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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 January 2026

Content Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project — Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough Galaxy Frogs in the Western Ghats Financial & Cyber Fraud Losses in India How AWD helps rice farmers cut methane Sacred Piprahwa Relics Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project — Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough Why in News ? The first mountain tunnel breakthrough of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project has been completed in Palghar district, Maharashtra. The breakthrough took place in the 1.5-km MT-5 tunnel between Virar and Boisar stations — the longest among the seven mountain tunnels in Maharashtra. The achievement was announced by the Railway Minister, who also stated that India’s first bullet train is likely to be operational by 15 August 2027. Relevance GS-III | Infrastructure — Transport & Economic Development High-speed rail, engineering milestones, tunnel construction, technology transfer GS-II | Governance — Public Investment & Centre–State Coordination Execution capacity, employment generation, regional connectivity Basics — About the MAHSR (Bullet Train) Project Route length: 508 km (Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor). Technology: Based on Japan’s Shinkansen high-speed rail system. Executing agency: NHSRCL (National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd.). Design speed: 320 kmph. Travel time after completion: ~1 hour 58 minutes (end-to-end). Key Tunnel Facts  Total tunnel length on corridor:27.4 km 21 km underground tunnels 6.4 km surface tunnels Mountain tunnels (total): 8 7 tunnels in Maharashtra → combined length ~6.05 km 1 tunnel in Gujarat → 350 m MT-5 (current breakthrough): Length ~1.5 km — longest mountain tunnel in the State section Location: between Virar & Boisar Constructed from both ends Completed in ~18 months Technique: Drill-and-Blast method (cutting-edge blasting & excavation) Project Significance  Connectivity impact Travel time reduction → ~1 hr 58 min vs 6–7 hrs currently (by train). Integration of Mumbai–Thane–Palghar–Vapi–Surat–Vadodara–Ahmedabad economic clusters. Employment & ancillary effects Construction-led jobs, supply-chain and materials ecosystem growth. Technology & capacity building Transfer of tunnelling, viaduct, and high-speed systems expertise to Indian firms. Construction & Engineering Highlights Twin-end excavation improved speed and stability. Mountain-geology tunnelling requires: Controlled blasting Ventilation & muck disposal systems Rock-support lining & monitoring instrumentation Breakthrough marks sequential completion milestone before lining, track works, systems and safety testing. Galaxy Frogs in the Western Ghats  Why in News ? A recent study reports that 7 of the world’s rarest frogs — the Galaxy Frogs (Melanobatrachus indicus) — are now presumed dead, likely due to disturbance caused by uncontrolled photo-tourism in the Kerala Western Ghats. The findings were published in Herpetology Notes (Dec 2025). Researchers observed that photographers trampled habitat, displaced logs, and stressed the frogs, disrupting breeding and survival. Relevance GS-III | Environment & Biodiversity Endemic amphibians, Western Ghats hotspot, species vulnerability, IUCN status GS-III | Conservation Governance Ecotourism regulation, habitat protection, community monitoring Basics — About the Galaxy Frog Scientific name: Melanobatrachus indicus Family: Micrixalidae Habitat: Exclusively under rotten logs in evergreen & shola forests of the Western Ghats (Kerala) Size: ~2–3.5 cm Appearance: Black skin with blue speckles resembling a galaxy / starfield First described: 1878 Population traits: Rarely sighted Low reproductive visibility Vulnerable to disturbance IUCN Status: Vulnerable (already at high extinction risk) Key Findings of the Study  Study authors: K. P. Rajkumar, Benjamin Tapley, Jyoti Das, Sandeep Das, etc. Habitat monitoring between 2019–2025 in Mathikettan Shola National Park region. Seven individuals earlier identified → no longer found after repeated visits. Logs under which frogs lived were removed or displaced, vegetation trampled. Covid-19 lockdown pause → followed by mass influx of photographers after reopening. Frogs were handled, moved, and exposed to high-powered strobes & macro-lighting. Researchers conclude: behavioural disruption + micro-habitat loss → likely mortality. Drivers of Threat  Photo-tourism disturbance (primary trigger) Habitat trampling Log displacement Flash exposure & handling stress Other long-term pressures Forest conversion → agriculture, fuelwood extraction, land-slides Micro-habitat fragmentation Limited range + low detectability The case illustrates how “enthusiast photography” without regulation can become a biodiversity threat in micro-habitat-dependent species. Ecological Significance Part of Western Ghats endemic amphibian diversity hotspot. Amphibians = key bio-indicators of ecosystem health (moisture, soil, micro-habitats). Loss of such species → signals stress in montane forest ecology. Broader Conservation Concerns Highlighted Rise of unchecked nature-tourism in fragile habitats. Lack of: Visitor regulation & monitoring Ethical wildlife photography protocols Awareness among hobbyist groups “Rare-species chasing” → creates crowd pressure on single micro-sites. Policy & Governance Implications Need for strict micro-habitat protection norms in Protected Areas. Introduce: Permit-controlled access to amphibian sites No-touch / no-flash photography guidelines Training for guides & photographers Habitat-sensitive ecotourism zoning Strengthen community-based reporting & monitoring with forest departments. Way Forward — Conservation Priorities Species Recovery Plan for Melanobatrachus indicus Long-term population surveys & camera-free monitoring Citizen-science ethics code for herpetology & macro-photography Integrate amphibian conservation into Western Ghats biodiversity management plans Financial & Cyber Fraud Losses in India   Why in News ? Data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), MHA and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) shows that Indians lost ~₹52,976 crore to fraud and cheating cases over the last six years (2019–2025). Losses surged sharply in 2025, reflecting the growing scale of online scams, investment traps, phishing, impersonation frauds, digital lending scams and cyber-cheating. Maharashtra recorded the highest losses in 2025, followed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. Relevance GS-III | Economy & Internal Security Cyber-crime trends, financial fraud ecosystems, digital-payment vulnerabilities GS-II | Governance & Policy Implementation Role of I4C, NCRP-1930 helpline, RBI safeguards, inter-agency coordination Basics — What Counts as Fraud & Cheating in the Data Includes offences such as: Investment scams, phishing & OTP frauds Loan app scams, identity theft, mule accounts Dating / job / crypto scams, e-commerce frauds Banking & card frauds, impersonation / spoofing Cases reported through: NCRP portal (1930 helpline) Citizen Financial Fraud Reporting & Management System Key Data & Trends (2019–2025) Total losses (6 years): ~₹52,976 crore to fraud & cheating. 2025 (sharp escalation): Losses: ₹18,819.26 crore Complaints: 21,77,524 cheating-related cases 2024 (comparison): Losses: ₹22,849.49 crore recovered? (article notes ~19,188.52 lakh complaints — indicates high case load but lower loss reporting) State-wise (2025 — top five): Maharashtra — ₹7,432.6 crore loss; 13,10361 complaints Karnataka — ₹2,413 crore; 21,32,828 complaints Tamil Nadu — ₹1,897 crore; 12,39,203 complaints Uttar Pradesh — ₹1,443 crore; 27,52,640 complaints Telangana — ₹1,372 crore; 9,50,000 complaints Other states Gujarat — ₹1,312.6 crore loss Delhi — ₹1,163 crore West Bengal — ₹1,073.89 crore (high vulnerability reported) Cross-border linkages Several rackets traced to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia scam hubs. Digital connectivity + financial inclusion → larger attack surface for cyber-financial crimes. Structural Drivers Behind Rising Losses Low digital-literacy + rapid fintech adoption Social-engineering scams exploiting trust & urgency Use of mule accounts & UPI wallets Weak grievance redress / delayed reporting Cross-border call-centre networks & crypto trails Fragmented coordination across banks, telecom, police Institutional & Policy Context I4C (MHA) — national cyber-crime coordination & analytics NCRP portal + 1930 helpline — real-time blocking of funds Citizen Financial Fraud Reporting System — freezing beneficiary accounts RBI initiatives Digital payment security controls, LEI & KYC tightening, account-freezing protocols CERT-In advisories; state cyber cells expansion Despite progress → enforcement & recovery gaps remain significant. Way Forward — Priority Reforms Prevention & Early Warning Real-time AI-based scam pattern alerts, telecom SIM & device fingerprinting Default transaction-cooling period for suspicious transfers Financial-sector controls Stronger mule-account detection, shared blacklists across banks & UPI apps Mandatory risk-score warnings on high-risk links / investment ads Law enforcement Cross-border cooperation, extradition pipelines, crypto-forensics capacity Fast-track courts for large-value cyber-fraud Citizen protection Mass digital-safety campaigns in regional languages Victim-centric recovery & counselling mechanisms How AWD helps rice farmers cut methane  Why in News ? Field trials across Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (2024–25) show that Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in paddy fields can: reduce methane emissions, save irrigation water, and generate income via carbon credits — without lowering crop yields. Relevance GS-III | Agriculture & Environment Methane mitigation, water-use efficiency, climate-smart practices GS-III | Economy — Carbon Markets & Farmer Income Diversification MRV systems, voluntary carbon credits, private climate-finance partnerships Key Facts from the Report Methane source in paddy Continuous flooding creates anaerobic soil conditions → methane-producing microbes thrive. AWD practice Fields are periodically drained and re-flooded instead of being kept submerged. Trial details Conducted in Warangal district (Telangana) across 30 farmers’ fields in kharif & rabi. Emissions measured using acrylic chambers + laboratory gas analysis. Results Lower methane emissions Water savings Grain yields comparable to conventional flooding Carbon Credit Mechanism   Verified methane reduction converted to CO₂-equivalent credits. Current price: $15–25 per tonne CO₂-eq. AWD reduction approx. 2.5 tonnes CO₂-eq / ha → ~$37.5 / ha (~₹3,300 / ha) potential income. Buyers: airlines, energy firms, and large corporates pursuing net-zero targets. Scale-Up & Institutional Context MITTI Labs — emission monitoring & verification. Good Rice Alliance (Bayer, Shell Energy India, GenZero/Temasek): 12,000+ farmers enrolled across 13 States Target mitigation: ~1.2 lakh tonnes CO₂-eq. Links with climate-smart agriculture and private-sector climate finance. Policy Relevance Supports: National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) India’s methane-reduction and climate commitments Water-use efficiency in rice ecosystems Challenges Highlighted Measurement & verification costs (MRV credibility is essential). Farmer adoption risk where irrigation control is weak. Price uncertainty in voluntary carbon markets. Need for extension support & training on AWD scheduling. Way Forward Integrate AWD into state crop programmes & water-management advisories. KVKs / FPO clusters for training and field demonstrations. Develop low-cost field-level MRV tools and transparent credit registries. Combine AWD with direct-seeded rice, residue & nutrient management for higher gains. Sacred Piprahwa Relics  Why in News ? The Ministry of Culture is organising a major international exposition titled “The Light and the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex, New Delhi. The exhibition will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 3 January 2026. It marks the reunion of the Sacred Piprahwa Gem Relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated to India in July 2025 after 127 years, with relics and reliquaries excavated in 1898 and 1971-75 at Piprahwa (Kapilavastu region). Relevance GS-I | Indian Culture & Heritage Buddhist relic traditions, Piprahwa–Kapilavastu site, cultural restitution GS-II | International Relations — Cultural Diplomacy / Soft Power Repatriation of antiquities, global Buddhist linkages Basics — What are the Piprahwa Relics? Site: Piprahwa, near Siddharthnagar (Uttar Pradesh) — associated with ancient Kapilavastu, the Shakya capital. Discovery (1898): Excavated by William Claxton Peppé; relic casket found in a monolithic stone coffer inside a stupa. Contents included: Sacred relics believed to belong to Lord Buddha Gem relics & jewelled offerings Reliquaries and ritual objects After discovery, the relics were divided and dispersed globally: A portion gifted to the King of Siam (Thailand) A portion taken to England by the Peppé family A portion preserved at the Indian Museum, Kolkata What Makes the 2026 Exposition Significant? Largest-ever assemblage of Buddha relics & antiquities linked to Piprahwa brought together since 1898. Exhibition includes 80+ cultural objects (6th century BCE → present): Sculptures, manuscripts, thangkas, reliquaries, ritual artefacts. Key Components Displayed Relics from 1898 Kapilavastu excavation Treasures from 1972 excavations Reliquaries & jewelled treasures from Indian Museum, Kolkata Recently repatriated Peppé family relics (2025) The original monolithic stone coffer Repatriation Timeline — Data & Context 127 years after dispersal, the Peppé family relics were repatriated in July 2025. Return achieved through: A public–private partnership effort Intervention to halt a Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction Global support from Buddhist communities Under recent heritage diplomacy: 642 antiquities have been repatriated to India in recent years Piprahwa relics are considered a landmark cultural restitution success

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 02 January 2026

Content DRDO celebrates 68th Foundation Day Jan Samarth Portal DRDO celebrates 68th Foundation Day Why in News ? DRDO celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on 01 January 2026. Review of 2025 achievements & 2026 targets by Raksha Mantri and DRDO leadership. Record defence indigenisation momentum: 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth ~₹1.30 lakh crore for DRDO-developed systems to be manufactured by Indian industries — highest ever in a single year. 11 acquisition contracts worth ₹26,000 crore signed with DRDO production partners. Relevance   GS 3 — Internal Security & Defence Technology Indigenous defence R&D, strategic autonomy, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence Force modernisation — missiles, air defence, EW, naval systems, ISR, artillery Defence production ecosystem, DPSU–private–MSME integration Technology depth — cyber, AI, space, hypersonics, CBRN capabilities Import substitution + export orientation in defence manufacturing DRDO — Basics Founded: 1958 Headquarters: New Delhi Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence Head: Secretary, Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Mandate: Indigenous development of missiles, radars, EW, naval systems, aeronautics, armaments, life sciences, CBRN, AI & cyber systems. Vision: Strengthen strategic deterrence & defence self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Network: ~50+ laboratories, strong industry-academia ecosystem. Key Highlights of 2025 – Output & Indigenisation Push AoN approvals (~₹1.30 lakh crore) for major systems including: IADWS, Conventional Ballistic Missile System QRSAM ‘Anant Shastra’, LRASSCM IDDIS Mk-II, Astra Mk-II (BVRAAM) NAG (Tracked) Mk-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo PBMM-NG mines, AEW&C Mk-1A Mountain Radars, LCA Mk-1A Full Mission Simulator 11 signed contracts (~₹26,000 crore) for: Nag Missile System, Ashwini LLTR Radar ADFCR, EW Suite for Mi-17 V5 Area Denial Munition, HEPF-Pinaka Infantry Floating Foot Bridge Wargaming System ACADA, ATAGS, etc. User Evaluation Trials — Completed / Final Stage Pralay (S-to-S Missile) Akash-NG Pinaka – Guided Extended Range Advanced Light Weight Torpedo ER-ASR, MPATGM EW Systems for plains/deserts Border Surveillance System (BOSS) Software Defined Radio CBRN Water Purification System Pipeline for 2026 Induction Indian Light Tank VSHORADS, VL-SRSAM NASM-SR, Long Range LACM Rudram-2 ULPGM-V3 CL-ATGM for Arjun MBT Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ Long-Range & VHF Radars High-Power Microwave Systems Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rockets OBOGS-centric ILSS (LCA) Automatic Fire Protection (Dornier-228) Strategic Significance Boost to Defence Self-Reliance Largest-ever AoN + contracting pipeline → reduces import dependence. Technology Depth Shift toward next-gen domains: cyber, space, AI, EW, hypersonics, advanced missiles. Operational Edge Enhances air defence, precision strike, naval ASW, border surveillance, artillery lethality. Industrial Multipliers Strengthens MSME–DPSU–private sector value chains. Export Potential Several systems (Pinaka, radars, missiles) align with India’s defence export push. Way Forward — Policy & Capability Priorities Accelerate spiral development & modular upgrades. Deepen private-sector prime integration in complex platforms. Invest in materials, propulsion, EW & sensor fusion research. Expand dual-use & civilian spin-offs (cyber, space, disaster management). Strengthen export certification & after-sales frameworks. Jan Samarth Portal Why in News ? Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) made operational through the Jan Samarth Portal from 1 December 2025. In the first month (till 31 Dec 2025): 1,788 applications worth ₹8,599 crore received 716 sanctions worth ₹3,141 crore Government provides 100% credit guarantee for additional export-linked loans. Scheme supports liquidity, market diversification, competitiveness and employment, especially for MSME exporters. Relevance   GS 3 — Economy (Growth, MSMEs, Exports) Export competitiveness, market diversification, current-account stability MSME integration into global value chains; employment in export clusters Credit access & risk-sharing mechanisms to strengthen trade finance Counter-cyclical liquidity support during global economic headwinds Basics — Jan Samarth Portal  Launched: 2022 Purpose: National credit-linked schemes platform integrating banks & government schemes. Enables end-to-end digital processing: Eligibility check → Application → Approval → Tracking Covers schemes under DFS, MSME, Housing, Education, Agriculture, etc. For CGSE, it acts as the digital facilitation and monitoring platform. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) — Key Features Implementing Ministry: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance Guarantee Agency: NCGTC (National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd.) Beneficiaries: MSME and non-MSME exporters (direct & indirect exporters) Nature of Support: Additional collateral-free working capital Up to 20% of existing export credit / WC limits Government Guarantee: 100% guarantee on the additional facility Scheme Size / Cap: Up to ₹20,000 crore guarantees Validity: Till 31 March 2026 or till guarantees of ₹20,000 crore are issued Lending Agencies: Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) — banks & FIs Operational Objectives Cushion exporters during global uncertainty & trade headwinds Improve liquidity and business continuity Enable market diversification & competitiveness Support employment in export-oriented industries Reinforce macro–stability via export performance Context & Economic Significance Exports = ~21% of India’s GDP ~45 million people employed (direct + indirect) in export sectors MSMEs ≈ 45% of India’s total exports Sustained exports help: Current Account Balance Foreign exchange stability Manufacturing ecosystem & supply chains How CGSE Works ? Exporter applies via Jan Samarth Portal Bank assesses existing limit + 20% top-up eligibility Loan sanctioned without additional collateral NCGTC issues guarantee to the bank Reduces lender risk → increases credit flow to exporters Challenges / Risks Need to avoid over-leveraging of stressed MSMEs Monitoring of credit quality & end-use essential Awareness gap among smaller exporters / cluster firms Coordination needed between banks–NCGTC–DGFT ecosystems Way Forward Expand coverage to supply-chain vendors of export firms Faster portal-based turnaround time (TAT) Integrate with trade finance, invoice discounting, TReDS Encourage transition from short-term liquidity → capability upgrading Strengthen export credit analytics & risk scoring

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 02 January 2026

Content Mob rule Between India and EU, a carbon gap and an FTA bridge Hate-linked Vigilantism Why in News? Late-2025 saw multiple mob-violence incidents across Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and elsewhere where Indian citizens — mostly migrant workers and students — were falsely branded as “Bangladeshis” or “Chinese” and attacked. The pattern reflects: Rising xenophobic profiling based on language, region, appearance, or presumed nationality. A spill-over from political rhetoric on “illegal infiltration”, particularly in election-bound regions. Relevance GS-II (Polity & Governance) Vulnerable sections, constitutional morality, rule of law, federal policing responsibility Role of civil services, Centre–State coordination in law & order GS-III (Internal Security) Social tensions, misinformation, mob mobilisation through digital platforms Impact on labour mobility, urban security, and economic activity Practice Question Mob violence poses a serious challenge to constitutional morality and rule of law in India. Examine the structural causes behind the recent surge in identity-linked mob attacks and suggest institutional reforms to address them. (250 Words) What is Happening? Mob violence / lynching = extra-judicial killing/assault by a group claiming to enforce “suspicion-based justice”. Victims in these cases: Indian internal migrants and youth from the Northeast, Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh etc. Trigger factors: identity demands, accent/language suspicion, racialised stereotypes, rumours amplified through social media. Scale, Patterns & Data  Internal migration: Census 2011 — 45.6 crore migrants (~37% of population); 2020-25 estimates place internal migrants at 55–60 crore. High-dependence states for migrant labour: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat. Hate/mob crimes data: NCRB does not maintain a separate “lynching” category; such crimes appear under murder/rioting/assault. Independent trackers (academia/civil society) show post-2015 rise in identity-linked mob violence, especially where rumours of theft, cow-related suspicion, or “illegal immigrant” labels are invoked. Northeast discrimination trend: Multiple commissions have highlighted racial slurs, stereotyping, and targeted assaults against people from Northeastern states in metros. (Data caveat: absence of a statutory category means under-reporting and classification gaps.) Drivers — What Explains the Spike? Political narrative effects Election-time messaging around “illegal infiltration” (Bangladesh-linked) normalises suspicion against Bengali-speaking and migrant communities. Stereotyping & racialisation Northeastern Indians misidentified as “foreigners/Chinese”; linguistic profiling of workers from Bengal/Odisha. Weak deterrence Slow trials, poor investigation quality, low conviction in crowd-violence cases → mob impunity. Digital rumours & performative violence Filming and circulating assaults on social media → copy-cat behaviour and mob mobilisation. Labour precarity Migrant workers lack documents, networks, and bargaining power, increasing vulnerability to vigilante suspicion. Legal–Constitutional Lens Fundamental rights violated: Art. 14 (equality), Art. 15 (non-discrimination), Art. 19(1)(d)/(e) (movement/residence), Art. 21 (life & dignity). Applicable penal provisions: IPC/CrPC: 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 323/325 (hurt), 341/342 (wrongful restraint), 153A, 295A, 505 (hate speech & provocation), criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly. Supreme Court — Tehseen Poonawalla (2018) guidelines: State nodal officers, preventive policing, fast-track trials, victim compensation, accountability of district administration. Implementation remains patchy. State-level initiatives (uneven): Anti-lynching bills/ordinances proposed or passed in some states (e.g., Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Manipur) — national framework still absent. Governance & Security Implications Internal security: fear among migrants → labour shortages, informalisation, social unrest in host states. Federal labour economy: sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics, plantations depend heavily on migrants — violence threatens supply chains. Social cohesion: normalisation of vigilantism erodes rule of law and police legitimacy. Human rights & international image: recurring mob violence undermines India’s constitutional morality and commitments to equality and dignity. Editorial Overview Rhetoric around “infiltrators” creates moral licence for mobs to police identities. Policing responses limited to post-facto arrests rather than preventive intelligence, hotspot monitoring, and narrative correction. Absence of centralised data & statutory category prevents targeted policy action. Way Forward — Policy & Administrative Actions Implement SC anti-lynching guidelines in letter and spirit; designate nodal officers and district-level tasking. Create a statutory offence of mob lynching with command-responsibility and time-bound trial provisions. Data architecture: NCRB to add distinct categories for hate/mob crimes; disaggregate by motive and victim profile. Police reforms: Rumour-control protocols, social-media monitoring, early-warning grids in migrant-dense localities. Witness/victim protection & compensation. Political and civic messaging: bipartisan condemnation; avoidance of xenophobic election rhetoric; community outreach with employers and labour contractors. Migrant inclusion measures: registration, helplines, inter-state coordination cells, awareness of legal rights; grievance kiosks at workplaces and transport hubs. Education & sensitisation: anti-discrimination campaigns in schools, workplaces, and transport systems — especially regarding Northeast communities and inter-state migrants. Between India and EU, a carbon gap and an FTA bridge Why in News? From 1 January 2026, the EU will start imposing full tariffs under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on imports of steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen, etc. Indian steel and aluminium exports to the EU already face higher compliance costs under the transition phase since October 2023. CBAM is emerging as a trade barrier + climate instrument, impacting India–EU trade, FTA negotiations, industrial competitiveness, and carbon pricing strategy. Relevance   GS-III (Economy | Environment | Industry) Green industrial transition, trade-climate nexus, carbon pricing, competitiveness Impact on steel, aluminium and MSME supply chains Practice Question CBAM represents the emergence of climate-aligned protectionism in global trade. Analyse its likely impact on India’s export competitiveness and suggest a policy roadmap for adaptation and resilience. (250 Words) What is CBAM? CBAM is the EU’s mechanism to equalise carbon costs between: EU producers covered under EU-ETS (carbon pricing) Foreign exporters whose countries lack similar carbon pricing. Importers must purchase CBAM certificates proportional to the embedded emissions during production. Covers only Scope-1 & Scope-2 emissions (fuel + electricity used in production). Transport and downstream emissions are excluded. Goal: Prevent carbon leakage (firms shifting production to low-regulation countries) and protect EU industry. What Changes for India? The tax may reduce 16–22% of the price actually received by Indian exporters due to: certificate cost, compliance expenses, buyer price discounts, renegotiated contracts. In FY2025, exports of Indian steel & aluminium to EU = $5.8 billion — already down 24% YoY, despite no carbon tax yet → anticipatory compliance burden. EU buyers are demanding lower prices upfront to hedge expected CBAM costs. How CBAM Liability is Calculated ? Benchmark EU carbon price ≈ €80 per tonne of CO₂ If exporters don’t submit verified plant-level data: EU applies default emission values (30–80% higher) → increases payable tax. From 2026, emissions must be ISO-14065 verified by EU-approved auditors → increases compliance cost. Sector-wise Impact Steel — Highest Risk Blast Furnace–Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF): Highest emissions → CBAM burden ~€80–€120 per tonne Could raise costs by 50–70%. Gas-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI): Lower CBAM hit. Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) using scrap: lowest burden — favoured by CBAM. Aluminium Electricity-intensive → emissions linked to grid carbon factor. EU share in India’s aluminium exports ≈ 10% of global trade exposure. Competitiveness Comparison China’s carbon price ≈ 10% of EU level → much lower CBAM pass-through. Rich countries can absorb climate costs better → competitive asymmetry. Key Economic Effects Highlighted Pricing pressure on exporters (buyers discount prices to offset CBAM). Contract renegotiations and reopening of long-term supply agreements. Shift in supply chains toward: low-carbon technology, scrap-based/EAF routes, relocation to countries with carbon pricing alignment. Compliance & Governance Gaps Many firms lack: plant-level emissions measurement systems, verifiable data & auditors, internal carbon accounting. Risk of exporters relying on default EU emission factors → higher tax liability. Opportunities if India Responds Strategically Firms that measure accurately, verify early, and decarbonise can: retain margins, avoid deep price cuts, secure contracts via carbon-differentiated pricing. CBAM can act as a push factor for low-carbon industrial transition. Broader Trade & Policy Implications CBAM overlaps with India–EU FTA negotiations: India seeks market access + rules discipline. EU uses CBAM as climate-trade conditionality. The editorial frames CBAM also as: industrial protection + revenue generation tool for the EU, not merely a climate instrument. Strategic Risks for India Export erosion in high-emission sectors. Rising compliance costs → affects MSME suppliers. Possible trade diversion away from EU. Competitive disadvantage without: domestic carbon market, industrial decarbonisation incentives. Policy Priorities for India Domestic Carbon Pricing / Carbon Market (phased, industry-linked). Green steel pathway: EAF transition, scrap recycling, hydrogen pilots. National MRV framework: plant-level Measurement–Reporting–Verification. Financial support for energy-efficient retrofits. FTA strategy: secure transition support, mutual recognition of carbon accounting systems. Data ecosystem: emissions registries, verified auditors, standardised protocols. Critical Assessment CBAM reflects climate-aligned protectionism — climate goal + competitiveness shield. For India, the risk is not only tax burden but structural competitiveness loss if industrial decarbonisation lags. Early compliance + technology transition is economically superior to late adjustment.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 02 January 2026

Content Centre’s tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1 Ancient Marathi literature reveals savannas are not degraded forests Why does India need climate- resilient agriculture? Ikkis: The story of 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal & the Battle of Basantar Amazonian stingless bees first insects to get legal rights in the world Centre’s tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1 Why in News ? The Union Finance Ministry has issued notifications to implement a new taxation regime on tobacco products from 1 February 2026 under the Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025. Key elements include: Revival and revision of excise duty on cigarettes (earlier reduced to a nominal level under GST). Enforcement of a cess on pan masala units under the Health Security and National Security Act, 2025. End of the GST Compensation Cess from 1 February. Revision of GST rates on tobacco products — beedis shifted to 18% (from the earlier 28% slab); other tobacco products moved to a 40% slab. The Ministry flagged that cigarette affordability has not declined in the past decade, contrary to global public-health guidance recommending annual real price increases through higher specific excise duties. Relevance   GS-3 (Economy) Taxation, GST architecture, cess vs tax, fiscal federalism, sin-tax economics, price elasticity. GS-2 (Health & Governance) Public health policy, NCDs, regulation of harmful products, Centre–State coordination. Conceptual Foundations  Indirect Taxes on Tobacco (Pre-GST vs Post-GST) Pre-GST: Central excise + State VAT + surcharges. Post-GST (2017): GST (12/18/28% slabs), plus GST Compensation Cess; central excise continued only on cigarettes (but reduced to a nominal level). Types of Tobacco Taxes Specific excise → fixed per unit (effective for health policy; raises price uniformly). Ad valorem tax → % of price (can be evaded via down-trading to cheaper brands). GST Compensation Cess (2017–2022, later extended) Purpose: compensate States for revenue losses due to GST implementation. Funded partly by cess on sin/luxury goods (incl. tobacco). Economic Rationale for “Sin Taxes” Correct negative externalities (health costs, productivity loss). Recommended by WHO-FCTC: regular increases in real prices; prefer specific excise. Price Elasticity of Demand for Tobacco Low but not zero; higher among youth & low-income users → taxation is an effective control tool. What Has Changed — Policy Moves from 1 Feb 2025 Excise Duty on Cigarettes Raised/Restored from nominal levels to a meaningful specific levy. Cess on Pan Masala Units brought into force under the 2025 Act. GST Compensation Cess Ends from 1 February. Re-structuring of GST Rates on Tobacco Beedis: moved to 18% category (from the now-defunct 28% slab). Other tobacco products: shifted to 40% slab. Policy Logic Cited by Government Cigarettes have become more affordable relative to income growth. Aim is to align with global public-health benchmarks mandating periodic excise hikes. Implications — Economy, Health, Governance Public Health Likely reduction in initiation and consumption over time, especially among youth. Supports NCD control, lowers long-term healthcare burden. Revenue & Fiscal Federalism Higher excise may boost Union revenues; cessation of compensation cess changes Centre–State fiscal dynamics. States may seek alternative revenue sources post-cess. Equity & Behavioural Effects Taxes are regressive in incidence but progressive in health gains (larger benefits for poorer households). Industry & Supply Chain Possible down-trading to cheaper/illicit products; need strong track-and-trace enforcement. Beedi sector largely informal → compliance and monitoring challenges. Trade & Compliance Risk of illicit cross-border trade → requires customs vigilance and FCTC-aligned controls. Analytical Perspectives  Does tobacco taxation balance revenue and health objectives? Compare specific vs ad valorem models; global lessons (WHO-FCTC, Thailand, Philippines). Post-GST cess withdrawal and States’ revenue space Options: buoyancy via GST expansion vs targeted sin-tax rationalisation. Beedi sector paradox High consumption, low taxation, informal labour → policy trade-offs (health vs livelihoods). Prelims-Ready Pointers Excise duty on cigarettes continues outside GST (Union power). Compensation Cess → designed to offset States’ GST revenue losses; ends from 1 Feb 2025. From 1 Feb 2025: Beedis → 18% GST category. Other tobacco products → 40% GST slab. Specific excise is considered more effective for tobacco control than ad valorem taxes. Way Forward  Periodic, inflation-indexed specific excise increases. Track-and-trace systems to curb illicit trade. Differential taxation aligned to harm continuum (discourage smoked forms strongly). Health-earmarked revenues for NCD prevention and cessation programmes. Support measures for workers/farmers in tobacco & beedi value chains during transition. Ancient Marathi literature reveals savannas are not degraded forests Why in News ? A new study published in People and Nature (British Ecological Society) shows that the savannas of western Maharashtra are ancient ecosystems, not degraded forests. Using medieval Marathi literature, oral traditions, archival records, and ecological evidence, researchers trace open tree–grass landscapes back at least 750 years, predating colonial timber extraction. The study challenges the prevailing narrative that savannas are the result of deforestation or anthropogenic degradation, and calls for distinct conservation policies that value both biodiversity and local culture. Relevance GS-1 (Geography / Indian Society) Physical geography of biomes, human–environment interactions, cultural landscapes. GS-3 (Environment & Ecology) Ecosystem classification, biodiversity conservation, grasslands vs forests, policy impacts. Basics — Concepts & Foundations What are Savannas? Mixed tree–grass ecosystems with open canopies, seasonal drought, and fire–grazing interactions. Characterised by thorny trees, drought-adapted shrubs, perennial grasses, and browsing-resilient species. Savannas vs Forests (Conceptual Difference) Savannas → Fire- and grazing-maintained, open, low tree density, grass-dominated. Closed Forests → Dense canopy, shade-tolerant species, fire-sensitive ecology. Indian Ecological Terminology (Historical) vana / jāgala → wild, open, drier landscapes (scrub, savanna, grasslands). anūpa → wetter marshes and closed forests. Modern misinterpretation equates vana with “dense forest”, leading to policy misclassification. Two Savanna Types in Maharashtra Fine-leaf savannas → drier belts (≤1000 mm rainfall). Broadleaf savannas → wetter belts (≥700 mm rainfall). Both co-occur across the 700–1000 mm rainfall zone. Evidence Base — What the Study Found ? Textual & Oral Records (13th–20th centuries) Sources: ovis, narrative poems, hagiographies, myths across Pune, Satara, Solapur, Sangli, Nashik. Recurrent descriptions of: thorny trees, grasslands, seasonal drought pastoral livelihoods & grazing landscapes Sacred landscapes (e.g., Shinganapur / Kothalāgirī) embed tree species as cultural symbols. Flora Identified (62 species) 27 savanna indicators; 14 forest species → strong signal of historic open-canopy ecologies. Key species: Vachellia leucophloea, Senegalia catechu, Capparis divaricata, Butea monosperma, and grasses like Sehima nervosum. Functional Traits Indicating Savanna Ecology thick bark, spines, clonal resprouting, fire & grazing tolerance. Triangulated with 11 Independent Evidence Lines Archival photos & paintings → sparsely wooded uplands. Colonial revenue records → pasture commons, hay meadows. Hunting logs & bird lists → savanna-specialist fauna. Hero stones → pastoral conflict & cattle raids. Archaeological evidence → blackbuck motifs, grazer remains in Chalcolithic contexts. Conclusion: Savannas are ancient and persistent ecosystems, not outcomes of recent deforestation. Why This Matters ?  Ecological Misclassification Problem Policies often treat savannas as “wastelands” or degraded forests → leads to: inappropriate afforestation/plantation drives, biodiversity loss (grassland fauna decline), disruption of pastoral livelihoods. Cultural-Ecological Linkages Savannas host sacred groves, pastoral traditions, ritual landscapes. Conservation must integrate local knowledge + biodiversity objectives. Conservation Reorientation Needed Manage as distinct ecosystems (fire-grazing dynamics, native grasses), Avoid blanket tree-plantation policies in open landscapes. Why does India need climate- resilient agriculture? Why in News ? Climate shocks, soil degradation, water stress, and rising input volatility are weakening India’s agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. A policy commentary highlights the need for Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) — integrating biotechnology, bio-inputs, genome-edited seeds, precision & digital tools, and climate advisories — to safeguard food security while reducing ecological stress. Despite initiatives such as NICRA (ICAR, 2011) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), adoption gaps, poor bio-input quality, digital divides, and fragmented policy coordination constrain progress. Relevance   GS-1 (Geography / Society) → climate variability, livelihoods, rainfed agriculture. GS-3 (Economy & Environment) → food security, agricultural productivity, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, bio-inputs, resource efficiency. Concepts & Foundations  Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA): Core Idea Adapt farming systems to climate variability, extreme weather, and resource stress while maintaining productivity and environmental sustainability. Key Components Biotechnology tools — climate-tolerant & genome-edited crops (heat, drought, salinity, pest tolerance). Bio-inputs — biofertilizers, biopesticides, soil-microbiome approaches (reduced chemical dependence). Digital & AI tools — precision irrigation, crop-health monitoring, yield prediction, climate advisories. Climate-smart practices — zero tillage, residue management, SRI, aerobic/direct-seeded rice, diversified systems. Conceptual Distinction (Static) CRA ≠ only mitigation → mainly adaptation + risk-proofing agriculture. Linked syllabus themes: sustainability, food security, resource efficiency, technology & innovation. Why India Needs Climate-Resilient Agriculture ? High exposure to climate risk ~51% of net sown area is rainfed; produces ~40% of food → highly vulnerable to rainfall variability and drought. Rising frequency of climate extremes Heatwaves, erratic monsoons, floods, pest outbreaks → yield instability and income shocks. Degrading natural resources Soil nutrient depletion, groundwater stress, stubble burning, chemical-input dependency. Food security & demographic pressure Large and growing population → need stable, climate-proof productivity. Environmental health & sustainability CRA reduces chemical load, emissions, and ecosystem damage while preserving productivity. Where India Stands — Policies, Institutions, Initiatives NICRA (ICAR, 2011) 448 climate-resilient villages; demonstrated SRI, zero-till wheat, residue incorporation, climate-tolerant varieties, aerobic/direct-seeded rice. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) Focus: rainfed areas, integrated farming, soil health, water-use efficiency, resource conservation. BioE3 Policy (recent) Positions CRA as a biotechnology-led adaptation pathway; promotes genome-edited crops and bio-inputs. Market & technology ecosystem Growing bio-input industry; expanding agritech & AI advisory platforms, precision irrigation, crop-monitoring tools. Key Challenges in Scaling CRA  Low adoption among small & marginal farmers Constraints: awareness, affordability, access to technologies & advisory services. Quality risks in bio-inputs Inconsistent standards for biofertilizers/biopesticides → distrust, poor outcomes. Slow rollout of climate-resilient / gene-edited seeds Uneven State-level distribution; regulatory caution slows diffusion. Digital divide Limited access to devices, connectivity, data literacy → weak penetration of AI/precision tools. Resource stress outpacing adaptation Soil degradation, water scarcity, rising climate volatility. Fragmented policy & institutional coordination Overlaps across agriculture, biotechnology, environment, and rural development → implementation friction. Why CRA is Strategic for India ? Risk-buffering for farmers → stabilises yields & incomes under climate uncertainty. Productivity with sustainability → reduces chemical dependence while improving soil & ecosystem health. Tech-led structural transformation → strengthens innovation, agri-value chains, and agri-startup ecosystems. Supports national priorities → food security, SDGs, NDC adaptation goals, water & soil conservation. Way Forward — Policy & Implementation Priorities Accelerate climate-tolerant & genome-edited crop deployment with strong regulatory clarity. Strengthen standards & certification for biofertilizers and biopesticides; build reliable supply chains. Last-mile digital inclusion → climate advisories, AI decision tools, precision farming access for smallholders. Financial enablers → climate insurance, concessional credit, transition incentives, outcome-based support. Integrated national CRA roadmap (BioE3-aligned) → unify biotechnology, climate adaptation, and agriculture policy for scale & coherence. Localised extension & capacity-building → community participation, farmer-producer organisations, region-specific packages. Prelims-Ready Pointers ~51% rainfed area → ~40% food output → high climate vulnerability. CRA tools: bio-inputs, genome-edited seeds, soil-microbiome insights, AI-based advisories, precision irrigation. Flagship initiatives: NICRA (ICAR), NMSA, BioE3-aligned biotechnology push. Key barriers: quality of bio-inputs, digital divide, slow seed rollout, fragmented coordination. Ikkis: The story of 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal & the Battle of Basantar Why in News ? A recent feature revisits the Battle of Basantar (Indo-Pakistan War, 1971) through the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. The narrative is linked to the film Ikkis, which portrays his courage during one of the most decisive tank battles on the western front of the 1971 war. Relevance GS-1 (History — Post-Independence India) Major wars, national security events, military leadership and heroism. GS-3 (Internal Security / Defence) Border security, armoured warfare, strategic geography (Shakargarh Bulge, riverine barriers). Context & Background Indo-Pakistan War of 1971: Two Fronts Eastern Theatre → Liberation of Bangladesh (offensive operations). Western Theatre → Objective was to contain Pakistan and prevent escalation; included key defensive–offensive battles such as Basantar. Location Shakargarh Bulge (between the Ravi & Chenab rivers, near Jammu–Pathankot axis). A strategic wedge—if Pakistan broke through, it could threaten Punjab, Pathankot, and access to Kashmir. Battle of Basantar (Dec 1971) — Core Idea Indian aim: secure a bridgehead across the Basantar river, block Pakistani armoured thrusts, and hold territory under heavy counter-attacks. Operational Overview — What Happened ? Indian Advance Indian armoured & infantry units crossed the heavily mined Basantar river, creating a bridgehead under intense fire. Pakistani Counter-attacks Multiple Patton tank assaults to dislodge Indian forces. Role of 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal (Poona Horse Regiment) Refused to abandon his burning tank, fought on, and destroyed several enemy tanks. Continued firing despite being ordered to withdraw; died in action after disabling another advancing tank. His actions were pivotal in breaking the Pakistani assault and holding the bridgehead. Decorated Soldier — Key Facts for Prelims 2nd Lt Arun Khetrapal Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous) — youngest recipient. National Defence Academy parade ground and gates at IMA, Dehradun & NDA, Khadakwasla named in his honour. Strategic Significance of the Battle Military Significance Prevented Pakistan from penetrating the western sector. Secured the Pathankot–Jammu axis, protecting vital logistics corridors. Psychological & Doctrinal Impact Demonstrated armoured warfare capabilities and combined-arms coordination. Reinforced the role of defensive-offensive operations on active borders. War Outcome Context Contributed to favourable ceasefire terms on the western front. Overview Shakargarh Bulge as a Vulnerability Natural salient projecting into India → high-value defensive priority. Armour vs Armour Battles in South Asia Basantar illustrates terrain–engineering–minefield integration as decisive in tank warfare. Role of Individual Leadership in War Outcomes Tactical courage at the platoon level can shape operational success. Prelims-Ready Pointers Battle of Basantar → Western Front, Dec 1971, Shakargarh Bulge. Regiment involved → Poona Horse (armoured regiment). Award → Param Vir Chakra (youngest awardee). Objective → Hold bridgehead across Basantar; repel Pakistani tank counter-attacks. Way Forward Preserve battlefields & regimental histories as military-heritage resources. Integrate lessons on combined arms, logistics protection, and armoured tactics in professional military education. Use biographies and films to strengthen public awareness of national security history. Amazonian stingless bees first insects to get legal rights in the world Why in News ? A municipal ordinance in Satipo, Peru (Amazon region) has granted legal rights to native Amazonian stingless bees — the first case in the world where insects have been recognised as rights-bearing entities. The Declaration of Rights for Native Stingless Bees grants them the right to exist, thrive, restore habitats, live in pollution-free environments, and be legally represented in cases of harm. The initiative was led by Amazon Research Internacional (Rosa Vásquez Espinoza) in collaboration with the Earth Law Center, aligning Indigenous ecological knowledge and Rights-of-Nature jurisprudence. Relevance GS-3 (Environment & Ecology) Biodiversity conservation, pollinators, ecosystem services, invasive species, climate impacts. Environmental governance, Rights of Nature, community-based conservation. Concepts & Foundations Rights of Nature — Core Idea A legal-philosophical approach where ecosystems or species possess inherent legal rights, independent of human use-value. Earlier examples: Whanganui River (New Zealand, 2017) — granted legal personhood. Ganga & Yamuna (India, 2017—judicial recognition, later limited in scope). Amazon & Andes jurisdictions — constitutional or municipal nature-rights frameworks (Ecuador, Bolivia). What Makes This Case Distinct First time a specific insect group has been recognised as a legal rights holder rather than merely a protected species. Who Are Stingless Bees? (Ecology Basics) Ancient lineage of bees; non-stinging, cavity-nesting, highly social species. Keystone rainforest pollinators — pollinate >80% of Amazon flora and crops like coffee, cocoa, avocado, blueberries. Culturally important to Indigenous Amazonian communities (medicine, livelihoods, rituals). What the Ordinance Recognises  Right to exist and thrive Right to maintain healthy populations Right to a pollution-free habitat Right to ecologically stable climatic conditions Right to regenerate natural cycles Right to legal representation in cases of threat or harm Implication: Harm to bees or their habitats can be pursued as a legal injury. Why Protection Was Needed ?— Risk Drivers Climate change → heat stress, rainfall disruption Deforestation & habitat loss Pesticide exposure Competition from introduced European honeybees Erosion of Indigenous knowledge systems Significance — Governance, Law, Environment Shift from conservation-as-resource to conservation-as-rights Recognises species as moral and legal stakeholders. Integration of Indigenous knowledge & modern science Supports biocultural heritage preservation. Precedent-setting value Could influence municipal and national biodiversity laws globally. Operational Challenges Defining guardianship & representation mechanisms. Balancing economic uses (apiculture, agriculture) with species-rights claims. Monitoring compliance in remote rainforest landscapes. Prelims-Ready Pointers First insects to receive legal rights → Amazonian stingless bees (Peru, Satipo ordinance). Key rationale → ecological keystone role + Indigenous cultural significance. Rights granted include existence, healthy populations, habitat protection, climate stability, regeneration, legal representation. Led by Rosa Vásquez Espinoza (Amazon Research Internacional) with Earth Law Center. Pollinate >80% of Amazonian flora and several global crops. Way Forward Strengthen pollinator protection frameworks (wild bees beyond honeybees). Integrate community stewardship and traditional knowledge into conservation. Promote pesticide regulation, habitat corridors, diversified agro-ecosystems. Explore rights-based or trustee-based models for critical ecosystems/species where appropriate.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 31 December 2025

Content 2025 Economic Reforms PathGennie – “Fast-Tracks” drug discovery 2025 Economic Reforms Why in News ? The Government rolled out a consolidated package of economic reforms in 2025 focused on: outcome-driven governance simplification of systems inclusive and employment-centric growth Reforms spanned taxation, GST, labour, MSMEs, exports, rural employment and ease-of-doing-business. Relevance GS-III | Economy, Growth & Inclusive Development Growth-oriented reforms — tax rationalisation, GST 2.0, MSME expansion, export promotion Formalisation + productivity gains via labour codes & digital compliance Rural livelihoods + asset-creation through VB-GRAM (125-day guarantee) Fiscal stability — wider tax base, predictable revenues, ease of doing business MSME-led employment, startup competitiveness, credit enablement Big Picture — Reform Philosophy   Shift from rule-heavy regulation → outcome-based governance. Emphasis on: simplification, predictability, digitalisation, compliance reduction trust-based administration and fiscal stability enabling youth, women, MSMEs, gig workers, rural households Key Reform Pillars — Facts & Data 1) Direct Tax & New Income Tax Act, 2025 Income up to ₹12 lakh exempt in new regime Effective exemption ₹12.75 lakh for salaried (incl. standard deduction). Comprehensive rewrite of 1961 Act with: textual simplification, removal of obsolete clauses continuity in tax policy & rates Unified “Tax Year” replaces AY/PY — reduces ambiguity. Digital-first enforcement, faceless administration, unified TDS framework. Likely Outcomes Higher disposable income → consumption multiplier Reduced litigation, clarity for taxpayers Improved compliance through digital systems 2) Labour Reforms — Four Labour Codes 29 laws consolidated into 4 Codes (Wages, IR, Social Security, OSH & Working Conditions) Coverage extended to: gig & platform workers (~1 crore+ beneficiaries) women workers — improved leave, maternity & safety Uniform wage definition, simplification of dispute settlement. Structural Impact Single framework for 50+ crore workers Moves labour regulation towards flexibility + protection Supports formalisation & workforce security 3) Rural Employment Reforms — VB-GRAM Act, 2025 Replaces MGNREGA with integrated livelihood framework. Guarantee: 125 days paid work/household/year Timely wage payment: weekly / ≤15 days Asset creation focus — water, climate-resilient works, rural infra, livelihoods Decentralised planning via VGPPs + digital convergence (PM Gati Shakti) Admin expenditure ceiling raised to 9% to strengthen delivery. Development Logic Aligns rural employment with productive capital formation Balances farm labour availability + worker security Enhances local planning capacity 4) Ease of Doing Business & MSME Support MSME-friendly QCO roll-out (phased, exemptions, legacy stock clearance). Credit & liquidity measures: MCGS cover up to ₹100 crore collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh working capital: ≥20% of projected turnover (≤₹5 crore limits) MSME definition revised: Micro: ₹2.5 cr / ₹10 cr Small: ₹25 cr / ₹100 cr Medium: ₹125 cr / ₹500 cr Credit-guarantee limit doubled ₹5 cr → ₹10 cr Expected Gains Scale expansion, formal credit penetration Export & startup competitiveness Employment generation in manufacturing & services 5) GST 2.0 — Next-Generation GST Two-slab regime: 5% & 18% Rate rationalisation lowers cost of essentials & services. Faster refunds, simpler registration, MSME-friendly compliance. Taxpayer base expanded to 1.5 crore+ Gross GST collections FY 2024-25: ₹22.08 lakh crore Macroeconomic Effects Reduced classification disputes & compliance burden Boost to consumption and business confidence Improved revenue predictability + fiscal stability 6) Export Promotion Mission (EPM) — ₹25,060 crore (2025-31) Unified architecture replacing fragmented schemes. Two pillars: Niryat Protsahan — finance, credit enhancement Niryat Disha — compliance, branding, logistics, market access Focus on: MSMEs, first-time exporters, non-traditional districts jobs in manufacturing & logistics Strategic Objective Build district-export ecosystems Position India for competitive, inclusive export growth toward 2047 7) Other Trade & Process Reforms Digital trade stack — National Single Window, ICEGATE, Trade Connect D-BRAP 2025 — decentralised approvals & inspections GeM & MSME-SAMBANDH — deeper MSME procurement linkages ₹58,000 crore disbursed under RoDTEP (till March 2025) Strengths & Risks Strengths Coherent reform sequencing (tax → labour → MSME → exports) Administrative simplification → lower transaction costs Inclusion of gig workers, women, rural households Outcome-orientation → assets, productivity, formalisation Risks Labour code rollout dependent on state rules & capacity GST two-rate system still needs fitment clarity in edge sectors Rural employment redesign must avoid under-funding or delays MSME expansion needs market access + productivity upgrading, not just credit Takeaways  Income-tax exemption (new regime): up to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh salaried) GST taxpayer base: 1.5 crore+ | FY25 GST: ₹22.08 lakh crore Rural guarantee: 125 days work | admin cap 6% → 9% Labour coverage: 50+ crore workers | gig workers ~1 crore+ EPM outlay: ₹25,060 crore (2025-31) MSME thresholds: Micro ₹2.5cr/₹10cr | Small ₹25cr/₹100cr | Medium ₹125cr/₹500cr PathGennie – “Fast-Tracks” drug discovery Why in News ? Scientists at S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (DST institute) developed PathGennie, a novel open-source computational framework. It accelerates simulation of rare molecular events and enables accurate prediction of drug–protein unbinding pathways without distorting physics. Published in Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation—relevant to drug discovery, molecular simulations, AI-integrated chemistry and biotech innovation. Relevance GS-III | Science & Technology, Biotechnology & Innovation Frontier research in computational chemistry & molecular simulation Strengthens Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) capabilities Direction-Guided Adaptive Sampling — rare-event modelling breakthrough Reduces cost, time, distortion in drug–protein unbinding predictions GS-III | Health, Pharma R&D & Indigenous Tech Capacity Improves drug design pipelines, residence-time analysis, resistance-pathway mapping Supports domestic pharma innovation, precision therapeutics, R&D localisation Aligns with Make in India (Pharma) & Deep-Tech missions Scientific Context — The Problem In drug discovery, residence time (how long a drug stays bound) is often more important than binding affinity. Unbinding events are rare — occur over milliseconds to seconds. Classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) cannot simulate these time-scales even on supercomputers. Existing methods force events using: bias forces high temperature artificial steering These distort true kinetic pathways → unreliable predictions. What PathGennie Does ? — Core Idea Introduces Direction-Guided Adaptive Sampling. Mimics natural selection at the molecular scale. Uses many ultrashort unbiased MD trajectories (few femtoseconds). Only those trajectories showing progress toward the target state are extended. Non-productive trajectories are discarded → “survival-of-the-fittest” simulations. Result Captures true, undistorted transition pathways Achieves faster discovery of rare molecular events without biasing forces. How It Works ? — Mechanism (Step-wise) Launch multiple micro-trajectories in molecular configuration space. Evaluate movement in chosen Collective Variables (CVs) — descriptors of progress. Exploration + Exploitation balance: extend promising paths prune unproductive ones Iteratively reconstruct complete transition pathways across high-energy barriers. Works even in high-dimensional / machine-learned CV spaces. Evidence & Demonstrations (Proof-of-Concept) Team: Prof. Suman Chakrabarty, Dibyendu Maity, Shaheerah Shahid Validated on benchmark systems: Benzene–T4 lysozyme → mapped multiple ligand exit routes Imatinib (Gleevec)–Abl kinase → detected three dissociation pathways Recovered experimentally-known mechanisms → confirms accuracy without biasing forces. Why It Matters ?— Impact on Drug Discovery Enables accurate residence-time modelling Reduces: computational cost simulation time pathway distortion Strengthens Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) pipelines. Helps identify: drug escape routes off-pathway binding / resistance pathways molecule stability under physiological motion Broader Scientific Applications Rare-event simulations in: chemical reactions & catalysis phase transitions self-assembly processes biomolecular conformational changes Compatible with machine-learning–derived order parameters. Open-source → lowers adoption barrier for global research labs. Strategic & National Significance Strengthens India’s computational chemistry & pharma innovation ecosystem. Supports: AI-enabled science drug design localization cost-efficient R&D Aligns with: Make in India – Pharmaceuticals Deep-tech & research translation missions Facts & Data  Institution: S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata (DST) Tool: PathGennie — open-source computational framework Domain: Rare-event molecular simulations / CADD Key innovation: Direction-Guided Adaptive Sampling Output: Unbinding pathways without external bias Validated on: T4 lysozyme–benzene, Imatinib–Abl kinase

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 31 December 2025

Content Track record In 100 years, quantum physics has touched every aspect of our lives Track record  Why in News ? A fire broke out in two air-conditioned (AC) coaches of the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express near Yelamanchili, Andhra Pradesh. The toll remained low (one passenger) due to: early alarm by a passenger crew response & emergency chain use diversion to a loop line with platform timely assistance from agencies and existing safety systems. Incident highlights persistent fire-risk concerns in AC coaches and the need to upgrade detection, suppression, and evacuation protocols. Relevance   GS-III | Infrastructure, Disaster Management, Technology & Safety Public transport safety as a critical infrastructure and risk-mitigation challenge Shift from reactive accident response → preventive, risk-anticipatory governance Role of technology (detection, suppression, sensors, predictive monitoring) Fire accidents as 10–20% of total rail accidents despite ↓ 70% fall in overall accidents Need for design-level safety engineering & redundancy in AC coaches Practice Question “Despite significant improvement in overall railway safety indicators, fire accidents remain a persistent risk, especially in AC coaches.” Discuss the systemic vulnerabilities and suggest a technology- and governance-led strategy to build a risk-anticipatory safety culture in Indian Railways.(250 Words) Basic Context — Rail Safety Trend Overall safety performance has improved sharply over a decade. Accidents in 2024–25: down by >70% compared to 10 years ago. However: major accidents fluctuate year-to-year fire accidents form 10–20% of total accidents annually causes include rolling-stock defects, wiring faults, passenger-borne inflammables. Facts & Data — Fire Safety Measures Fire & Smoke Detection Systems installed in ~20,000 AC coaches (as per 2023–24 Annual Report). Target: coverage of all AC coaches including new stock. Fire extinguishers fitted in all AC and non-AC coaches. In this incident: alarm system activated coach mechanic, bed-roll staff, TTE alerted passengers portable extinguishers used, limiting spread before full dousing. Fire was contained in ~2 hours. Why AC Coaches Need Higher Safety Standards ? Closed, insulated compartments → smoke retention risk. Higher electrical load (HVAC, lighting, charging points). Flammable furnishings & luggage increase burn intensity. Night-time fires → reduced reaction time + evacuation difficulty. Risk Analysis — Likely Systemic Vulnerabilities Residual wiring / insulation faults in older stock Passenger carriage of inflammables Gaps in early-stage suppression capability Crew training variance across zones Evacuation & crowd-management constraints at night Policy & Technology Priorities — Way Forward Fixed / automatic fire-suppression systems in AC coaches capable of dousing electrical & thermal fires trigger-based activation to stop flashover spread. Full roll-out of detection systems to 100% AC fleet + periodic audits. Fire-safe coach design standards low-smoke / flame-retardant interiors protected wiring channels & redundancy. AI / sensor-based health monitoring predictive alerts on heating, cable load, bearing temperatures. Strict enforcement against inflammable luggage scanning in sensitive routes, awareness + penalties. Crew & passenger readiness standardised night-evacuation drills, signage, briefing protocols. Independent safety review mechanism post-incident learning loops across zones. In safety-critical public transport, “no feature is too expensive” compared to loss of life. Impact & Governance Perspective Reinforces shift from accident-reactive to risk-anticipatory safety culture. Aligns with: infrastructure resilience human-factor training technology-enabled safety modernisation. Essential for high-speed expansion, passenger trust, and service reliability. Takeaways Accidents ↓ >70% in 10 years (2024–25 vs baseline) Fire incidents = ~10–20% of accidents annually ~20,000 AC coaches fitted with fire/smoke detection (target = full coverage) Policy need: automatic suppression + stricter inflammable-luggage controls + design upgrades In 100 years, quantum physics has touched every aspect of our lives Why in News ? 2025 marks a century-long journey of modern quantum physics, tracing back to: Werner Heisenberg’s matrix mechanics (1925) followed by contributions from Schrödinger, Bohr, Born, Dirac, Pauli, and others The UN earlier declared 2025 the “Year of Quantum Science and Technology” to recognise: the transformation of science, technology, economy, and daily life through quantum principles. The article reflects on how quantum theory moved from abstraction to real-world innovation shaping: electronics, computing, communication, materials, medicine, national security, and emerging quantum industries. Relevance   GS-III | Science & Technology — Basics, Applications, Innovation Foundation of modern electronics, semiconductors, lasers, sensors, MRI, GPS, photonics Transition from abstract theory → technology backbone (first quantum revolution) Emerging frontier fields — quantum computing, communication, sensing, materials (second quantum revolution) Role of precision technologies, cybersecurity, AI acceleration, climate & material science Practice Question “Quantum physics has moved from abstract theory to the backbone of modern technology.” Explain with examples how quantum principles underpin everyday technologies, and assess the opportunities and challenges of the second quantum revolution.(250 Words ) What is Quantum Physics? Studies matter and energy at atomic & subatomic scales. Key principles: Wave–particle duality (particles exhibit wave-like behaviour) Quantisation of energy Uncertainty principle (limits to simultaneous measurement of position & momentum) Superposition & entanglement (multiple states; correlated particles) Counterintuitive nature is why Richard Feynman famously said: “No one understands quantum mechanics.” Historical Evolution — Facts & Timeline 1900 — Max Planck introduces quantised energy to explain black-body radiation. 1905 — Einstein explains photoelectric effect → photons. 1925 — Heisenberg develops matrix mechanics. 1926 — Schrödinger proposes wave mechanics. 1927 — Born’s probabilistic interpretation of wavefunction. 1927 — Copenhagen interpretation (Bohr–Heisenberg). 1930s–1950s — Dirac, Pauli, Fermi advance quantum field theory. Post-war era → quantum principles drive electronics revolution. Key shift: From abstract theory → technological foundation of the 20th & 21st centuries. Where Quantum Physics Shows Up in Daily Life? The “first quantum revolution” powered technologies based on semiconductors, photon behaviour, atomic physics: Transistors & microchips → modern computers & smartphones Lasers → telecom fibre optics, barcode scanners, surgery MRI & PET scans → quantum spin & nuclear magnetic resonance LEDs, solar cells, sensors, atomic clocks GPS timing & navigation Chemical & materials engineering Digital cameras & photodetectors Almost every modern device rests on quantum principles, even if invisible to users. Second Quantum Revolution — Emerging Frontier Technologies Modern research now exploits superposition & entanglement directly: Quantum computing solves optimisation, cryptography, molecular simulation problems Quantum communication & encryption ultra-secure networks (QKD) Quantum sensing & metrology ultra-precise measurement, navigation, climate & mineral mapping Quantum materials superconductors, graphene, topological insulators Global race underway — strategic, economic, and security implications. India’s Quantum Push — Facts & Policy Context National Quantum Mission (NQM), India (2023–2031) Outlay: ₹6,003 crore goals: quantum computing, secure communication, sensing, materials Establishment of Quantum Technology hubs in IITs, IISc & research centres DRDO–ISRO–MeitY projects in quantum communication pilots & satellites Start-up ecosystem in QKD, cryogenic hardware, photonics Why Quantum Matters ? — Strategic & Developmental Significance Economic value creation in: pharma, logistics, finance, climate modelling, AI acceleration National security post-quantum cryptography, secure warfare networks Scientific competitiveness leadership in emerging-tech value chains Sovereignty in high-tech ecosystems Challenges & Debates  Hardware scalability, decoherence, cryogenic constraints Talent, research-to-industry translation gaps Ethical & governance issues in crypto, defence, data security Risk of quantum divide between nations Quick Facts 1925 — Heisenberg’s matrix mechanics → foundation of modern quantum theory Technologies derived: semiconductors, lasers, MRI, GPS, solar cells, sensors Second quantum revolution → computing, cryptography, sensing, materials India NQM outlay: ₹6,003 crore (2023–31)

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 31 December 2025

Content Law on Suspension of Sentence India as the Fourth-Largest Economy Ammonium Sulfate in Delhi’s PM2.5 Farmer Suicides in India PM-KUSUM 2.0 Law on Suspension of Sentence Why in news?  The Supreme Court (Dec 29, 2025) stayed the Delhi High Court order suspending the life sentence and granting bail to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, pending appeal. Relevance : GS-II (Polity) Criminal justice & appellate powers under CrPC/BNSS; limits of judicial discretion. Balancing Article 21 (fair trial) with victim/witness protection, esp. in POCSO / heinous offences. Core Concept (Doctrinal Basics) Meaning “Suspension of sentence” pauses the execution of punishment after conviction during pendency of appeal. It does not set aside conviction; the finding of guilt remains operative. Statutory Basis Section 389, CrPC, 1973 → now Section 430, BNSS, 2023. Operates only post-conviction and is discretionary, not automatic. Distinct from Related Remedies Suspension of sentence → temporary halt of punishment. Stay of conviction → exceptional; affects disqualification consequences. Commutation / Remission / Pardon → executive powers, not appellate discretion. When is Suspension the Norm vs the Exception? Fixed-term sentences under appeal General rule → courts lean towards suspension to prevent appeal becoming infructuous Bhagwan Rama Shinde Gosai (1999). Heinous offences / Life imprisonment cases Not routine; treated as exceptional relief. Requires heightened scrutiny of facts, risk, and merits. Governing Tests Applied by Appellate Courts Key evaluation matrix distilled from Supreme Court jurisprudence: A. Nature & Gravity of Offence Seriousness, brutality, societal impact (Shivani Tyagi, 2024). B. Strength of Appeal / Chance of Acquittal Must show prima facie serious infirmity or palpable error in trial judgment likely to reverse outcome Chhotelal Yadav, 2025. C. Long Incarceration Alone — Not Sufficient Period already undergone cannot be the sole ground in life-sentence matters Shivani Tyagi, 2024. D. Risk of Threat / Witness Intimidation / Victim Safety Prior conduct, history of intimidation, power asymmetry, vulnerability. E. Likelihood of Delay in Appeal Hearing Relevant, but secondary in heinous crimes. F. Conduct of Accused Behaviour in custody, criminal antecedents, compliance with earlier bail. Operational rule emerging: Suspension in life-imprisonment cases is justified only when (i) appeal shows credible prospects of reversal, and (ii) release does not compromise public interest or victim/witness safety. Procedural Safeguards & Requirements Reasoned Orders are Mandatory Courts must show application of mind to gravity, evidence, risks. Victim / State must be heard in serious offences. Conditions may be imposed travel limits, sureties, periodic reporting, non-contact directions. Bail on suspension ≠ right — remains judicial discretion tied to case facts. Special Considerations in Life-Imprisonment & Sexual-Offence Cases Courts apply higher caution where offences involve minors, custodial or authority-based abuse, organised violence, or systemic intimidation. In POCSO-type contexts, courts recognise the victim-centric and protective purpose of the statute; suspension requires stricter scrutiny of safety and societal interest. Jamna Lal, 2025 — trial court findings on minority or core facts are not to be unsettled lightly at suspension stage. Suspension vs Human Rights & Article 21 Balance Rationale for the doctrine Prevents undue hardship if conviction is later reversed. Preserves the right to meaningful appeal. Counter-balancing considerations Public confidence in justice, deterrence in grave crimes, survivor rights, equality before law. Courts therefore calibrate between fairness to the convict and societal / victim-protection interests. Neutral Policy & Practice Issues (Current Debates) Consistency problem Divergent High Court thresholds in life-sentence suspension orders. Backlog-driven pressures Delayed hearings often cited — but SC insists delay cannot override gravity in heinous crimes. Need for structured guidelines A uniform check-list / risk-assessment framework could improve predictability and victim-safety evaluation. Witness-protection integration Suspension decisions in high-risk cases need robust monitoring conditions and accountability for enforcement. Key Takeaways Suspension of sentence = execution paused, conviction intact. Routine in short / fixed-term sentences; exceptional in life-sentence / heinous offences. Core determinants → gravity, merits of appeal, safety risk, conduct, delay (secondary). Long custody alone is insufficient; courts must see credible prospects of acquittal. Orders must be reasoned, cautious, and victim-sensitive, especially in POCSO / sexual-violence contexts. India as the Fourth-Largest Economy  Why in news? Govt. statement (2025 reform snapshot) says India’s GDP ≈ $4.18 trillion, surpassing Japan to become the world’s 4th-largest economy; projected to overtake Germany by ~2030 with GDP ≈ $7.3 trillion. Real GDP growth (Q2 2025-26): 8.2% — six-quarter high; Q1: 7.8%, Q4 FY25: 7.4%. Growth led by domestic demand, private consumption, credit expansion, and resilient services. Multiple international agencies project 6–7%+ medium-term growth. Relevance :  GS-III (Economy) Growth indicators, structural reforms, inclusion vs. size, global ranking vs per-capita gaps. Policy drivers for sustained growth and move toward #3 economy. What does “fourth-largest economy” mean? Nominal GDP (USD terms) used for global size comparison; reflects output × current prices × exchange rate. Real GDP measures volume growth (inflation-adjusted) — relevant for welfare and productivity trends. Per-capita income remains much lower than advanced economies — size ≠ prosperity level. Growth Drivers (Macro-Level Evidence) Domestic demand-led expansion Strong urban consumption, services, housing, and credit to commercial sector. Public capex & supply-side reforms Infrastructure push, manufacturing incentives, digitalisation, tax base formalisation. Financial conditions Benign liquidity, robust banking balance-sheets, rising credit off-take. Exports & resilience Gradual improvement despite global trade uncertainty. Growth Outlook — What agencies are projecting ? World Bank: ~6.5% (2026). IMF: 6.6% (2025), 6.2% (2026). OECD: 6.7% (2025), 6.2% (2026). ADB: 7.2% (2025). Fitch: 7.4% (FY26). S&P / Moody’s: 6.4–6.7% range, fastest in G20. Inference: Consensus anchors India as a high-growth outlier among large economies. Macroeconomic Stability Signals Inflation below lower tolerance band (as per release); Unemployment trending down; Exports improving; Demand conditions firm, especially urban; Credit flows strong → supports investment cycle. Strategic Significance of Reaching #4 (Neutral Assessment) Positives Scale effects: Larger economy → deeper markets, investment magnetism, geopolitical weight. Fiscal capacity over the long run → social sector, infrastructure, technology. Domestic-demand model offers insulation from global shocks. Constraints / Caveats Per-capita gaps remain wide; inequality and informality persist. Labour participation & skilling constraints in some segments. Private capex breadth uneven across sectors and firm sizes. Export diversification & manufacturing depth still evolving. State-capacity and governance heterogeneity affects outcomes. What will determine the move from #4 → #3 by 2030? Enablers Sustained 6.5–7%+ real growth with productivity gains. Manufacturing & supply-chain integration, logistics efficiency, energy transition. Human-capital investments — health, education, skilling. Judicial, land, labour, and compliance simplification to crowd-in private investment. Financial-sector depth (corporate bond market, MSME credit, fintech inclusion). Risks to watch Global slowdown / geo-economic fragmentation. Climate shocks / food-fuel volatility. Persistent core inflation or external-account pressures. Execution slippages in reforms / capex. Welfare & Distribution Lens (Neutral) Rapid GDP expansion must translate into: Employment intensity outside capital-heavy sectors. Rural income strengthening, not only urban consumption. Regional balance and social-mobility gains (health, education outcomes). High-growth with weak inclusion can dampen long-run productivity. Exam-ready Takeaways India has overtaken Japan in nominal GDP to become 4th-largest economy; remains fastest-growing major economy. Recent growth driven by domestic demand, credit expansion, macro-stability, and reforms. Medium-term consensus: 6–7%+ growth; pathway to #3 by ~2030 depends on investment depth, productivity, inclusion, and risk management. Size milestone ≠ per-capita prosperity — structural reforms and human-capital gains are decisive. Ammonium Sulfate in Delhi’s PM2.5  Why in news?  A CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air) analysis finds that ammonium sulfate — a secondary inorganic aerosol — accounts for ~1/3rd of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 load, rising sharply in post-monsoon and winter months when pollution episodes peak. Signals a shift from primary emissions to atmospheric chemical formation as a major pollution driver. Relevance : GS-III (Environment) Secondary aerosols, SO₂–NH₃ chemistry, coal emissions, winter spikes. Airshed governance + SO₂ control & ammonia management. Basics — What is Ammonium Sulfate? A secondary pollutant formed in the atmosphere, not directly emitted. Chemical composition: (NH₄)₂SO₄ Formed when: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) → oxidises to sulfate (SO₄²⁻) Sulfate reacts with ammonia (NH₃) in the air → ammonium sulfate aerosol Appears as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) — microscopic particles that penetrate deep into lungs. Primary vs Secondary PM2.5  Primary PM2.5 → Directly emitted (dust resuspension, waste burning, diesel exhaust, industry). Secondary PM2.5 → Forms in the air via chemical reactions among precursor gases (SO₂, NOx, NH₃), influenced by humidity, temperature, and sunlight. Delhi’s problem: Secondary aerosols now contribute ≥ one-third of PM2.5 — meaning local emission control alone is not sufficient. How is Ammonium Sulfate Formed?  SO₂ sources Coal-fired power plants (dominant) Oil refineries, diesel combustion, brick kilns, industry, shipping NH₃ sources Fertiliser use & urea volatilisation Livestock waste, sewage, open drains Atmospheric process SO₂ → oxidises → forms sulfate Sulfate + Ammonia → Ammonium Sulfate aerosol (PM2.5) Persists for days, travels long distances, enabling regional pollution transport. Why is it a concern in India? (Evidence & Scale) India is the world’s largest emitter of SO₂, largely from coal-based thermal power generation. CREA satellite-based 2024 estimates: high ammonium-sulfate contribution in coal-dominated states like Chhattisgarh (42%), Odisha (41%), Jharkhand & Telangana (≈40%). High PM2.5 sulfate shares also reported in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal. Policy context 2023 policy exemption allowed ~78% of coal plants to avoid FGD (flue-gas desulphurisation) retrofits → weak SO₂ control, despite earlier deadlines. Experts flag mismatch between official compliance claims vs satellite-based SO₂ evidence. Why does it matter especially for Delhi-NCR? Delhi records one of the highest annual PM2.5 levels globally. Secondary aerosols: Travel hundreds of km into the city Intensify the regional nature of pollution Worsen episodes during post-monsoon stagnation & winter inversion. Result → Pollution spikes are driven not only by local sources, but also regional emissions + atmospheric chemistry. Seasonal Behaviour — Why spikes in winter/post-monsoon? High humidity & fog → speed up aqueous-phase chemical reactions. Lower temperatures → stabilise aerosols. Low wind & inversion → trap pollutants near surface. Agricultural NH₃ + regional SO₂ → accelerate ammonium-sulfate formation. CREA estimates: ~33% of Delhi’s annual PM2.5 from ammonium sulfate; ~49% contribution during post-monsoon & winter episodes. Health & Environmental Implications Deep-lung penetration → cardiopulmonary disease, stroke, cancer risk. Long atmospheric lifetime → regional haze & visibility loss. Sulfate aerosols influence radiative forcing and cloud interactions. Policy & Control — What needs focus ? Current gaps Insufficient SO₂ control at coal plants (slow FGD rollout). Weak NH₃ management in agriculture, wastewater, and livestock systems. Air-quality governance still city-centric, while the problem is regional & chemical-process driven. Priority strategies Accelerate FGD installation & tighten SO₂ emission compliance. Ammonia mitigation fertiliser efficiency, urease inhibitors, controlled application livestock waste management, sewage treatment upgrades. Regional airshed approach for Delhi-NCR (multi-state coordination). Expand chemical-speciation monitoring to track secondary aerosols. Integrate meteorology-based early-warning and episodic response plans. Takeaways Ammonium sulfate = secondary PM2.5 formed from SO₂ + NH₃ via atmospheric reactions. India = largest global SO₂ emitter, mainly due to coal power → high sulfate aerosol formation. In Delhi, ammonium sulfate contributes ~1/3rd of PM2.5 annually and ~1/2 during winter episodes. Pollution episodes are regional & chemistry-driven, not only local-source based. Effective control requires SO₂ cuts + NH₃ management + regional airshed policy. Farmer Suicides in India  Why in news?  A 28-year analysis of NCRB (1995–2023) by the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) shows: >3.94 lakh farmer & agricultural-labour suicides in India (avg. ~13,600/year). Maharashtra & Karnataka report suicide rates ~2.5× the national average consistently since the mid-1990s. Southern & Western India account for ~72.5% of total suicides. Decline after 2010 (linked to MGNREGA & welfare measures) but sharp reversal in 2023, with labourers now forming the largest share of victims. Relevance : GS-III (Agriculture & Social Issues) Agrarian distress, debt-risk in rain-fed belts, labourer vulnerability. Role of MGNREGA/insurance; need for income-stabilisation reforms. Who is counted as a “farmer suicide” in NCRB data? Two categories Cultivators (farmers / landowners / leaseholders) Agricultural labourers (wage-dependent rural workers) Classification depends on primary livelihood, not landholding size. Limitations: Possible under-reporting / misclassification Excludes indirect distress deaths (migration, health collapse due to debt). Long-term trend (1995–2023) — What the data shows ? Total deaths: ~3,94,206 (farmers + agri labourers). Peak distress phase: 2000–2009 → >1.54 lakh deaths; 2002 highest year: 17,971 suicides. Decline phase: 2010–2019 → reduction associated with MGNREGA, debt relief, insurance expansion. Re-acceleration:2023 → 10,786 suicides 6,096 agricultural labourers 4,690 cultivators → shift toward wage-worker distress. Analysts caution: part of the 2023 spike may reflect delayed reporting post-COVID. Regional concentration — Where is the crisis most severe? Persistent high-burden states (since mid-1990s): Maharashtra — 4,151 suicides in 2023 (highest) Karnataka — 2,423 suicides in 2023 Andhra Pradesh + Telangana — >1.7 lakh suicides cumulatively (1995–2023) Madhya Pradesh — consistently among top contributors Pattern Crisis concentrated in rain-fed, commercial-crop, input-intensive belts of Western, Southern & Central India. Intra-state contrasts Telangana’s cotton-belt districts show structural distress Coastal Andhra historically reports lower suicide rates Structural drivers of farmer suicides (evidence-based synthesis) Economic & production-risk drivers High input costs + rising credit dependence Bt cotton expansion (early 2000s) in rain-fed belts: Higher seed & pesticide expenditure Pest resistance shifts, yield volatility Increased financial risk exposure for smallholders Repeated crop failures (rainfall variability, droughts) Weak price support / market instability Limited crop-insurance effectiveness Dependence on informal credit → debt traps Globalisation & policy context (late 1990s–2000s) Trade liberalisation & import competition Decline in producer price protection for small farmers Social-institutional vulnerabilities Fragmented landholdings Lack of non-farm employment buffers Mental-health invisibility & stigma Weak rural safety nets for labour households Why are agricultural labourers now more affected? (2023 shift) Wage insecurity & seasonal unemployment Exposure to food price shocks & inflation Lower access to institutional credit / insurance Weak bargaining power & limited social protection Distress amplified during drought / climate stress periods Implication: Distress is no longer confined to cultivator-debt crises — it reflects broader rural economic fragility. What worked during the decline phase (2010–2019)? Evidence-linked buffers MGNREGA — income support during lean seasons & drought years Debt relief & loan restructuring episodes Insurance expansion (partial protection against crop loss) Diversification into non-farm income in some regions State examples Kerala: decline from 1,118 (2005) → 105 (2014) West Bengal: reported zero farmer suicides by 2012 (per NCRB) Madhya Pradesh: sustained fall during mid-2010s Limitation: In rain-fed commercial-crop states (Maharashtra, Karnataka), gains remained fragile without deeper agrarian reform. Neutral assessment — What keeps the crisis persistent? Production model risk-heavy: mono-crop, rain-fed, input-intensive systems Policy bias toward price exposure, not income stabilisation Insurance coverage ≠ effective payout certainty Rural labour precarity rising faster than farm incomes Climate variability increasing frequency of shocks Institutional responses remain episodic, not structural Way forward — Evidence-backed policy priorities Risk-reduction in rain-fed belts Crop-diversification, climate-resilient seeds, water-harvesting Region-specific cotton-pest management & extension services Income and credit stability Strengthen price-support + procurement reach beyond cereals Reform crop-insurance (timely claims, basis-risk reduction) Expand institutional credit for tenants & labour households Labour-centric protection MGNREGA intensity in drought blocks Urban & rural non-farm job linkages Portable welfare for migrant labour Governance & data District-level distress-monitoring dashboards Suicide-prevention + mental-health services in rural blocks Accurate recording of farmer vs labourer categories Takeaways 3.94 lakh+ suicides (1995–2023); peak 2000–09; decline post-2010; sharp rise in 2023. Maharashtra & Karnataka = persistent epicentres; South-West India ~72.5% share. Drivers: debt-linked risk in Bt-cotton belts, crop failures, price volatility, weak insurance, labour precarity. Post-2010 decline linked to MGNREGA & welfare buffers; distress persists without structural agrarian reform. Recent shift: agricultural labourers now form majority of suicides → deepening rural vulnerability. PM-KUSUM 2.0  Why in news? Ahead of Union Budget 2026-27, the Union Government is preparing PM-KUSUM 2.0, a redesigned follow-on to the ongoing PM-KUSUM scheme (till March 2026). Objective: strengthen decentralised solar in agriculture, with sharper emphasis on feeder-level solarisation, agro-PV models, and improved financial viability. As of Nov 2025 → 10,203 MW installed under all components at an expenditure of ₹7,106 crore (MNRE). Relevance : GS-III (Energy & Agriculture) Decentralised solar, feeder-level solarisation, discom subsidy relief, climate-agri convergence. Design issues: financing, land/use, execution capacity. What is PM-KUSUM? Launched to: Reduce diesel dependence in irrigation Cut agriculture power subsidies & discom losses Provide reliable daytime power to farmers Support climate & energy-transition goals Three components (current phase) A: Decentralised grid-connected solar plants (≤2 MW) B: Stand-alone solar pumps C: Solarisation of existing grid-connected pumps (incl. feeder-level solarisation – FLS) Scheme outlay (current phase, till 2026): ₹34,422 crore; target ~34,800 MW Why PM-KUSUM 2.0? Strong demand from states, but implementation bottlenecks in Components A & C. Need for: More technically robust & bankable design Better integration of feeder-solar + decentralised plants Options like agro-PV and storage, where viable. Shift from scheme extension → new phase with revised architecture. What changes are likely in PM-KUSUM 2.0?  Sharper focus on feeder-level solarisation (Component C) Priority tool for reliable day-time power, lowering subsidy burden on discoms. Agro-PV inclusion under discussion Elevated panels enabling simultaneous cultivation + solar power Addresses land constraints in dense or politically sensitive regions. Higher capex expectation Costs likely to rise if agro-PV / storage are added. Greater private-sector participation in decentralised projects. Access-to-credit reforms via Agri Infrastructure Fund for Component-A projects. Financial architecture — What continues from current scheme ? Central Financial Assistance (CFA) ~30% of benchmark cost (up to 50% in NE & hilly states). Feeder-solarisation (Component C) — current norms CFA up to ₹1.05 crore/MW (≈30% of ₹3.5 crore/MW benchmark). Discom incentives: ₹6.6 lakh per MW per year (₹33 lakh over 5 yrs). State + beneficiary cost-sharing continues as core structure. Component-wise performance & lessons Component A — Decentralised grid-connected plants Challenges Low discovered tariffs → financially unviable after land & evacuation costs. Financing bottlenecks; high margin money discourages farmers. Land near substations scarce; delays in conversion & PPAs. DCR norms & procedural slowdowns. Corrective steps Routing projects through Agri Infrastructure Fund for concessional credit. Increasing alignment with feeder-solarisation demand centres. Component B — Stand-alone solar pumps Strengths High uptake in diesel-dependent & weak-grid regions. Strong farmer interest where power supply unreliable. Risks / gaps Up-front costs, quality control, O&M service gaps. Potential groundwater over-extraction without micro-irrigation / demand-side measures. Does not supply to grid → limited role in subsidy or discom reform. Component C — Solarisation of grid-connected pumps (incl. FLS) Strategic importance Seen as most scalable lever for dependable day-time supply, lower subsidy burden, reduced grid stress. Local-demand-first model; surplus exported to grid. Implementation constraints Feeder separation delays Payment lags from discoms Varied state-level execution capacity Policy direction Core focus area for PM-KUSUM 2.0. Alignment between Components A & C Not formally merged, but increasing functional linkage: Component-A plants serving as generation backbone for feeder-solarisation under C. Supplies agri load first, exports surplus to grid. Considered a scalable template for next phase; improves land-use efficiency and supports agro-PV models. Installed vs sanctioned progress (as reported) Component A: ~667 MW installed of ~9,964 MW sanctioned Component B: ~9.42 lakh pumps installed of ~13.09 lakh sanctioned Component C (IPS + FLS): ~11 lakh capacity solarised of ~35.8 lakh sanctioned Inference: Uptake strongest in Component B, reform leverage highest in Component C, structural constraints persist in Component A. Why feeder-level solarisation matters ? Benefits Predictable day-time power for irrigation Lower cross-subsidy & budgetary subsidy burden Reduced technical losses & grid stress Enables localised renewable transition in agriculture Risks / prerequisites Requires payment security to developers Timely approvals & feeder separation Strong state-level coordination & discom capacity Takeaways PM-KUSUM 2.0 aims to re-architect decentralised solar for agriculture, not just extend the old scheme. Feeder-level solarisation (Component C) emerges as the central reform lever. Agro-PV + A-C alignment expected to improve scalability & land efficiency. Financing, payment security, feeder separation, and execution capacity remain critical bottlenecks. Outcomes will shape the intersection of agriculture, power-sector reform, and climate transition in rural India.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 30 December 2025

Content Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket INSV Kaundinya’s Maiden Voyage Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket Why in News ? DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) on 29 December 2025 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The rocket achieved its maximum range of 120 km with high-precision target impact, validating guidance, control and in-flight manoeuvre capabilities. The system was launched from an in-service Pinaka launcher, proving compatibility across Pinaka variants and enhancing operational flexibility. Relevance GS-III | Defence Technology & Internal Security Indigenisation & Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Manufacturing — indigenous R&D ecosystem (DRDO, ARDE, HEMRL, DRDL, RCI). Strategic Forces Modernisation — precision-guided long-range artillery bridging gap between guns and tactical missiles. Internal & External Security Preparedness — counter-battery fire, deep-strike support, battlefield deterrence. Understanding the Pinaka System Origin & Role Indigenous Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) developed by DRDO in the 1990s; inducted post-Kargil for area saturation fire support. Variants (Evolution) Pinaka Mk-I — ~40 km range (unguided, battlefield support) Pinaka Mk-II / Guided Pinaka — ~70–90 km, improved accuracy with guidance kit Pinaka LRGR-120 (New) — 120 km, precision-guided long-range strike Platform Mounted on high-mobility launch vehicles; rapid shoot-and-scoot capability. Technical Features of LRGR-120  Range & Accuracy 120 km maximum range, precision impact (“textbook precision”). Guidance & Navigation Likely INS-GPS based guidance, mid-course corrections, terminal accuracy enhancements. Design & Development Ecosystem Developed by ARDE with support from HEMRL, DRDL, RCI. Trial coordinated by ITR & Proof & Experimental Establishment. Launcher Compatibility Fired from existing Pinaka launcher, enabling multi-range munitions from a single platform. Operational Advantages Higher standoff distance, survivability, quick deployment, reduced logistics footprint. Strategic Significance for India’s Armed Forces Extended Battlefield Reach Bridges gap between tube artillery and tactical ballistic missiles. Precision-Strike over Long Range Enables counter-battery fire, interdiction of logistics hubs, and deep-area targeting. Indigenisation & Self-Reliance Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence munitions & rocket systems. Game-Changer Capability Enhances deterrence, joint-force firepower, and cost-effective long-range strike options. Comparative Perspective Similar Global Systems Comparable class to HIMARS / MLRS (US), Lynx (Israel), Tornado-S (Russia). Differentiator Cost-effective, indigenous, modular launcher supporting multiple rocket ranges. Implications for Future Capability Development Pathway to Larger Ecosystem Integration with network-centric warfare, ISR-targeting chains, UAV-based cueing. Potential Enhancements Higher-range variants, improved seekers, swarming salvo doctrines. Export Potential Strong candidate for friendly foreign militaries under defence diplomacy. INSV Kaundinya’s Maiden Voyage  Why in News ? INSV Kaundinya, an indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel of the Indian Navy, embarked on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar to Muscat on 29 December 2025. The expedition aims to revive and celebrate India–Oman maritime heritage, retracing ancient trade and cultural routes across the Arabian Sea. The voyage underscores maritime diplomacy, cultural connect, and heritage preservation as strategic pillars of India’s naval outreach. Relevance GS-I | Culture & Heritage Maritime Heritage & Civilisational Exchanges — revival of stitched-boat traditions, ancient India–Oman trade links. GS-III | Maritime Security & Indian Ocean Region Naval Outreach & Maritime Presence — symbolic assertion of India’s maritime identity. Indian Ocean Geopolitics — cultural diplomacy complementing security cooperation. From Basics — Understanding INSV Kaundinya & Stitched Vessels What is a stitched vessel? Traditional shipbuilding method where planks are stitched together with natural fibre cords, not metal fasteners. Historically used along India’s western coast — Gujarat, Konkan, Kerala — for long-distance Indian Ocean navigation. Civilisational Context Reflects India’s role in pre-modern maritime trade networks — spices, horses, dates, textiles, pearls. Echoes accounts from Arab chroniclers, Sangam texts, and maritime archaeology (Lothal, Sohar links). Voyage Highlights (Expedition) Route: Porbandar (Gujarat) → Muscat (Oman) Purpose: Re-enact ancient sea routes connecting western India with Oman. Crew: 4 officers + 13 sailors; Design & Heritage Features Indigenously constructed using traditional stitched shipbuilding techniques and natural materials. Based on historical and iconographic evidence — recreating indigenous seamanship, navigational practices, and hull design traditions. Acts as a “living laboratory” of maritime history, linking craft traditions with contemporary naval heritage initiatives. Strategic & Diplomatic Significance Maritime Diplomacy Reinforces India–Oman strategic partnership through heritage-led engagement. Deepens people-to-people ties, cultural memory, and shared oceanic identity. Indian Ocean Civilisational Continuity Reaffirms India’s historic seafaring ethos and coastal trade networks. Soft Power & Narrative Building Positions India as a culturally rooted, responsible maritime nation in the IOR. Regional Geopolitical Context Complements SAGAR vision, Indian Navy outreach, Western Indian Ocean engagement. India–Oman Maritime Linkages Historical Gujarat–Oman ties via Kutch, Mandvi, Porbandar trading communities. Shared maritime routes across Gulf of Oman & Arabian Sea for centuries. Contemporary Strategic partnership, defence cooperation, access arrangements, energy & diaspora linkages. Oman hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in West Asia.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 30 December 2025

Content To tap India’s clean energy potential , a to-do list Model conduct To tap India’s clean energy potential , a to-do list Why in News ? The editorial discusses India’s emerging clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem and the structural bottlenecks limiting its full potential — particularly in solar, transmission infrastructure, financing, and green hydrogen deployment. It highlights how domestic solar manufacturing capacity has expanded sharply in 2024, aided by the PLI scheme and TOPCon technology adoption, but warns that policy gaps, grid constraints, and financial stress in DISCOMs could stall momentum. Relevance   GS-III | Economy, Infrastructure, Environment Renewable energy transition, domestic manufacturing ecosystem, grid & DISCOM reforms. GS-II | Governance & Policy Regulatory stability, investment climate, public–private risk management. Practice Question “India’s clean-energy transition is constrained less by capacity creation and more by grid, financing and institutional bottlenecks.” Discuss with reference to transmission constraints, DISCOM stress and investment risk in the renewable energy sector.(250 Words) From Basics — India’s Clean Energy Shift Past dependence on imports India long relied on Chinese solar modules & cells to meet renewable expansion. Current transition Domestic firms added ~25.3 GW of new module capacity in 2024, nearly doubling national manufacturing strength. Policy catalyst PLI Scheme → promotes indigenous manufacturing & upstream integration. Technological upgradation Shift toward TOPCon and higher-efficiency modules → signals move from assembly to innovation-led manufacturing. Core Issues Highlighted in the Editorial   1) Import Dependence Shifting — Not Eliminated Upstream integration weak: Only ~2 GW wafer capacity vs ~40× higher module production. Risk → dependence shifts from modules to wafers & polysilicon (new vulnerability). 2) Policy Uncertainty & Contractual Risks Frequent tariff changes, duty tweaks, and retrospective renegotiations after auctions. Developers & financiers face uncertain revenue outlook, hurting investments. 3) Transmission Bottlenecks  ~60 GW renewable capacity stuck / under-utilised due to: Inadequate grid connectivity Curtailment by grid operators Result: Clean power cannot flow where needed Developers often get no compensation, weakening project viability. 4) DISCOM Financial Stress Unpaid dues & weak balance sheets affect: PPA enforcement Payment discipline Investor confidence in RE projects 5) Renewable Finance Risk Premium India’s renewable financing costs are nearly 80% higher than advanced economies due to: Grid risks Curtailment uncertainty Regulatory unpredictability 6) Green Hydrogen — Promise vs Reality National Mission target → 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030. Challenges: High costs ($4.1–$5.0/kg vs conventional hydrogen) Demand creation uncertain Sectors like steel, refining, transport face retrofit risks & no guaranteed offtake. Likely needs: subsidies, price-support, contracts-for-difference, clearer transmission planning. Strategic Significance Energy security → reduce import dependence in critical technologies. Industrial competitiveness → build full value-chain (polysilicon → wafers → modules). Climate commitments → enable Net Zero & RE targets. Geo-economic leverage → positioning India as global clean-energy manufacturing hub. Actionable To-Do Priorities  Strengthen upstream manufacturing Incentivise polysilicon & wafer production, not just module assembly. Stabilise policy & contracts Reduce retrospective changes; ensure predictable tariff framework. Accelerate grid expansion Invest heavily in transmission corridors & storage integration. Fix DISCOM finances Enforce payment discipline, reform tariff structures. De-risk renewable investments Curtailment compensation norms; credit enhancement mechanisms. Green hydrogen roadmap clarity Demand-side guarantees, price support models, export strategy. Model conduct Why in News ? The editorial examines India’s evolving approach to regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) — currently anchored in existing IT, financial, privacy and data-protection rules — and argues that India lacks a dedicated consumer-safety / duty-of-care framework for AI-driven harms, especially psychological harms. It contrasts India’s approach with China’s newly-proposed rules for emotionally interactive AI systems, and calls for India to improve AI capabilities, expand access to compute, upskill its workforce, and regulate high-risk AI use cases without stifling innovation. Relevance GS-III | Science & Tech, Internal Security, Economy AI governance, responsible innovation, digital infrastructure, financial-sector risk management. GS-II | Governance & Regulation Duty of care, consumer protection, privacy, regulatory design, state capacity. Practice Question “India currently regulates AI through adjacent legal frameworks rather than a unified duty-of-care regime.” Examine the strengths and limitations of this approach, especially in the context of psychological and behavioural harms.(250 Words) From Basics — India’s Current AI Governance Approach Regulatory basis (indirect / adjacent regulation) IT Act & IT Rules → platform due-diligence, deepfake and fraud response, labelling synthetic content. Privacy & Data Protection rules → control over data use and consent. Financial-sector governance RBI — model-risk governance & FREE-AI framework for credit-risk and AI adoption. SEBI — accountability norms for AI use by regulated market entities. Nature of regulation so far Largely reactive and sector-specific, not a unified AI-product-safety regime. No explicit duty of care for psychological or behavioural harms from AI systems. Global Contrast — China’s ‘Emotional AI’ Rules Draft rules require platforms to: Warn users about excessive reliance / addictive use Intervene when signs of emotional distress appear Benefit → addresses psychological dependence & behavioural harms. Risk → could push platforms toward intrusive emotional surveillance / monitoring. India’s stance Less intrusive but incomplete — avoids over-surveillance, but does not directly address AI-safety harms beyond unlawful content or fraud. Core Policy Challenges Highlighted Capability gap India has a large AI-adoption ecosystem, but lags the U.S. & China in frontier-model development. Regulate-first, build-later risk Over-regulation without domestic capacity may increase technological dependency. Fragmented oversight Controls downstream harms, but not model-safety obligations across high-risk deployments. Psychological & behavioural harms AI systems influencing emotions, dependence, or decision-making remain weakly governed. Strategic Way Forward — Two-Track Approach Suggested 1) Build Capability & Ecosystem Strength Improve access to computational resources (compute, GPUs, public cloud capacity) Upskill workforce — AI engineering, safety, evaluation, governance. Increase public procurement of AI — anchor demand, scale domestic solutions. Translate research → industry — support labs, startups, academia–industry bridges. Avoid paralysis by consensus — faster execution to prevent dependency. 2) Regulate Downstream Use — Without Choking Innovation Upstream Focus on high-risk AI contexts (finance, health, welfare delivery, biometric systems, employment screening). Add obligations to existing privacy / consumer-protection frameworks: Incident-reporting duties for model failures, bias, safety breaches. Monitoring & response requirements for harmful model behaviour. Accountability & transparency norms for deployed systems. Prefer risk-based governance over emotion-monitoring mandates or intrusive surveillance. Strategic Significance for India Balances innovation and safety — avoids over-broad surveillance-led regulation. Supports technological self-reliance — compute access + talent + public demand. Protects citizens in high-risk deployments — without deterring domestic model development. Positions India as a pragmatic regulator — use-case regulation > model-control mandates.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 30 December 2025

Content What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement? Mega AI summit Indian Navy’s stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya sets off for Oman Karen and Arakan (Rakhine) Regions The importance of being a hill Explained -What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement? Why in News ? India and New Zealand have concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in December 2025 — hailed as the fastest-negotiated FTA (nine months) — providing zero-duty access for 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand and targeting $20 billion FDI inflows by 2030. The deal is positioned as a gateway to Oceania and Pacific Island value chains, aims to double bilateral trade (~$1.3 bn) in five years, and is notable for being negotiated by an entirely women-led team. Strategically, it marks India’s push toward trade diversification, supply-chain resilience, and deeper integration into global value chains (GVCs) amid tariff headwinds and slowing progress on the Indo-U.S. trade track. Relevance GS-III | Economy, Trade, Infrastructure Trade diversification, export competitiveness, supply-chain resilience. Global Value Chains (GVCs), FDI inflows, manufacturing & services linkages. MSMEs, labour-intensive sectors, tariff policy, rules-of-origin safeguards. GS-II | International Relations & Economic Diplomacy Bilateral engagement, strategic partnerships, market access diplomacy. Geopolitics of FTAs, diversification beyond U.S./EU/China. From Basics — Strategic Context Trade diversification push Shift away from over-dependence on U.S., EU, and China-centric markets. New FTAs → U.K., Oman, Russia (ongoing), Pacific & West Asia partners. GVC positioning FTAs aligned with Make in India, PLI, technology transfer, and manufacturing integration. Objective → move from market access dependence to value-chain participation. Key Features of the India–New Zealand FTA Market Access Zero-duty access for all Indian exports. India to liberalise 95% of imports, 57% duty-free from Day-1 (calibrated list). FDI Commitment $20 bn over 15 years with clawback safeguards. Focus → skills, services, mobility, 118 sectors. Services & Mobility Gains Easier movement for students, professionals, youth. Opportunities → IT, healthcare, education, construction, chefs, yoga & music instructors. Cultural & Soft Power Linkages Indian diaspora ~5% of NZ population (~3 lakh) strengthens people-to-people ties. Traditional Knowledge Access First-time facilitation of Ayurveda, yoga, traditional medicine services. Sensitive-Sector Safeguards Agriculture & Dairy kept outside FTA No concessions on milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, oils, sugar, spices, rubber, onions. Protects farmers, SMEs and cooperatives against a major global dairy exporter. Cooperation without Market Opening NZ to assist India’s fruit & honey productivity, supply chains, quality standards, centres of excellence. Relevance to Global Value Chains (GVCs) Moves India up the value ladder Encourages manufacturing collaboration, skill-linked services exports, MSME participation. Gateway to Oceania & Pacific supply networks Expands market reach, logistics corridors, export diversification. Investor-friendly framework Predictable rules → supports value-chain anchoring and cross-border co-production. Strategic Significance Geo-economic diplomacy FTAs as instruments for long-term trade alliances, not transactional access. Resilience against tariff shocks U.S. tariff tightening + slow bilateral progress → push for alternate market footholds. Employment & skills pathway Labour-intensive sectors gain → textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, engineering goods, processed food. Criticisms & Risks In New Zealand Criticised for excluding dairy & agriculture — called “not fair or free” by political partners. In India Concerns over trade deficits and asymmetric gains from past FTAs. Success depends on implementation, monitoring, rules-of-origin discipline, anti-dumping enforcement. Way Forward  Strengthen domestic competitiveness Quality standards, productivity, export capability, MSME upgrading for GVC participation. Enforce safeguards Robust ROO checks, supply-chain traceability, anti-dumping provisions. Invest in R&D & capability building Move from market-access gains → value-addition positioning. Leverage services + manufacturing synergy Skill mobility + production partnerships → GVC embedding, not shallow trade growth. Mega AI summit  Why in News ? India is set to host the AI Impact Summit 2026, positioned at a global scale comparable to the 2023 G-20 Summit, with participation expected from 15–20 heads of state and around 1,00,000 delegates at the main event. The summit is part of the annual multilateral AI governance track that began at Bletchley Park (U.K., 2023) and continued through Seoul (2024) and Paris (2025), where India was handed the mandate to host the 2026 edition. The event seeks to shape global discourse on AI safety, trust, governance, and economic transformation, while strengthening India’s role as a leader of the Global South in AI policy coordination. Relevance GS-III | Science & Technology, Innovation, Economy AI governance, frontier-AI safety, digital public infrastructure. Future of work, skills, innovation diplomacy, technology leadership. Evolution of the Global AI Summit Process Bletchley Park Declaration (2023) → 27 participating countries; focus on frontier AI safety risks. Subsequent editions expanded participation to 100+ countries, signalling widening consensus-building on AI governance. India’s mandate for 2026 reflects growing geopolitical relevance in digital diplomacy & tech governance. Summit Scale & Stakeholders Participation Heads of State (15–20), ministers, regulators, and multilateral institutions. Top AI labs & firms — Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and other global leaders (tentative confirmations). Significant presence from Global South countries. Engagement Format Large ecosystem mobilisation through multiple pre-summit events in India and abroad. Core Themes for Deliberation AI & the Future of Work — productivity, labour-market transitions, skills & inclusion. Trust, Safety & Governance Protocols — frontier model safeguards, accountability, evaluation frameworks. Sectoral AI Applications — health, finance, manufacturing, public services, climate, education. Global Coordination Architecture — cooperation between governments, research labs, and industry. Strategic Significance for India Positions India as a rule-shaper in emerging AI governance, not just a technology user. Strengthens Global South leadership in debates on access, equity, capacity-building, and responsible innovation. Enhances innovation diplomacy — collaboration with major AI firms & research institutions. Supports domestic AI agenda — investments in compute, skills, and industry-research linkages. Opportunities & Challenges Opportunities Platform to push risk-based governance + innovation-friendly frameworks. Chance to secure partnerships, funding, and technology collaboration. Framework for inclusive global AI standards reflecting developing-country needs. Challenges Translating declarations into implementation & institutional mechanisms. Balancing safety norms with growth and market innovation. Avoiding over-securitised or firm-dominated governance structures. Indian Navy’s stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya sets off for Oman Why in News ? INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy’s indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel, has embarked on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman). The expedition aims to revive and celebrate India’s ancient maritime heritage, retracing historic sea routes that fostered trade, cultural exchange, and civilisational linkages between India and Oman across the Indian Ocean. Relevance GS-I | Culture & Heritage Maritime heritage, indigenous shipbuilding traditions, historical trade routes. GS-II | International Relations Maritime diplomacy, India–Oman ties, IOR cultural linkages, SAGAR vision. What is a Stitched Sailing Vessel? Construction technique Hull planks are stitched together using natural fibre cords, instead of metal nails or rivets. Historical use Practised for centuries along India’s western coast — Gujarat, Konkan, Kerala. Enabled long-distance Indian Ocean navigation, monsoon sailing, and coastal trade. Civilisational significance Symbol of indigenous shipbuilding, seamanship, and navigation traditions rooted in maritime archaeology and textual references. Voyage & Mission Highlights Route: Porbandar → Muscat (retracing ancient trade corridors). Crew: 4 officers + 13 sailors; Symbolism: Re-affirmation of Gujarat-Oman historical maritime ties and people-to-people connect. Overview 1) Heritage Revival (Cultural & Historical Lens) Recreates living maritime traditions rather than museum-based remembrance. Strengthens awareness of India’s pre-modern oceanic trade networks and cultural interchanges in the Arabian Sea littoral. 2) Maritime Diplomacy (Strategic & Soft-Power Lens) Functions as heritage-led diplomacy, deepening relations with Oman and the wider Gulf & Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Supports India’s SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region). 3) Naval Identity & Institutional Learning Reinforces the Navy’s evolution from colonial maritime narratives to indigenous seafaring identity. Provides a practical learning platform for seamanship, traditional navigation, and endurance sailing. 4) Cultural Economy & Tourism Linkages Potential to develop maritime heritage tourism, coastal craft revival, skill preservation, and community livelihoods along the western seaboard. 5) Geopolitical & Civilisational Signalling (Advanced Context) Positions India as a civilisational maritime power with deep historical roots in the IOR. Complements contemporary naval engagements with symbolic soft-power projection and people-centric diplomacy. Strategic Significance for India–Oman Relations Reinforces trust, friendship, and historic connectivity between the two nations. Adds cultural depth to an already strong partnership in defence, energy, diaspora ties, and logistics cooperation. Karen and Arakan (Rakhine) Regions  Why in News ?  Elections are underway in Myanmar (three-phase polling from Dec 28, 2025 to Jan 2026), and rebel groups from the Karen and Arakan/Rakhine regions have expressed dissatisfaction with India’s response, urging stronger pressure on the junta for an inclusive process. Relevance GS-II | International Relations — Neighbourhood First India–Myanmar relations, border security, refugee flows, democratic processes. China factor, ethnic armed groups, diplomatic signalling. Where are Karen & Arakan (Rakhine) Regions? Karen (Kayin) State Location: Southeastern Myanmar, bordering Thailand; mountainous–forest terrain. People: Predominantly Karen ethnic minority. Capital: Hpa-An. Arakan / Rakhine State Location: Western Myanmar, along the Bay of Bengal, bordering Bangladesh. Capital: Sittwe. Known for ethnic contestations, including Rakhine groups and Rohingya communities. The importance of being a hill  Why in News ? The article reflects on the ecological, cultural, historical, and civilisational importance of hills and hill ranges in India, in the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s November 20, 2025 judgment on the Aravalli range, which critics fear could dilute protections and enable destructive land-use changes. Using examples such as Pavagadh, the Vindhyas, Satpuras, Eastern Ghats, and the Aravallis, it argues that hills are not minor landforms, but critical ecosystems, strategic landscapes, and heritage spaces essential to human history and environmental stability. Relevance GS-III | Environment, Ecology, Biodiversity Ecosystem services of hill ranges — watersheds, climate buffers, carbon sinks. Conservation vs land-use change, sustainable hill governance. GS-I | Geography & Culture Physiography of Indian hill ranges; civilisational, archaeological significance. What is a Hill and Why It Matters ?a Hills vs Mountains  Mountains are typically higher and steeper; hills are smaller but geologically, ecologically, and culturally significant. Global significance Hills and mountains cover ~25% of Earth’s land area and support ~40% of the world’s population (Ecological Indicators, 2024). Core ecosystem services Water storage & watershed protection Flood moderation & climate regulation Carbon sequestration & oxygen production Natural barriers & wind / desert-sand buffers (e.g., Aravallis) Historical & Civilisational Importance — Key Illustrations 1) Pavagadh Hill (Gujarat) — Culture, Power & Settlement Part of Deccan Traps / Aravalli-extension zone; strategic height fostered urban settlement & dynastic control. Capital of Mahmud Begada’s Champaner (1484) — a symbol of trade control, political authority, and architectural legacy. 2) Vindhya Range — Boundary, Watershed, Culture Acts as a civilisational and geographic divide between Indo-Gangetic plains & Deccan Plateau. Major river systems arise here (Betwa, Ken, Son, Parbati, Kali Sindh). Hosts rich teak–sal–bamboo ecosystems and megafauna. 3) Satpura Range — Biodiversity Corridor & “Faunal Bridge” Satpura Tiger Reserve → rare & endemic flora (bryophytes, pteridophytes). Satpura Hypothesis → corridor enabling faunal dispersal between Himalayas & Western Ghats. 4) Eastern Ghats — Tribal Landscapes & Seed Diversity Home to ancient tribal communities and 454 endemic plant species. Jeypore Tract → secondary centre of origin of cultivated rice (high agro-biodiversity value). 5) Archaeological & Anthropological Significance Rock shelters like Bhimbetka → evidence of early human habitation, art, and evolution. Why Hills Are Irreplaceablec? Ecological buffers → regulate rainfall, microclimates, groundwater recharge. Cultural geographies → pilgrimage, heritage landscapes, identity spaces. Strategic terrain → control over trade routes, defence vantage, settlement evolution. Human–nature continuity → habitats supporting communities, wildlife, livelihoods. The critique warns that reducing hills to narrow legal/technical definitions risks legitimising mining, real-estate expansion, and ecological fragmentation, undermining their multidimensional value. Key Takeaway Hills are not expendable minor elevations; they are living ecosystems, historical archives, climate stabilisers, and cultural anchors. Any policy or judicial framework must treat them with ecological sensitivity, historical awareness, and long-term sustainability, rather than purely economic or land-use lenses.

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