Day: December 22, 2025

Human-wildlife conflict: Bhupender Yadav chairs meetings to review measures

The Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, Bhupender Yadav, convened high-level meetings at the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve to discuss policies to overcome human-wildlife conflict and to strengthen conservation initiatives. The 28th National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) meeting and the 22nd Steering Committee meeting of the Project Elephant brought together officials, scientists and experts to discuss progress in protecting tigers and elephants and in mitigating human-tiger and human-elephant conflict. Minister Yadav also stressed science-based management, inclusion of people in planning, inter-state organisation, and landscape planning as components of national wildlife conservation efforts.

Bhupender Yadav Reviews Human-Wildlife Conflict Measures in Key Meetings

  • Classified meetings on the strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and nature conservation were chaired by the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav at the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.

  • It was a meeting between the officials, scientists, and the field experts in the 28 th National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) meeting and 22 nd Steering Committee of Project Elephant.

  • The strategy of science-based management, plans at a landscape level, community involvement, and interstate coordination were discussed.

  • Some of the policies to control human-tiger conflict, such as the three-pronged approach and the external reserve tiger management, were emphasised.

  • The meetings analysed human-elephant conflict drivers, compensation mechanisms and mitigation studies.

  • Along with such decisions as approval of conservation plans, Project Cheetah expansion, addition of prey, and landscape planning were made.

  • This was focused on the use of scientific methods of action and the alignment of efforts to minimise the wars within the country.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of India (PYQs)

Year Exam Question Answer
2018 NDA What is the correct south-to-north order of Bhadra, Simlipal, Pachmarhi, and Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuaries? Bhadra → Simlipal → Pachmarhi → Shikari Devi
2021 UPSC Prelims Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is the oldest waterbird sanctuary in India. True or False? Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary was established in 1936 and is the oldest wildlife sanctuary in India.
2022 SSC CGL In which state is Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary located? Karnataka — Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1951.
2023 SSC CGL What is the status of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary? Ramsar site — Vedanthangal is designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
2024 UPSC / State PSC Which wildlife sanctuary in Rajasthan was established in 1983? Bhensrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary — established in 1983.
2025 SSC MTS Oussudu Bird Sanctuary in Puducherry was established in which year? 2008 — Oussudu Bird Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Puducherry.
2025 UPSC Prelims Barela Bird Sanctuary in Bihar was established in which year? 1997 — Barela Bird Sanctuary was declared on 28 January 1997.

Read More: 

Conclusion (Human-wildlife conflict)

Human-wildlife conflict is a great problem for conservation and social security. The analysis of the mitigation strategies by Minister Bhupender Yadav demonstrates the significance of science-oriented management, participation of communities, and inter-state collaboration. Appropriate policies such as habitat management and the compensation of conflicts are very important to ensure protection of the wildlife and human populations, as well as sustainable coexistence.

Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Indian Woman to Cross 4,000 T20I Runs

On December 21, 2025, Smriti Mandhana made cricket history of the cricket when she became the first Indian woman to pass the 4,000-run mark in Women's T20 Internationals when she scored more than 4,000 in the first T20I match against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam. This remarkable record in the profitable pursuit of India was obtained through the skill of the graceful left opener, whose strength and success in the slightest sport. Having attained this, Mandhana became the first Indian female to cross the 4,000-run mark in the game and the second woman in the world to do so, after New Zealand's Suzie Bates. Her historical achievement highlights her position as a great pillar of the Indian batting team.

Cricket Journey of Smriti Mandhana

  • Internationally debuted in 2013, representing India, and displayed a lot of confidence at a tender age.

  • Was made an opening batter in all forms as a result of steady performances.

  • Became a global sensation and won the 2017 Women’s World Cup with game-winning performances.

  • Her popular style was a graceful left-handed change of batting with an aggressive swing of the bat.

  • Became the first Indian woman to hit centuries in two ODIs and twenties.

  • Raised as an Indian woman, team vice-captain, which shows the aspect of being a leader.

  • Several ICC awards and nominations for excellent performances.

  • In 2025, the 4,000 cross T20I runs marked history in Indian women's cricket.

Complete Current Affairs 2025-26 Batch by Bhunesh sir

PYQs Based Questions on Smriti Mandhana

Year Exam Question Answer
2017 SSC CGL Which Indian women's cricket player scored a century in the Women’s World Cup 2017 semifinal? Smriti Mandhana
2018 SSC CHSL Who became the youngest Indian woman to score a T20I fifty? Smriti Mandhana
2019 UPSC Prelims Which Indian woman cricketer won the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award? Smriti Mandhana
2021 State PCS Who is the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team? Smriti Mandhana
2022 SSC GD Which Indian woman cricketer plays as a left-handed opener? Smriti Mandhana
2023 Railway Group D Smriti Mandhana is associated with which sport? Cricket
2024 SSC MTS Who was the first Indian woman to score a T20I century? Smriti Mandhana

Read Also: 

Expected MCQs for Upcoming Exams about Smiriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana crossed the 4,000 T20I run mark against which team?

A) England

B) Australia

C) Sri Lanka

D) South Africa

Correct Answer: C) Sri Lanka

Explanation: She reached the landmark during a T20I match against Sri Lanka.

Smriti Mandhana bats with which batting style in international cricket?

A) Right-handed

B) Left-handed

C) Switch-hit

D) Ambidextrous

Correct Answer: B) Left-handed

Explanation: Mandhana is known for her elegant left-handed opening batting.

Smriti Mandhana became only the second woman globally to reach 4,000 T20I runs after whom?

A) Meg Lanning

B) Alyssa Healy

C) Suzie Bates

D) Ellyse Perry

Correct Answer: C) Suzie Bates

Explanation: New Zealand’s Suzie Bates was the first woman to reach the 4,000-run mark in T20Is.
 

Conclusion (Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Indian to Cross 4,000)

The history of Indian cricket is hit as Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman to reach 4,000 runs in Women's T20 Internationals. It portrays her ultimate uniformity, talent, and perseverance, and makes women who are yet to make the mark in the field of cricket have more goals and to excel in the international arena.

EU Leaders To Be Chief Guests As Republic Day Celebrations Highlight Vande Mataram Theme

On January 26, 2026, India will observe the 77th Republic Day, with a special Vande Mataram theme featuring performances and a flypast across the country. At the Republic Day parade in Delhi, the top leadership of the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, will be chief guests in a historic diplomatic move, marking the first time Europeans have been invited to such a renowned national occasion. Their presence underscores India's enhanced participation in the EU as well as the rest of the world.

Vande Mataram Theme Marks Republic Day 2026 with EU Guests

  • The celebrations of Republic Day 2026 in India are based on the theme of Vande Mataram, or the national song symbolising patriotic meaning.

  • This is going to be the theme of the main parade on Kartavya Path, Delh,i on 26 January 2026.

  • The planned programme includes a mass torch relay as well as a special flypast.

  • The top leaders of the European Union will be invited as chief guests, a gesture of historicity in terms of diplomacy.

  • The expectant participants in the parade are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

  • In order to mirror the theme, schools, military bands, and national cadet corps will take their performance throughout the country.

  • The festivals highlight the cultural pride of India and international outreach to other countries.

Complete Current Affairs 2025-26 Batch by Bhunesh sir

History of Chief Guests As Republic Day Celebrations

  • The custom of having a chief guest dates back to 1950, when the President of Indonesia, Sukarno, was the first person to be a chief guest.

  • India has seen a host of leaders of numerous countries being invited to boost its diplomatic relationship.

  • The most frequent invitations have been to Indonesia, with four of the eight presidents of Indonesia being invited.

  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the main guest in 2025.

  • There have been several separate visits to French leaders as well.

Previous Year-Based Questions of Chief Guests As Republic Day

Year Exam Question Answer
2024 SSC MTS Who was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950? Sukarno, President of Indonesia.
2019 SSC GD / MPPSC Who was the chief guest at India’s 2019 Republic Day? Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa.
2017 RRB ALP (PYCT) Who was the chief guest at India’s 68th Republic Day? Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
2025 Various GK Who was the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day? Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia.
2024 Current Affairs Which country’s leader was the chief guest at Republic Day 2024? Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

Read Also: 

Conclusion 

The leaders of the EU countries, as leading guests in the Republic Day 2026, with the motif of Vande Mataram reflects the Indian will to promote diplomatic contacts and mark its culture. The festivals are characterised by patriotism, cohesion, and increased interaction of India with the rest of the world, which leads to pride and cross-border cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The current affairs cover recent national and international events related to UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PCS.

You need to read about the current affairs daily, and revise them every week and every month to keep them longer in your memory.

Yes, Class24 provides free downloadable Daily Current Affairs PDFs for easy revision.

Yes, you can practice MCQs and quizzes to boost your exam preparation.

Absolutely. The content is written in simple, easy-to-understand bilingual language suitable for beginners.

Go to class24.com and click on the current affairs section directly, where you find everything that you need.

ssc-toppers

Start Learning Today with Class24

Related current affairs

Class24 offers free video lectures for smart preparation, covering CGL, CPO, CHSL, MTS, and GD exams. Learn from expert faculty, revise concepts easily, practice with PYQs, and improve speed and accuracy through high-quality, exam-focused video lessons anytime, anywhere.

Get success in your hand. Start study anytime anywhere.

The journey becomes simple and enjoyable when you start taking interest in it. And through our app “Class24”, we will be your trusted partners in developing that interest.

Daily Quizzes
Mock Tests
Ongoing

No ongoing tests right now.