Daily Current Affairs: SSB, Bharat Taxi & Science Updates

📅 Date: 22 December 2025 (Monday)

Important News and Articles: 22 December 2025

Welcome to your Monday briefing. Today we cover India's border security, a new government-backed taxi service, and critical updates in science and environment. Let's get started.

1. Defence: Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Raising Day

The Prime Minister recently extended greetings to the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel. Their Raising Day is observed on 20 December.

        🛡️ About SSB:
        Established: 15 March 1963 (Post 1962 Sino-Indian War).
Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (It is a CAPF).
Mandate: To guard India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Role: Preventing smuggling, illegal immigration, and fostering security in border communities.

    

2. Governance: Bharat Taxi Initiative

The Government of India has launched the Bharat Taxi Initiative, a first-of-its-kind cooperative-driven ride-hailing service.

Launched by: Ministry of Cooperation & NeGD.
Unique Model: Unlike private aggregators (Uber/Ola), this is a driver-owned cooperative. Drivers become shareholders.
Key Features:
- Zero Commission: Full fare goes to the driver.
- No Surge Pricing: Predictable fares for customers.
- Integration: Linked with DigiLocker and UMANG.

3. Health Alert: Candida auris (C. auris)

Candida auris is making headlines as a concerning fungal pathogen.

What is it? A multi-drug-resistant fungus.
Risk Factor: It spreads mostly in healthcare settings (hospitals/ICUs).
Symptoms: Fever and chills that do not go away with antibiotics.
Mortality: High mortality rate (30-60%).

🧬 Science Short: Autophagy
Researchers have found new insights into Autophagy.
Definition: It is the body's cellular recycling system. Cells clear out damaged parts and repurpose them. It is crucial for preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s and Cancer.

4. Economy: Competition Commission of India (CCI)

The CCI recently took note of flight disruptions involving IndiGo.

Nature: Statutory Body (Competition Act, 2002).
Goal: Eliminate anti-competitive practices and protect consumer interests.
Structure: 1 Chairperson + 6 Members (Appointed by Central Govt).
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

5. Environment & Tech Snippets

🌍 Kavachi Volcano

Location: South Pacific Ocean.
Type: Submarine (Undersea) volcano. It is one of the few active volcanoes visible above water during eruptions.

🐅 Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

Location: Chhattisgarh.
Key River: Mahanadi River.
Forest Type: Tropical dry and moist deciduous.

🚀 Dark Eagle Missile

Country: United States.
Type: Hypersonic, non-nuclear ground-launched missile system.

📈 Bihar @ 2047 Vision Conclave

Held in Bengaluru, the Bihar government is organizing this to attract investors and ensure "Ease of Doing Business" to reduce migration and boost the state's economy by 2047.

Stay updated! Focus on the "Bharat Taxi" features and "SSB Mandate" for your upcoming exams.

Important News and Articles: 22 December 2025