Daily Current Affairs: 23-12-2025 | Prelims Focus

Correct answer: B
Notes: The Artemis III mission successfully achieved its primary objective by executing a historic crewed landing at the Moon’s South Pole. This landmark event saw astronauts conducting extensive geological surveys and sampling, specifically targeting regions believed to contain significant water ice. The South Pole is of critical interest due to the potential presence of this valuable resource, which could be utilized for potable water, breathable air, and rocket fuel, thereby enabling sustainable long-term human presence on the Moon and serving as a crucial stepping stone for future deep-space missions to Mars. This achievement represents a monumental leap in humanity’s endeavor to explore and eventually colonize celestial bodies.

Correct answer: C
Notes: The COP30 summit, held in Brasília, concluded with a landmark agreement among participating nations to accelerate the phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. This commitment aims to redirect financial support towards renewable energy sources and sustainable alternatives, reflecting a global consensus on the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. The agreement emphasizes a just transition, ensuring that developing nations receive adequate financial and technological support to make this shift without compromising their economic growth. This marks a pivotal moment in international climate policy, signaling a stronger collective effort towards achieving net-zero emissions targets and fostering a greener global economy.

Correct answer: B
Notes: The Union Cabinet’s approval of the “National Green Hydrogen Mission 2.0” underscores India’s ambitious vision to become a world leader in green hydrogen. This enhanced mission focuses on scaling up green hydrogen production capacity, creating a robust ecosystem for its domestic utilization across various sectors like fertilizers, refining, and steel, and ultimately positioning India as a significant exporter. It involves significant investments in research and development, pilot projects, and infrastructure development to reduce production costs and facilitate widespread adoption. This strategic initiative is crucial for India’s energy security, decarbonization goals, and achieving its long-term climate commitments, fostering job creation and economic growth in the process.

Correct answer: B
Notes: A significant breakthrough in medical science has been announced, involving the successful application of CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop a potential cure for certain forms of inherited blindness, specifically Retinitis Pigmentosa. Clinical trials have shown promising results where the precise gene-editing tool corrects the genetic mutations responsible for the progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina. This advancement represents a beacon of hope for millions affected by genetic eye disorders, potentially restoring vision or preventing further loss. The research highlights the transformative power of gene therapy and CRISPR, paving the way for treating other inherited conditions and revolutionizing personalized medicine.

Correct answer: C
Notes: The “Festival of Heritage Crafts,” recently launched with great fanfare in Jaipur, is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of India’s rich tradition of artisan skills and handicrafts. The festival brings together master craftsmen and artisans from across the country, showcasing intricate techniques in textiles, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, and more. Its primary objectives are to provide a platform for these traditional art forms to thrive, encourage the exchange of knowledge between generations, and ensure economic sustenance for the artisan communities. By celebrating and revitalizing these crafts, the festival plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s tangible cultural heritage and fostering its global appreciation.