loss of prey. It is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Notes:
Noida golfer Sukhman Singh won the IGU (Indian Golf Union) 124th Amateur Golf Championship of India, the world’s longest-running amateur matchplay event. He defeated Harman Sachdeva with a commanding 7UP lead after 29 holes of the 36-hole final. Sukhman went all square till the 6th, then 4UP after 12 holes and 2UP after 18 holes, maintaining pressure with strong driving and putting.

Notes:
Oman introduced its first polymer one-rial banknote, to start circulation on 11 January 2026. It is issued by the Central Bank of Oman, replacing traditional cotton-based notes with durable polymer for longer life and better security. The note size is 145 × 76 mm and showcases Oman’s cultural and economic identity. Front side features the Oman Botanic Garden, symbolising commitment to natural heritage. Rear side shows Sayyid Tariq bin Taimur Cultural Complex, Duqm Port and Refinery, highlighting cultural and economic progress. The polymer notes will circulate alongside existing one-rial notes and remain legal tender.

Notes:
The commemorative programme “Shunya Se Shatak: Ek Shatabdi Atal Bharat Ki” was held in Indore to mark Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth centenary. It celebrated Vajpayee’s leadership legacy, commitment to sustainable development, and environmental protection. A statue of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai was unveiled at the Daily College campus, reflecting India’s administrative and cultural heritage. The programme embodied the vision of “Atal Bharat”, stressing good governance, development, national pride, and environmental jurisprudence