Daily Current Affairs - 16th December 2025
- TPP
- Dec 17, 2025
- 26 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | UNESCO Heritage Twinning, GVC Report 2025, Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, World Inequality Report 2026, PoSH Act, Biosecurity, Nuclear Power, Indigenous Technologies and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
Table of Content
POLITY & GOVERNANCE
ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY
Petra & Ellora Caves – UNESCO Heritage Twinning (India–Jordan)
India and Jordan signed a twinning agreement between their UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Ellora Caves and Petra, highlighting shared traditions of rock-cut architecture (structures carved directly from natural rock rather than built with blocks).
Ellora Caves (India)
Ellora Caves are located in the Charanandri Hills of Maharashtra, near the Elaganga River (a seasonal river flowing close to the site).
The caves were carved between 600–1000 CE, reflecting early medieval Indian art and engineering.
They were predominantly created under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty and the Yadava Dynasty (major ruling dynasties of the Deccan region).
Architecturally, Ellora represents rock-cut caves carved into basalt cliffs, where basalt is a hard volcanic rock.
The caves were carved from top to bottom, a technique used to prevent collapse during excavation.
Ellora uniquely houses Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments side by side, symbolizing religious tolerance and coexistence.
The complex also contains mural paintings depicting themes from all three religions, enhancing its artistic and cultural value.
Petra (Jordan)
Petra, popularly known as the “Rose City”, derives its name from its pink sandstone cliffs (sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed by compacted sand).
Petra served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom beginning around the 4th century BCE (the Nabataeans were an ancient Arab civilization known for trade and water management).
The city is half-built and half-carved into the rock, showcasing advanced engineering adapted to the natural landscape.
Petra is surrounded by mountains filled with narrow passages and gorges, where gorges are deep valleys formed by erosion, adding to its natural defense and grandeur.
Global Value Chain (GVC) Development Report 2025 – “Rewiring GVCs in a Changing Global Economy”
The Global Value Chain (GVC) Development Report 2025 is jointly published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Economic Forum (WEF), reflecting a coordinated global institutional perspective.
Global Value Chains (GVCs) refer to a production process in which different stages of producing a final consumer good occur across multiple countries, with each stage adding value.
A defining feature of GVCs is that at least two stages of production take place in different economies, highlighting international production fragmentation.
Key Highlights of the Report
The report highlights that globalization is undergoing “rewiring” rather than reversal, indicating structural adjustment instead of collapse of global trade linkages.
This rewiring is driven by technological change, green transition, and shifting geopolitical conditions, which reshape how firms organize production.
Despite these changes, GVCs have shown resilience in the global economy.
The global share of GVCs in world trade stands at 46.3%, reflecting continued importance of cross-border production.
This share has declined marginally from its 2022 peak of 48%, indicating adjustment rather than disengagement.
Rise of Services and Digital Trade
The report notes a structural shift toward services within global value chains.
Services have surpassed goods in GVC participation, marking a major transformation in trade composition.
Services account for more than one-third of the value added in manufacturing exports, showing their embedded role in goods production.
Digital trade, defined as trade enabled by digital technologies and data flows, has become a key driver of GVC integration.
India has strengthened its GVC integration due to robust growth in digital services exports.
Regional Concentration of GVCs
The report highlights the dominance of regional production hubs in global value chains.
Asia, Europe, and North America together account for the majority of GVC-related trade.
In contrast, Latin America and Africa lag behind in both GVC participation and overall trade integration.
Emerging Trends in GVC Configuration
The report identifies reshoring, which refers to bringing production activities back to domestic economies.
China, the United States, and the European Union have increased reshoring efforts.
Reshoring has reduced their dependence on foreign value addition in production processes.
At the same time, the report observes diversification of global manufacturing locations.
This diversification is occurring despite China’s continued dominance in manufacturing.
China accounts for 76.9% of global electric vehicle (EV) production, underscoring its manufacturing scale.
India’s Position in Global Value Chains
India is identified as one of the top ten value-adding economies in global trade.
India accounts for 2.8% of global domestic value added in exports in 2024, reflecting its growing contribution.
Domestic value added refers to the portion of export value generated within the country itself.
Significance of Global Value Chains
GVC participation plays a critical role in poverty reduction.
According to the World Bank, a 1% increase in GVC participation raises per capita income levels twice as much as conventional trade.
GVCs contribute significantly to employment generation, especially in developing economies.
Employment gains are prominent in labour-intensive sectors.
GVCs also create female-driven employment opportunities.
The GVC-oriented export apparel sector in Bangladesh is a key example of inclusive job creation.
Beyond employment, GVCs support economic growth.
GVCs enhance productivity by enabling specialization across countries.
GVC participation improves trade competitiveness and market access for firms and economies.
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha, marking a major reform in India’s higher education governance framework.
The primary objective of the Bill is to empower Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), which include universities and colleges offering post-secondary education.
The Bill seeks to enable HEIs to achieve academic excellence through effective coordination among regulatory functions.
It also aims to advance the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, which emphasizes autonomy, quality, and multidisciplinary education.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Bill provides for the repeal of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956.
It also proposes repealing the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Act, 1987, which regulates technical education.
The Bill further repeals the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Act, 1993, which governs teacher education standards.
To replace these bodies, the Bill provides for the constitution of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA).
The VBSA is envisaged as a single umbrella commission to regulate higher education in India.
VBSA will replace existing regulatory bodies such as the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
Composition of VBSA
The Commission shall consist of a President and Members not exceeding 12, excluding ex officio members.
Ex officio members are members who hold positions by virtue of another official role.
The President and Members of the Commission, other than ex officio members and the Member Secretary, shall be appointed by the President of India.
Scope and Coverage
All higher educational institutions under the Ministry of Education will fall under the purview of VBSA.
Institutions earlier regulated by UGC, AICTE, and NCTE will also be covered by VBSA.
The VBSA will be responsible for the determination of academic and institutional standards for these institutions.
Institutional Structure under VBSA
The Bill provides for the formation of three specialized councils under VBSA.
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad will function as the Regulatory Council.
A Regulatory Council is responsible for oversight, compliance, and enforcement of rules.
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad will function as the Accreditation Council.
An Accreditation Council assesses and certifies the quality and performance of institutions.
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad will function as the Standards Council.
A Standards Council is responsible for setting academic and learning benchmarks.
Professional Standard Setting Bodies
The Council of Architecture (CoA), established under the Architects Act, 1972, will continue to function independently.
The CoA will act as a Professional Standard Setting Body (PSSB).
A PSSB is an institution responsible for maintaining discipline-specific professional standards.
This arrangement is aligned with the vision of NEP, 2020.
Funding Provisions
The Bill proposes to keep funding of centrally funded higher educational institutions outside the purview of VBSA.
Centrally funded institutions are those that receive direct financial support from the Union Government.
Enforcement Powers
The Bill provides for a significant enhancement of enforcement powers of the Regulatory Council.
The Regulatory Council can impose penalties for violations of prescribed norms.
The penalties can range from not less than ₹10 lakh.
The penalties can extend up to ₹2 crore, ensuring strong regulatory compliance.
3rd Edition of the World Inequality Report 2026
The World Inequality Report 2026 is the third edition of the report series.
The earlier editions of the report were released in 2018 and 2022, establishing continuity in inequality analysis.
The report is prepared by the World Inequality Lab, an international research organization focused on income and wealth inequality.
Key Findings of the Report
The report highlights severe global wealth concentration, which refers to the accumulation of wealth among a small share of the population.
At the global level, the top 1% controls 37% of total global wealth.
The top 10% owns 75% of all global wealth, indicating extreme wealth inequality.
In India, wealth concentration is even higher at the top.
The top 1% in India holds about 40% of total national wealth.
The top 10% in India controls around 65% of total wealth.
The report also examines global income concentration, which measures how total income is distributed across population groups.
Globally, the top 10% captures 53% of total global income.
In India, income inequality is particularly pronounced.
The top 1% in India earns around 23% of national income.
The top 10% in India captures about 58% of total national income.
The report analyzes wealth growth trends since the 1990s.
Since the 1990s, the wealth of billionaires has grown at an average rate of 8%.
This growth rate is nearly twice that of the bottom half of the global population.
The report introduces the concept of climate inequality, which links environmental impact with economic inequality.
The top 10% of the global population accounts for 77% of carbon emissions.
In contrast, the poorest half of the global population accounts for only 3% of carbon emissions.
The report highlights a structural imbalance between the Global North and Global South.
The Global South transfers more than 1% of world GDP every year to the Global North.
These transfers occur through debt servicing, profit repatriation, and financial flows.
The value of these transfers is three times higher than total development aid.
Policy Recommendations of the Report
The report calls for progressive taxation and tax justice to reduce inequality.
Progressive taxation refers to higher tax rates for individuals with greater wealth or income.
It recommends a global minimum tax on billionaires.
The report also calls for international coordination to prevent tax evasion.
These measures aim to fund public goods and reduce inequality.
The report emphasizes the importance of public investment.
It recommends funding free and high-quality education.
It also calls for increased public spending on healthcare.
The report includes childcare as a priority area for investment.
It further emphasizes nutrition to reduce early-life inequalities.
These investments are intended to reduce early disparities and expand opportunities.
The report advocates redistributive programs to shift resources downward.
Redistributive programs include cash transfers.
The report also highlights the role of pensions.
It includes unemployment benefits as a key redistributive tool.
The report highlights gender equality measures as essential for reducing inequality.
It recommends providing affordable childcare.
It supports parental leave policies to balance work and care responsibilities.
The report calls for enforcement of equal pay.
It also emphasizes protection against discrimination.
These measures aim to redistribute unpaid care work, which disproportionately falls on women.
The report proposes climate policy focused on ownership, linking climate action with inequality reduction.
It recommends climate subsidies combined with progressive taxation.
The report emphasizes green investments led by the public sector rather than private actors.
These measures aim to achieve net-zero emissions without increasing wealth concentration.
The report calls for international financial reform to address global inequality.
It proposes the introduction of a global currency.
It recommends creating centralized global credit systems.
The report suggests surplus taxes on excess capital.
These reforms aim to support social investment in developing countries.
AI’s Growing Role in Parenting
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has underlined the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in parenting practices.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
The increasing use of AI in households has raised important questions about its potential benefits and associated risks in parenting.
Benefits of AI in Parenting
One key benefit of AI in parenting is the enhancement of children’s cognitive skills.
AI enables personalized education, which adapts learning content to a child’s individual pace and ability.
Personalized education contrasts with the traditional “one-size-fits-all” education model.
AI-powered toys, such as COSMO, support learning through interactive engagement.
These toys help boost children’s creativity and problem-solving skills.
AI also helps in reducing the burden on parents.
It can share routine parenting responsibilities alongside household and job commitments.
AI tools assist in activities such as language learning.
They also support story-telling, enabling cognitive and linguistic development.
Another important benefit is child monitoring, which includes physical safety and digital well-being.
Digital well-being refers to safe and healthy engagement with digital technologies.
Cubo AI smart baby monitor is an example of AI-enabled monitoring technology.
It sends real-time alerts to parents’ phones regarding the baby’s condition.
Risks Associated with AI in Parenting
A major risk is the erosion of critical thinking skills among children.
This erosion may occur due to over-dependence on AI systems.
AI-driven content recommendation systems can create thought filter bubbles.
Filter bubbles limit exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives.
Such limitation can restrict children’s self-expression.
AI use may also contribute to social isolation.
Social isolation can arise from reduced face-to-face parent–child interactions.
This reduction may impede emotional regulation.
It can also hinder the development of empathy.
Privacy concerns are another major risk associated with AI in parenting.
Poorly designed or inadequately regulated AI systems can be misused or hacked.
These risks raise concerns about parental autonomy, which is the ability of parents to make independent decisions.
They also highlight risks of digital exploitation in the era of “data-assisted parenting”.
Data-assisted parenting refers to parenting decisions guided by data collected through digital tools.
The report also highlights algorithmic bias and misinformation as serious concerns.
Algorithmic bias occurs when AI systems reflect systematic prejudices present in training data.
AI systems may favor Western, middle-class parenting norms.
Such bias can undervalue diverse cultural parenting approaches.
This bias often arises because AI models are trained on skewed internet data.
AI tools offer significant benefits to both parents and children. At the same time, they pose risks of dependency that can weaken essential human skills.
Therefore, AI should be used as an enabler that supports parenting. AI tools should enhance the parent–child relationship. They should never replace human bonding and parental care.
Dowry Eradication as an Urgent Constitutional and Social Necessity – Supreme Court Directions
The Supreme Court of India has described dowry eradication as an urgent constitutional and social necessity.
The Court issued a series of directions in the case of State of Uttar Pradesh v. Ajmal Beg.
The objective of these directions is to tackle the social evil of dowry.
The directions also aim to strengthen enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act (DPA), 1961.
Directions Issued by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court directed States to ensure the appointment of Dowry Prohibition Officers (DPOs).
Dowry Prohibition Officers (DPOs) are government officials appointed by State Governments under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
The Court emphasized providing DPOs with necessary administrative and logistical resources.
The Court also directed States to publicly disseminate contact details of DPOs for easier access.
The Supreme Court called for expeditious disposal of pending dowry-related cases.
High Courts were requested to take stock of cases pending under Section 304-B of the IPC.
Section 304-B of the IPC deals with dowry death.
High Courts were also requested to review cases under Section 498-A of the IPC.
Section 498-A of the IPC addresses cruelty by husband or relatives toward a married woman.
The Court directed that police officers and judicial officers receive periodic training.
The purpose of such training is to ensure sensitivity toward genuine cases of dowry harassment.
The training is also intended to help officials identify frivolous or misuse-driven complaints.
The Court emphasized the need for grassroots awareness programs.
These programs are to be run by the district administration.
The Court also suggested changes in educational curricula to raise awareness against dowry practices.
Dowry in India
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 provides the legal definition of dowry.
Dowry is defined as any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given.
Such property may be given directly or indirectly.
It may be exchanged by one party to a marriage to the other party.
Dowry may be given at, before, or any time after the marriage.
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) highlights the seriousness of the issue.
Cases registered under dowry-related crimes increased by 14% in 2023.
More than 15,000 dowry-related cases were recorded across the country in 2023.
The same year witnessed over 6,100 deaths linked to dowry-related crimes.
Steps Taken to Curb the Dowry System
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 criminalizes the giving and taking of dowry.
The Act prescribes imprisonment of not less than five years.
It also provides for the imposition of fines on offenders.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) plays an important institutional role.
The NCW reviews existing laws to make them more stringent.
It also investigates complaints of dowry harassment.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) continues the legal framework against dowry deaths.
Section 304-B of the IPC, now corresponding to Section 80 of the BNS, deals with dowry death.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides additional legal safeguards.
This Act was enacted to protect women from domestic violence, including dowry-related abuse.
Supreme Court Expands Ambit of the PoSH Act, 2013
The Supreme Court of India has expanded the ambit of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the PoSH Act, 2013.
The Court held that when a woman is subjected to sexual harassment at her workplace by a person not belonging to her own organization, she is still entitled to legal remedy.
In such cases, the aggrieved woman can file a complaint before the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of her own workplace.
This ruling was delivered in the Sohail Malik case.
The judgment allows the ICC of the aggrieved woman’s workplace to exercise jurisdiction over an employee from a different workplace.
Jurisdiction here refers to the legal authority of the ICC to inquire into the complaint.
About the PoSH Act, 2013
The PoSH Act, 2013 draws its origin from the Vishakha Guidelines.
The Vishakha Guidelines were laid down by the Supreme Court in 1997.
These guidelines were framed to ensure safety and dignity of women at workplaces.
The PoSH Act provides protection to any woman at a workplace, regardless of her employment status.
This includes women who are not formally employed.
The Act also covers women employed in a dwelling place or house.
The Act defines sexual harassment in broad terms.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome acts or behavior of a sexually colored nature.
Such conduct must create a hostile or intimidating work environment.
The PoSH Act adopts an expanded definition of workplace.
It applies to government, private, and non-governmental organizations.
It covers any organization, institution, undertaking, or establishment.
The definition also includes hospitals and houses.
The Act extends to any place visited by an employee during the course of employment.
This coverage includes transportation provided by the employer.
Institutional Mechanisms under the PoSH Act
The Act mandates the constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
An ICC must be set up at every workplace employing more than 10 persons.
The ICC is responsible for receiving, inquiring into, and redressing complaints.
The Act also provides for a Local Committee (LC).
A Local Committee is constituted by district officers.
The LC functions in areas where a workplace does not have an ICC.
The LC receives and redresses complaints from such workplaces.
Penalties under the PoSH Act
The PoSH Act prescribes penalties for proven cases of sexual harassment.
Penalties may include the imposition of a monetary fine.
In severe cases, penalties may extend to termination of employment.
Convention against Discrimination in Education
UNESCO unveiled a report titled “Right to Education: Past, Present and Future”.
The report reflects on the achievements and continuing relevance of the 1960 UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education.
About the Convention against Discrimination in Education
The Convention against Discrimination in Education was adopted in 1960.
It was adopted under the auspices of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The Convention is the first legally binding international instrument fully dedicated to the right to education.
A legally binding instrument is an agreement that creates enforceable obligations for States that ratify it.
Rights and Obligations under the Convention
The Convention reaffirms education as a fundamental human right. It obligates States to ensure free and compulsory primary education.
Primary education refers to the foundational stage of formal schooling.
The Convention requires that secondary education be made accessible and available to all.
Secondary education includes education beyond the primary level, such as lower and upper secondary schooling.
The Convention mandates that higher education be equally accessible to all.
Access to higher education must be based on individual capacity.
Individual capacity refers to merit, ability, and academic competence.
The Convention prohibits any form of discrimination in education.
Discrimination includes exclusion or restriction based on race, sex, language, religion, or social origin.
India’s Position
India has not ratified the Convention against Discrimination in Education.
India’s Imperative to Fortify Biosecurity
Biosecurity refers to the set of practices, policies, and systems designed to prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or technologies.
Biological agents include pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Why India Needs Stronger Biosecurity
India faces agriculture and food security risks due to its heavy dependence on farming and livestock.
This dependence makes the country vulnerable to agro-terrorism, which involves deliberate attacks on crops or animals.
It also increases exposure to bio-sabotage, which refers to intentional biological contamination to cause disruption.
India’s geographical characteristics further heighten biosecurity risks.
Porous land borders increase the risk of cross-border movement of pathogens.
Extensive maritime borders also raise the possibility of entry of invasive species.
Non-state actors pose an emerging biosecurity threat.
Non-state actors include terrorist groups and criminal networks.
Easy access to low-cost biological toxins, such as ricin, increases the risk of misuse.
This raises the possibility of asymmetric biological warfare, where weaker actors target vulnerabilities of stronger states.
The rapid proliferation of biotechnology creates additional risks.
New-age biotechnology tools include gene editing and synthetic biology.
These technologies increase the risk of intentional misuse.
They also raise the risk of accidental laboratory leaks.
Public health systems are especially vulnerable to biosecurity breaches.
Biosecurity incidents can overwhelm healthcare infrastructure.
Zoonotic spill-over, which is the transmission of diseases from animals to humans, is a key example.
Way Forward for Strengthening Biosecurity
India needs a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for biosecurity.
The country lacks a dedicated biosecurity law tailored to modern threats.
Such a law should address the dual-use dilemma, where technologies developed for beneficial purposes can also be misused.
Global best practices offer useful lessons for India.
The United States National Biodefense Strategy integrates health, defence, and biotechnology oversight.
Australia’s Biosecurity Act provides a comprehensive legal framework to manage biological risks.
India should establish a nodal biosecurity agency.
A nodal agency would streamline inter-agency coordination.
Coordination is required across the health, agriculture, and defence ministries.
Strengthening research and development (R&D) is essential. R&D efforts should focus on defence-oriented virology.
Vaccine development should be prioritized for bio-threat preparedness.
Research should also address bio-threat detection and mitigation.
Adoption of new-age biodefence technologies is critical.
Microbial forensics can help trace the origin of biological attacks.
Social media surveillance can assist in early detection of bio-threat signals.
Key Biosecurity Initiatives
Global Initiatives
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1975 is a legally binding international treaty.
The BWC prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons.
The Australia Group is an informal international forum.
It coordinates export controls to prevent the spread of chemical and biological weapons.
India’s Domestic Framework
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 regulates hazardous microorganisms.
The Act also governs genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005 provides criminal penalties.
This Act criminalizes the development and use of biological weapons.
The Biosafety Rules, 1989 form part of India’s biosafety framework.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines on biological disasters.
Exercise Ekatha 2025
The Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of India is on an official visit to the Maldives.
The visit is to attend the closing ceremony of the 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha 2025.
Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The exercise was established in 2017 to strengthen naval cooperation between India and Maldives.
The 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha focused on enhancing interoperability between the two navies.
Interoperability refers to the ability of naval forces to operate together efficiently in joint operations.
The exercise also emphasized operational synergy, aimed at improving coordination during maritime missions.
Operational synergy involves optimizing combined capabilities and resources for effective maritime security.
Ekam AI and SAMBHAV
The Indian Army showcased Ekam AI and SAMBHAV as part of Vijay Diwas celebrations.
About Ekam AI
Ekam AI is a fully indigenous and secure artificial intelligence platform.
It is specifically designed for sensitive environments, where security and data privacy are critical.
The platform enables users to analyse information and manage documents efficiently.
Ekam AI also supports decision-making without reliance on foreign software.
It operates independently of external cloud systems, ensuring data sovereignty and security.
About SAMBHAV
SAMBHAV is a portable communication system designed for rapid deployment.
It provides mobile connectivity using satellite support, allowing communication in areas without terrestrial networks.
The system can be quickly deployed in remote or disaster-affected regions.
SAMBHAV improves communication for both soldiers and civilians, enhancing operational efficiency and disaster response.
India’s Nuclear Power Generation Reaches Record High in FY 2024-25
According to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) crossed 50 billion units (BUs) of electricity generation in the financial year 2024-25.
This milestone was achieved for the first time in NPCIL’s operational history.
The increased nuclear generation helped avoid nearly 49 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Nuclear Power in India
India follows a three-stage nuclear power programme aimed at achieving long-term energy security.
As of July 2025, nuclear power contributes about 3% of the total electricity generated in India.
India has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
Key Initiatives to Advance Nuclear Power
The Nuclear Energy Mission was launched in the Union Budget 2025-26.
The mission focuses on Research and Development (R&D) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.
SMRs have about one-third the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.
India is also developing Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs).
BSRs are 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with a proven safety and performance record.
A PHWR is a nuclear reactor that is cooled and moderated by heavy water and uses natural uranium as fuel.
Key Achievements Towards Enhancing Nuclear Capacity
The first two units of indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs at Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS - 3 & 4) began commercial operation in FY 2023-24.
The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP), consisting of 4 x 700 MWe PHWRs, was launched to expand capacity.
Rawatbhata Atomic Power Project (RAPP) Unit 7, the third indigenous 700 MWe PHWR, started commercial operation in 2025.
GlowCas9
Indian scientists have developed GlowCas9, a CRISPR protein that emits light while performing gene editing.
About GlowCas9
GlowCas9 is a bioluminescent version of Cas9.
It is created by fusing the Cas9 protein with an enzyme derived from deep-sea shrimp proteins.
The glowing feature allows monitoring CRISPR operations in living cells and tissues without harming them.
CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
CRISPR/Cas9 is a gene-editing technology that enables removing, adding, or altering sections of a DNA sequence.
The Cas9 enzyme acts as a pair of “molecular scissors”, cutting strands of DNA at precise locations.
GlowCas9 thus combines the precision of Cas9 with bioluminescence to track gene-editing processes in real time.
India’s First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Passenger Vessel in Varanasi
The vessel runs on a hydrogen fuel-cell system for marine use. It uses a fully indigenous Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (LT-PEM) fuel cell.
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell
A Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell generates electricity from hydrogen without burning it, using a membrane.
Its working principle relies on an electrochemical reaction.
Hydrogen enters the anode, where a catalyst splits it into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻).
The protons pass through the Proton Exchange Membrane, while electrons cannot.
Electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity.
Protons reach the cathode, where oxygen from the air is supplied.
At the cathode, protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to form water and a small amount of heat.
Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Zero Emissions: The byproduct is only water.
The system delivers high power density and has low weight and volume compared to other fuel cells.
Quick Start-Up: It operates at low temperatures, enabling rapid start and suitability for daily transport systems.
Quiet Operation: With no moving parts, it ensures a noise-free and smooth ride.
High Efficiency: Hydrogen is converted directly into electricity, making it more efficient than combustion engines.
Associated Challenges
High Cost of Materials, particularly precious-metal catalysts such as platinum.
Availability of clean hydrogen is limited, as its generation can be energy intensive.
Durability Issues: The PEM can degrade over time, especially under high stress conditions.
Project Suncatcher
The Google CEO announced that the company has started work on a long-term research initiative called Project Suncatcher.
The initiative aims to put solar-powered data centers in space for large-scale computing.
About Project Suncatcher
Project Suncatcher is a Google initiative focused on building solar-powered satellite constellations.
These constellations are intended to perform large-scale machine learning computations in space.
The satellites will be equipped with Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).
TPUs are specialized hardware accelerators designed to efficiently run machine learning workloads.
Advantages of Project Suncatcher
It avoids the environmental impact of Earth-based data centers, which consume large amounts of electricity and cooling resources.
The project reduces vulnerability to power outages, undersea cable cuts, and natural disasters.
It facilitates data sovereignty, as outer space is not subject to national jurisdiction under the Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 establishes that space and celestial bodies are free for exploration and use by all countries, without national ownership.
DHRUV64
India has launched DHRUV64, a new microprocessor.
DHRUV64 is the first 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core fully indigenous microprocessor.
A microprocessor acts as the brain of modern electronic devices such as mobiles, computers, and other digital systems.
It has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP).
Other microprocessors developed in India include SHAKTI (2018, IIT Madras), AJIT (2018, IIT Bombay), VIKRAM (2025, ISRO–SCL), and THEJAS64 (2025, C-DAC).
The next-generation Dhanush and Dhanush+ processors are currently under development.
The launch of DHRUV64 is significant as India consumes around 20% of all microprocessors manufactured globally.
Nitrofurans
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed its regional offices to collect samples of eggs for testing the presence of nitrofuran residues.
About Nitrofurans
Nitrofurans are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Examples of nitrofurans include furazolidone and nitrofurazone.
They are commonly used as veterinary drugs for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory purposes.
However, nitrofurans are banned for use in food-producing animals in India.
Concerns associated with nitrofurans include their genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties.
Residues of nitrofurans may persist in food even after cooking, posing health risks.
Great Barrier Reef
A new study has found that three-quarters of Goniopora colonies at a site on the Great Barrier Reef were wiped out due to extreme heat stress and a rare coral disease.
About Great Barrier Reef
Location: Coast of Queensland, Australia, in the Coral Sea.
Biodiversity: It contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs (visible from space), with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc.
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Including species such as the dugong (‘sea cow’) and the large green turtle, which are threatened with extinction.
National Energy Conservation Award 2025
Chandigarh secured the first position in the National Energy Conservation Award (NECA) 2025 for its efforts in energy conservation and efficiency.
About National Energy Conservation Award
The National Energy Conservation Awards are given annually by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements in energy efficiency across India.
The awards are conferred based on the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI).
The SEEI is a comprehensive national assessment framework developed by BEE in collaboration with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).
It evaluates a state or Union Territory’s energy efficiency across buildings, industry, transport, and municipal sectors.
The assessment considers both policy implementation and measurable outcomes in energy efficiency.
UN Champions of the Earth Award
Tamil Nadu IAS officer Supriya Sahu was awarded the UN Champions of the Earth award for her pioneering leadership on critical environmental challenges in India, including plastics and wildlife conservation.
About the Award
The UN Champions of the Earth award is the United Nations’ highest environmental honour.
It has been awarded annually since 2005.
The award is conferred by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
UNEP honours individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle the triple planetary crisis.
The triple planetary crisis refers to climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance.
The announcement was made during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee held at Red Fort, New Delhi.
This session marks the first time India is hosting a session of the UNESCO panel, highlighting the country’s growing role in global cultural diplomacy.
With Deepavali’s inclusion, India now has 16 elements on the UNESCO Representative List of ICH.
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is celebrated on Kartik Amaavasya, which falls in October or November each year.
The festival symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and abundance for all individuals.
Deepavali is an annual festival spanning five days, each with unique significance.
The first day, Dhanteras, involves buying metalware as a symbol of prosperity.
The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated by lighting lamps to dispel negativity.
A major ritual is the sacred Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, performed to invoke blessings of wealth and wisdom.
The fifth day, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Deepavali is associated with legends from Indian epics, reflecting cultural and moral values.
In the Ramayana, it marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and their victory over Ravana.
In the Mahabharata, Deepavali marks the return of the Pandavas after their exile.
The UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity was adopted on 17th October 2003 during UNESCO’s 32nd General Conference in Paris.
The purpose of the ICH list is to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, which includes practices, representations, expressions, and knowledge transmitted across generations within communities.
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), as defined in the Convention, includes oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship.
The General Assembly of the State Parties is a sovereign body that meets every two years in ordinary session to discuss matters related to ICH.
The safeguarding of ICH is the prime responsibility of each State Party, ensuring preservation and transmission to future generations.
UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), India
Cho La and Dok La Passes
Cho La and Dok La Passes in Sikkim have been opened for battlefield tourism under the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative.
The Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan is a joint initiative of the Indian Army and the Ministry of Tourism.
The initiative allows citizens to visit historic war zones and sites of military significance, promoting awareness of India’s military heritage.
The Cho La Pass is located in the Chola range of the Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 17,782 feet above sea level.
The Chola range also includes the Nathu La and Jelep La passes, which are other important mountain passes connecting India with its neighbors.
The Cho La Pass connects Sikkim with the Chumbi Valley, a strategically significant region bordering Bhutan and China.
The Cho La Pass was the site of the 1967 Indo-China skirmishes, highlighting its historical military importance.
The Doka La (Doklam) Pass is located in East Sikkim, on the edge of the Doklam plateau.
The Doklam plateau is near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China, making it a sensitive and strategically important area.
The Doka La Pass was the site of the 2017 border standoff between India and China, underscoring its geopolitical significance.
Both Cho La and Doka La Passes now serve as tourist destinations under battlefield tourism, allowing citizens to experience historic sites while understanding India’s defense history.
Charaichung Festival
Assam’s Majuli hosts the Charaichung Festival, aimed at reviving Asia’s first protected royal bird sanctuary.
The festival commemorates the 392-year-old legacy of the sanctuary, highlighting its historical and ecological significance.
The Charaichung Bird Sanctuary was established in 1633 AD by the Ahom king Swargadeu Pratap Singha.
A royal bird sanctuary is a protected area created historically by kings or rulers to conserve avian species and their habitats.
Majuli, where the festival is held, is the world’s largest river island, situated in the Brahmaputra River, Assam.
The festival aims to promote awareness about bird conservation and celebrate Majuli’s unique ecological and cultural heritage.
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