Daily Current Affairs MCQs: 22nd December 2025 with solutions Attempt Free

The Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025 aims to consolidate three existing laws into a single code, thus simplifying the regulatory framework governing securities markets in India. This consolidation is intended to enhance clarity, improve investor protection, and create a more business-friendly environment.

The SMC Bill proposes to increase the SEBI board's size from 9 to 15 members. This change is aimed at enhancing governance and bringing in diverse expertise, thus improving the overall regulatory framework in India's securities market.

During the period from 2010 to 2020, train collisions were a significant contributor to elephant fatalities, with 186 elephants reported to have died as a result. This highlights the dangers posed by linear transport infrastructure, which fragments habitats and increases the risk of such incidents.

Regulatory capture occurs when regulatory agencies, like the DGCA in this case, act in the interest of the industry they regulate instead of prioritizing public safety and welfare. This is evident from the delays and selective relaxations that favored IndiGo, leading to serious operational issues.

The funding model for MGNREGA has shifted from uncapped funding to predetermined budget allocations. This change restricts the number of employment days available under the scheme, which undermines its effectiveness and the original intent of providing a legal guarantee of work.

One of the key pillars of India's economic strategy with Africa is to reduce trade barriers through preferential trade agreements. By engaging with regional communities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), India aims to enhance market access for its exporters.

Introducing data exclusivity in the pharmaceutical sector could lead to increased costs for consumers by delaying the entry of affordable generic medicines into the market. This is particularly concerning for low-income populations who rely on generics for their healthcare needs.

The Tamil Nadu government has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Jallikattu to ensure public safety and animal welfare while adhering to legal guidelines. This move aims to balance the sport's cultural significance with contemporary ethical standards regarding animal treatment.

The shift to a risk-based deposit insurance premium model links the cost of insurance to a bank's financial soundness and risk profile. This change encourages better governance and risk management practices among banks, aiming to enhance overall financial stability.

Infrastructure development, such as railways and roads, leads to the fragmentation of elephant habitats. This restricts their access to essential resources like food and water, increasing stress and health issues within the elephant population, thereby threatening their survival.