Daily Current Affairs - 17th December 2025
- TPP
- Dec 17, 2025
- 24 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | USA’s New National Security Strategy (MAGA), WTO Dispute Crisis, Goldar Committee, SHANTI Bill 2025, VB–G RAM G Bill, GenAI & Copyright, Aditya-L1 Solar Storm Study, CITES CoP20 and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
Table of Content
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
SCHEMES
PLACES IN NEWS
New National Security Strategy (NSS) of USA keeps “Make America Great Again (MAGA)” as its Core Agenda
The New National Security Strategy (NSS) of the USA places “Make America Great Again (MAGA)” as its core agenda, marking a nationalist reorientation of U.S. foreign policy.
MAGA refers to a political doctrine emphasizing national revival through economic strength, sovereignty, and domestic prioritization.
The strategy is primarily centred on economic nationalism, which means prioritising domestic industries, trade protection, and self-sufficiency.
The NSS emphasizes the pursuit of core national interests, highlighting sovereignty, which refers to supreme authority over domestic and foreign affairs.
It strongly focuses on homeland defence, meaning protection of U.S. territory, population, and institutions from external threats.
The strategy also stresses self-reliance, indicating reduced dependence on external supply chains and foreign partners.
This approach marks a major shift from previous NSS frameworks that prioritised alliances as the foundation of U.S. security.
Earlier NSS versions emphasized trade liberalisation, which involved reducing tariffs and barriers to promote global commerce.
The new NSS moves away from multilateralism, defined as cooperation among multiple countries through global institutions.
It also departs from the idea of a rules-based international order, which refers to global governance based on shared norms and institutions.
In terms of regional priorities, the NSS places the Western Hemisphere at the top of America’s strategic focus.
This regional focus involves reasserting the Monroe Doctrine, signalling U.S. primacy in the Americas.
The Monroe Doctrine (1823) opposed European interference in the Western Hemisphere.
The NSS aims at restoring America’s pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere, meaning uncontested political and strategic dominance.
Regarding great power dynamics, the NSS ceases to label Russia and China as existential threats.
An existential threat refers to a danger capable of threatening the survival of the state itself.
Ideologically, the strategy replaces value-based democracy promotion as a foreign policy tool.
Value-based democracy promotion refers to exporting democratic ideals through political or military intervention.
The NSS introduces civilizational pluralism as a guiding principle.
Civilizational pluralism recognizes multiple political and cultural systems as legitimate.
This shift signals an end to U.S. interference in internal political arrangements of other countries.
In the Asian context, the NSS portrays Asia as central to America’s future strategic interests.
The strategy reaffirms commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
A free and open Indo-Pacific implies freedom of navigation, sovereignty of states, and rule of law in the region.
This Indo-Pacific focus is linked to America’s long-term security interests.
For India, the NSS holds several key implications.
The strategy explicitly mentions improving commercial relations with India.
Enhanced commercial ties are linked to strengthening Indo-Pacific security.
The NSS highlights cooperation through groupings like QUAD.
QUAD includes India, Australia, Japan, and the United States.
QUAD aims to prevent domination of the Indo-Pacific by a single competitor nation.
The ideological shift in the NSS supports India’s strategic autonomy.
Strategic autonomy refers to India’s ability to make independent foreign policy decisions.
This policy environment provides geopolitical relief for India.
A potential U.S.–Russia détente aligns with India’s traditionally strong relations with Russia.
Détente refers to the easing of diplomatic tensions between rival powers.
However, the NSS also presents diplomatic irritants for India.
References to U.S. mediation in India–Pakistan peace remain a concern.
Such mediation references conflict with India’s stance on bilateral resolution of disputes.
US questions WTO role as primary forum for resolving global trade disputes
The United States has questioned the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the primary forum for resolving global trade disputes.
The WTO is a multilateral institution responsible for regulating international trade and settling trade disputes among member countries.
The US has blamed the WTO for creating global trade imbalances.
A global trade imbalance refers to unequal patterns of production, exports, and trade benefits among countries.
The US has stated that the WTO cannot address existing and future challenges of the global trading system.
The US has criticized the WTO’s Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) principle.
MFN treatment requires countries to apply the same tariff rates to a product for all WTO members.
The US argues that MFN prevents countries from optimizing individual trade relationships.
Optimizing trade relationships refers to tailoring trade terms based on bilateral economic interests.
The criticism of WTO principles highlights structural challenges faced by the WTO.
One major challenge is regulatory lag within the WTO framework.
Regulatory lag means the inability of rules to keep pace with evolving global economic realities.
The WTO lacks competence in modern economic security issues.
Economic security relates to protecting supply chains, critical industries, and national economic interests.
The WTO is ill-equipped to address supply chain resilience.
Supply chain resilience refers to the ability of supply networks to withstand shocks and disruptions.
The WTO also struggles with digital trade governance.
Digital trade governance involves rules for cross-border data flows, e-commerce, and digital services.
The WTO faces challenges in addressing climate-related trade measures.
Climate-related trade measures include the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
CBAM is a policy that imposes a carbon-linked levy on imports to prevent carbon leakage.
Another key challenge for the WTO is growing global production imbalances.
These imbalances are driven by non-market policies.
Non-market policies involve state subsidies, state-owned enterprises, and price distortions.
Such policies have led to over-capacity and over-concentration of production in certain countries.
China is cited as an example of a country with over-capacity in manufacturing.
Over-capacity results in excess production beyond global demand.
These imbalances have created dependencies and vulnerabilities for many economies.
A critical institutional challenge is the WTO dispute settlement crisis.
The Appellate Body is the highest judicial authority within the WTO dispute settlement system.
The Appellate Body remains dysfunctional.
This dysfunction is due to the US blocking the appointment of new Appellate Body members.
Another major challenge is geopolitical fragmentation of the global trading system.
Geopolitical fragmentation refers to trade divisions driven by strategic and political rivalries.
The rise of economic nationalism has intensified trade restrictions.
Economic nationalism prioritizes domestic industries over international trade commitments.
Trade wars, especially US–China trade tensions, have increased protectionist measures.
Protectionist measures involve tariffs, quotas, and trade barriers to shield domestic producers.
Many such measures bypass WTO rules and frameworks.
The WTO also suffers from a consensus deadlock.
Consensus decision-making requires unanimous agreement among all WTO members.
This requirement has stalled the Doha Development Round for decades.
The Doha Development Round aimed to make global trade more equitable for developing countries.
Due to deadlock, members are shifting towards Plurilateral Agreements.
Plurilateral Agreements involve trade deals among a subset of willing countries within the WTO framework.
These cumulative challenges raise concerns about the relevance and effectiveness of the WTO.
The WTO therefore requires urgent reforms.
These reforms must include updating trade rules to reflect modern economic realities.
Restoring the dispute settlement mechanism is critical for WTO credibility.
Without reforms, the WTO risks losing its role as the central pillar of global trade governance.
Goldar Committee Recommendation
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the second discussion paper on methodological changes in compiling Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country during a specific period.
The discussion paper focuses on changes in GDP estimation using the Expenditure Approach.
The Expenditure Approach calculates GDP by summing consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports.
These methodological changes are based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS).
ACNAS is an expert body that advises the government on national accounting standards and methodologies.
The committee is chaired by Professor B. N. Goldar, giving rise to the term Goldar Committee.
The Goldar Committee recommended a revision of the base year for national accounts.
The base year is the reference year used for comparing economic growth and price changes.
The committee proposed shifting the base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
This base year revision aims to reflect current economic structure and price realities.
Another major recommendation relates to data integration in GDP compilation.
Data integration refers to combining multiple statistical datasets for improved accuracy.
The committee recommended inclusion of updated post-GST datasets.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a unified indirect tax system introduced in India in 2017.
The recommendations also emphasize incorporating digital economy data.
The digital economy includes online platforms, e-commerce, and digital services.
The committee advised the use of Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data.
PLFS provides estimates on employment, unemployment, and labour force participation.
These updated datasets help capture structural shifts in the economy.
Structural shifts refer to changes in the composition of economic sectors over time.
The recommendations also aim to better measure digitalisation of economic activities.
Digitalisation involves the adoption of digital technologies across economic sectors.
The improved data framework seeks to better capture the informal sector’s contribution.
The informal sector consists of unregistered and unregulated economic activities.
Overall, the Goldar Committee recommendations aim to enhance the accuracy and relevance of India’s GDP estimates.
Pass-Through Status
Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) have demanded an extension of pass-through tax status to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
The demand specifically applies to AIFs investing in Security Receipts (SRs).
Security Receipts (SRs) represent financial instruments issued by ARCs to investors against stressed assets.
The objective of this demand is to provide tax relief to such investment structures.
About Pass-Through Status
Pass-through status removes the obligation of an entity to pay corporation tax.
Corporation tax is the tax levied on profits at the corporate or entity level.
Under pass-through status, the income is taxed only at the investor level.
Normally, an entity faces double taxation.
Double taxation occurs when corporation tax is paid at the entity level.
Double taxation also includes income tax paid by shareholders or investors on distributed income.
Pass-through status eliminates double taxation by taxing income only once.
Budgetary Precedent
The Union Budget of 2014 granted pass-through status to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
REITs are investment vehicles that pool funds to invest in income-generating real estate assets.
The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025
The SHANTI Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to replace the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
The Bill also replaces the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA).
Key Provisions of the SHANTI Bill, 2025
Opening the Nuclear Sector
The Bill opens the nuclear energy sector to non-government entities.
Non-government entities include Indian private companies.
Non-government participation also includes joint ventures between government entities and private companies.
Liability for Nuclear Damage
The Bill introduces a tiered liability structure for nuclear damage.
Tiered liability means liability limits vary based on reactor power capacity.
The liability limit ranges from ₹100 crore to ₹3,000 crore.
This provision replaces the flat liability cap of ₹1,500 crore under the CLNDA.
The earlier ₹1,500 crore cap applied to reactors of 10 MW or higher capacity.
Liability beyond the operator’s cap will be borne by the Central Government.
The Central Government may establish a Nuclear Liability Fund.
The no-fault liability principle is retained in the Bill.
No-fault liability means the operator is liable irrespective of negligence.
The requirement for insurance coverage for nuclear operators continues.
Operator’s Right of Recourse
The Bill removes the operator’s right of recourse.
Right of recourse earlier allowed operators to claim compensation from suppliers.
The removed grounds include defective equipment or materials.
The removed grounds also include contractual provisions.
The removed grounds further include deliberate acts causing nuclear damage.
These rights were previously permitted under the CLNDA, 2010.
Territorial Scope of Compensation
The Bill extends compensation to nuclear damage occurring in foreign territories.
Such damage must be caused by a nuclear incident occurring in India.
This extension is subject to specified conditions under the Bill.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is granted statutory status.
Statutory status means the regulator derives authority directly from legislation.
AERB ensures the safe use of radiation and nuclear energy.
Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council
The Bill establishes an Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council.
The Council hears appeals against decisions of the Central Government.
The Council also hears appeals against decisions of the AERB.
A further appeal lies before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity.
Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 has been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill is also known as the VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025.
The Bill seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
State governments are required to notify a scheme consistent with the Bill.
Such notification must be completed within six months from the commencement of the Act.
Key Features of the VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025
Employment Guarantee
The Bill increases the employment guarantee to 125 days per financial year.
The earlier guarantee under MGNREGA was 100 days per financial year.
The guarantee applies to every rural household.
Employment is limited to unskilled manual work.
State governments are empowered to suspend the scheme for up to 60 days.
The suspension aims to ensure availability of agricultural labour.
This provision applies specifically during sowing and harvesting seasons.
Durable Asset Creation
The Bill prioritises durable asset creation.
Asset creation will be undertaken under four priority themes.
The first theme is Water Security, which includes conservation and irrigation works.
The second theme is Core Rural Infrastructure, such as roads and public utilities.
The third theme is Livelihood-related Infrastructure, which supports income-generating activities.
The fourth theme is Special Works for Extreme Weather Events, addressing climate-related disasters.
Planning Architecture
The Bill introduces Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs).
VGPPs will be prepared by Gram Panchayats, which are the lowest tier of rural self-government.
VGPPs will be integrated with PM Gati Shakti.
PM Gati Shakti is a national master plan for integrated infrastructure development.
VGPPs will be aggregated through the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack (VB-NRIS).
VB-NRIS is a digital platform for coordinated national rural infrastructure planning.
Panchayats will be graded based on their development levels.
Higher financial allocations will be provided to underperforming Panchayats.
This grading mechanism aims to reduce regional disparities.
Institutional Oversight
The Bill establishes Central and State Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Councils.
These Councils will review scheme performance.
These Councils will also monitor implementation and provide advisory support.
The Bill also provides for National and State Level Steering Committees.
These Committees will recommend financial allocations.
These Committees will also guide inter-ministerial convergence.
The Committees will ensure strategic oversight of the scheme.
Transparency and Monitoring
The Bill places strong emphasis on digitisation.
Digitisation measures include biometric authentication.
Digitisation measures also include AI-enabled analytics.
Social audits will be conducted by the Gram Sabha.
Grievance redressal mechanisms will operate at Block level.
Grievance redressal mechanisms will also operate at District level.
Funding Pattern under the VB–G RAM G Scheme
The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
Under CSS, funding is shared between the Centre and States.
The funding ratio will be 90:10 for North Eastern States.
The 90:10 ratio also applies to Himalayan States, namely Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
The 90:10 ratio further applies to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The funding ratio will be 60:40 for all other States.
The 60:40 ratio also applies to Union Territories with a legislature.
Union Territories without a legislature will receive 100% Central funding.
Comparison with Existing MGNREGA Funding
Under MGNREGA, the Central Government bears the entire cost of wages.
Under MGNREGA, the Centre also bears up to three-fourths of the material cost.
The Centre additionally bears a share of administrative costs under MGNREGA.
State governments will continue to pay the entire unemployment allowance.
State governments will also continue to pay compensation for delayed payments, as under the current MGNREGA scheme.
Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025
The Lok Sabha has passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025.
The Bill seeks to amend the Insurance Act, 1938.
The Bill also amends the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956.
The Bill further amends the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
The Bill aims to accelerate the growth and development of the insurance sector.
The Bill also seeks to ensure better protection of policyholders.
Key Features of the Bill
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
The Bill increases the FDI limit in Indian insurance companies from 74% to 100%.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investment by foreign entities in an Indian company to acquire ownership and control.
The FDI limit applies to the paid-up equity capital of the insurance company.
Paid-up capital is the portion of equity capital that has been fully paid by shareholders in exchange for ownership interests.
Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund
The Bill provides for the establishment of a Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund.
The Fund will be used to protect the interests of policyholders.
The Fund will also be utilised to educate policyholders about insurance products and rights.
The Fund will be administered by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Net-Owned Fund Requirements for Foreign Re-insurers
The Bill lowers the Net Owned Funds (NOF) requirement for foreign re-insurers.
The NOF requirement has been reduced from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore.
Net Owned Funds refer to the minimum capital and reserves a re-insurer must maintain to operate in India.
The reduction in NOF is aimed at encouraging more foreign re-insurers to enter the Indian market.
Other Key Provisions
The Bill grants enhanced enforcement powers to IRDAI.
These powers are similar to the powers of SEBI, the securities market regulator.
Enhanced enforcement powers will help IRDAI recover wrongful gains from insurers or intermediaries.
The Bill also provides greater operational freedom to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
LIC can now set up new zonal offices without prior government approval.
Substance Use Among School-Going Adolescents in India
A recent study published in the National Medical Journal of India highlights substance use among school-going adolescents.
The study indicates that experimentation with drugs can begin as early as age 11 among children.
Key Findings of the Report
The average age of initiation for any substance was found to be 12.9 years.
The lowest age of initiation was observed for inhalants at 11.3 years.
The prevalence of substance use shows that 15.1% of students reported lifetime use.
The study also found that 10.3% of students reported past-year use of psychoactive substances.
Psychoactive substances are drugs that alter mood, perception, or consciousness, such as alcohol, tobacco, or inhalants.
Causes of Drug Abuse Among Schoolchildren
Social Media Influence
Social media contributes to substance use among children.
Glamorisation of drugs and online peer influence normalises experimentation among school-going adolescents.
Deficit Parenting
Deficit parenting increases vulnerability to substance use.
Deficit parenting includes poor supervision, emotional neglect, and inconsistent discipline.
Weak family structures reduce protective factors that prevent drug abuse.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues are linked to early substance use.
Conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, impulsivity, and behavioural difficulties heighten vulnerability.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a condition affecting focus and self-control.
Way Forward
Early Prevention and Awareness
Schools should implement preventive education programs to reduce substance use.
Education should focus on life-skills training to build informed and resilient children.
Parental Vigilance and Community Monitoring
Strengthening parental supervision is essential to detect early substance exposure.
Digital monitoring of online activities can help restrict access to substances.
Community-level surveillance ensures early detection of substance use among adolescents.
Strict Law Enforcement and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Authorities should enforce stringent action against drug peddlers near schools.
Enhanced police–school coordination can prevent drug access to students.
Fast-track prosecution under child-protection laws will strengthen deterrence.
Counselling, Rehabilitation, and Mental Health Support
Children should have access to child-friendly counselling services.
Psychological support must be provided to address underlying mental health issues.
De-addiction services should be made available to adolescents struggling with substance use.
Apache Helicopters – AH-64E
The Indian Army has received the final batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the USA.
The AH-64E Apache is a fully integrated weapon system.
A fully integrated weapon system means the helicopter combines sensors, weapons, and communication systems for coordinated operations.
The helicopter is optimized for precision engagement.
Precision engagement refers to the ability to accurately target enemy threats while minimizing collateral damage.
The AH-64E enhances situational awareness for its operators.
Situational awareness is the ability to perceive and understand the battlefield environment in real-time.
The helicopter is designed for networked operations, enabling coordination with other platforms and forces.
Features of AH-64E Apache
It includes an advanced sensor and targeting suite.
A sensor and targeting suite allows the helicopter to detect, identify, and engage threats effectively.
The helicopter has unmanned aircraft control capability.
Unmanned aircraft control means the AH-64E can coordinate and operate drones for reconnaissance or combat support.
It is equipped with digital connectivity for secure communication.
Digital connectivity enables real-time data sharing and command integration with other military assets.
The AH-64E has a proven airframe evolution with enhancements in power, endurance, and maneuverability.
Enhanced power ensures better lift and weapon-carrying capacity, endurance increases flight duration, and maneuverability allows operation in demanding combat environments.
Blue Notice and Interpol Engagement
The CBI is actively engaging with Interpol to expedite the issuance of Blue Notices against the accused.
The purpose of issuing Blue Notices is to prevent the accused from moving to other jurisdictions.
About Blue Notice
A Blue Notice is issued by Interpol to obtain additional information on a person.
Blue Notices specifically help gather details about a person’s identity, location, or activities.
Other Important Interpol Notices
Red Notice
A Red Notice seeks the location and arrest of wanted persons.
The purpose of a Red Notice is to ensure the person is prosecuted or serves a sentence.
Yellow Notice
A Yellow Notice helps locate missing persons, especially minors.
Yellow Notices also help identify individuals who are unable to identify themselves.
Orange Notice
An Orange Notice warns member countries about serious and imminent threats.
These threats include dangerous persons, weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials.
Green Notice
A Green Notice provides a warning about a person’s criminal activities.
Green Notices are issued when the person is considered a possible threat to public safety.
ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Joins Global Effort in Solar Storm Study
ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission participated in a global study of solar storms.
Solar storms are composed of a series of giant explosions on the Sun called Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
A CME is a massive bubble of hot gas and magnetic energy ejected from the Sun into space.
When a CME hits Earth, it can disturb Earth’s magnetic shield, impacting satellites, communication, GPS, and power grids.
May 2024 Gannon’s Storm Study
Along with six U.S. satellites, Aditya-L1 studied the May 2024 strong solar storm, called Gannon’s storm.
The storm behaved unusually due to a Magnetic Reconnection Event.
Key Findings
During the 2024 storm, CMEs collided in space and squeezed each other.
The magnetic field lines inside one CME snapped and rejoined in new ways, a process called magnetic reconnection.
Magnetic reconnection is a phenomenon where magnetic field lines break and reconnect, releasing large amounts of energy.
The sudden reversal of the magnetic field made the storm stronger.
The reconnection sped up charged particles, confirming the occurrence of the magnetic reconnection event.
About Aditya-L1
Aditya-L1 is India’s first space-based observatory-class solar mission.
The mission was launched in September 2023 aboard PSLV-C57.
Aditya-L1 is placed in a halo orbit around Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.
The L1 point is about 1.5 million km from Earth and offers continuous view of the Sun without eclipses or occultation.
The spacecraft carries seven distinct payloads, including the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC).
Other payloads include the Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) and the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA).
Working Paper on Generative AI (GenAI) and Copyright by DPIIT
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released a working paper on Generative AI and copyright.
Copyright has emerged as one of the most contentious legal and moral issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence.
Generative AI questions traditional ideas of authorship.
These AI models blur the boundary between originator and instrument in creative works.
Issues Related to GenAI and Copyright
Input Side
A key concern is the use of copyrighted materials as input for training AI models.
Often, the copyrighted content is used without license from the rightsholders.
Output Side
Copyright issues also arise over AI-generated output.
Key concerns include determining copyrightability of AI-generated works.
Another concern is identifying authorship in AI-generated content.
The applicability of moral rights in AI-generated works is also unclear.
Moral rights are the personal rights of authors to claim authorship and prevent distortion of their work.
Regulatory Issues
There is an absence of legal exceptions for AI training under Indian copyright law.
Currently, Indian law provides no specific exception for text and data mining or AI training activities.
There is ambiguity over the application of fair dealing provisions for AI training.
Fair dealing under Section 52(1)(a) of the Copyright Act, 1957, allows use of works for research, criticism, or reporting.
Uncertainty over fair dealing creates legal ambiguity regarding AI training.
Key Recommendations of the Report
The paper recommends the adoption of a hybrid regulatory model for AI and copyright.
The hybrid model ensures availability of all lawfully accessed copyrighted content for AI training.
It also mandates fair compensation to copyright holders.
The report also recommends statutory remuneration rights for copyright owners.
This would give copyright owners a legal right to receive royalties for AI use of their works.
Models Practised by Other Countries
Voluntary Licensing
Voluntary licensing allows copyright owners full control to authorise or refuse use of their works.
Extended Collective Licensing
Extended Collective Licensing (ECL) is a system where Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) issue licences on behalf of members and non-members.
Examples of countries practising ECL include the European Union, Australia, and Germany.
Text and Data Mining Exception
Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception is a statutory exception allowing reproduction or exploitation of copyrighted works for AI training or research.
Countries like Singapore have implemented the TDM exception.
UNGA Global Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a global declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health.
This is the first-ever political declaration to jointly address NCDs and mental health.
The declaration was adopted at the 80th UNGA session.
It sets specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
About the Declaration
The declaration has an expanded scope, including new NCD areas such as oral health, lung health, and childhood cancer.
It also covers new determinants like air pollution, clean cooking, lead exposure, and hazardous chemicals.
For the first time, digital health risks are included, such as harm from social media, excessive screen time, misinformation, and disinformation.
The declaration advocates stronger regulation for tobacco, unhealthy foods, trans fats, and e-cigarettes.
It promotes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, engaging civil society, youth, persons with disabilities, and the private sector.
There is clear accountability, with the UN Secretary-General reporting on targets and WHO providing support.
Significance of the Declaration
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause approximately 18 million premature deaths per year.
NCDs are usually of long duration and result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors.
Mental health conditions affect over 1 billion people globally.
Both NCDs and mental health conditions are driven by common, preventable risk factors, including tobacco, unhealthy diets, alcohol, physical inactivity, and air pollution.
Initiatives Taken in India
For NCDs
The AMRIT scheme (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) supports treatment for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.
The Eat Right India movement by FSSAI promotes healthy eating habits.
The Fit India Movement, 2019 encourages a physically active lifestyle and aims to make fitness an integral part of daily life.
For Mental Health
The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), 1982, aims to ensure availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all.
Other initiatives include Tele-MANAS and Manodarpan, which provide tele-counselling and mental health support services.
Alzheimer’s Disease and INST Research
Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have developed a multifunctional therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease.
This therapy integrates nanotechnology, molecular biology, and computational modelling.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain condition that slowly damages memory, thinking, learning, and organizing skills.
It is the most common cause of dementia.
The primary cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is the abnormal build-up of proteins, specifically amyloid and tau, in the brain.
Amyloid refers to protein fragments that clump together between nerve cells, while tau is a protein that forms tangles inside nerve cells, both disrupting brain function.
Common symptoms include memory loss, reasoning difficulties, mood swings, and increased agitation.
Additional symptoms may involve paranoia or hallucinations.
Jumping Genes and Bear Adaptation
A new study has found that some bears in Greenland are using jumping genes to modify their DNA.
This genetic modification helps them adapt to warming environmental conditions.
About Jumping Genes
Jumping genes, also called transposons or transposable elements, are mobile genetic elements.
These elements can move from one location to another within an organism’s genome.
Depending on their insertion site within the genome, transposons can alter the expression of nearby genes.
Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to produce functional products like proteins.
Jumping genes were discovered by Barbara McClintock, who won the Nobel Prize in 1983 for her work.
Transposons make up about 45% of the human genome.
Mephedrone and DRI Action
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a Mephedrone manufacturing facility in Maharashtra under Operation Hinterland Brew.
About Mephedrone
Mephedrone is classified as a New Psychoactive Substance (NPS).
New Psychoactive Substances are drugs designed to produce effects similar to established illicit drugs.
Mephedrone produces effects similar to MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy.
It is regarded as an empathogen-stimulant drug, meaning it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body.
Empathogen refers to substances that increase feelings of empathy and emotional connection, while stimulant refers to substances that enhance alertness and activity in the nervous system.
Consumption of Mephedrone has been associated with undesirable effects and fatal intoxications.
Maitri Research Station and Maitri-II
India plans to replace the existing Maitri Research Station with a newly designed Maitri-II Station in Antarctica by 2032.
The Maitri-II Station is conceived as a state-of-the-art, year-round research hub.
It aims to significantly elevate India’s scientific capabilities in polar research.
About Maitri
The original Maitri Research Station was built in 1988.
It serves as a gateway to one of the largest mountain chains in central Dronning Maud Land, located south of Schirmacher, Antarctica.
Dronning Maud Land is a region of Antarctica claimed by Norway and is important for scientific exploration and glaciological studies.
India’s Other Polar Research Stations
Bharati Station is another Indian research base in Antarctica.
Dakshin Gangotri was India’s first scientific base station in Antarctica, which is now decommissioned.
Himadri Station is India’s research base located in the Arctic region.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)
20th Conference of Parties (CoP20) to (CITES) concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Key Highlights of the CoP
77 species were added to CITES appendices including oceanic whitetip shark, whale shark, etc. in Appendix I.
India successfully opposed European Union’s proposal to list guggul in Appendix II, arguing for comprehensive population assessments first.
About CITES
International agreement ensuring international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Although legally binding, it does not take the place of national laws.
Lists species in three appendices based on their degree of protection.
Enforcement: July 01, 1975.
Parties: 185 (Including India).
Penguins and Starvation Study
A recent study found that nearly 62,000 African penguins died of starvation between 2004 and 2011.
About Penguins
Penguins are groups of seabirds belonging to the Spheniscidae family.
There are 17 to 19 species of penguins, found primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.
Penguin species include blue penguins of Australia and New Zealand, emperor penguins of Antarctica, and African penguins.
Despite being birds, penguins have flippers instead of wings and cannot fly.
On land, penguins waddle upright, and they are expert swimmers in water.
Penguins have a black body with a white belly, which helps them camouflage while hunting in water.
Their diet mainly consists of small shrimp, fish, crabs, and squid.
Global Environment Outlook (GEO) – 7th Edition
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 7th edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) report, titled A Future We Choose.
Key Concerns Highlighted in GEO
Greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 1.5% annually since 1990.
Globally, around nine million deaths are attributed annually to some form of pollution.
At current rates, land degradation would result in losing fertile and productive land the size of Colombia or Ethiopia annually.
Land degradation refers to the decline in land quality caused by human activities or natural processes, affecting soil fertility and productivity.
Key Recommendations of GEO
The report recommends tapping into Indigenous Knowledge and Local Knowledge for sustainable environmental practices.
It suggests an annual investment of about US$8 trillion till 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions.
Net-zero emissions means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere.
GEO calls for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, which includes shifting from GDP to indicators tracking human and natural capital.
Human and natural capital refer to the resources, skills, and ecosystems that support human well-being and environmental sustainability.
ASPIRE Scheme
More than 100 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) have been approved across India under the ASPIRE scheme, which stands for A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship.
The ASPIRE Scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
The primary objective of ASPIRE is to set up a network of Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) to promote innovation and accelerate entrepreneurship.
Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) are centres that support start-ups and entrepreneurs with resources, training, and mentoring to create sustainable businesses.
The scheme aims to skill and re-skill unemployed individuals, self-employed persons, and wage earners in new technologies in the agro-rural sector.
Under ASPIRE, government agencies can receive a maximum of INR 1 crore, while private agencies can get up to INR 75 lakh for procuring plant and machinery.
Additionally, both government and private agencies can receive a maximum of INR 1 crore as operational expenditure support for manpower costs and running the incubation centres.
PM Modi Visits Jordan
The Indian Prime Minister paid a visit to Jordan, coinciding with 75 years of India–Jordan diplomatic relations.
The capital of Jordan is Amman.
Jordan is located in Southwest Asia, on the northern Arabian Peninsula.
Jordan shares its northern boundary with Syria, its eastern boundary with Iraq, its southern and southeastern boundary with Saudi Arabia, and its western boundary with Israel and the West Bank.
Jordan has a maritime boundary along the Gulf of Aqaba, which is Jordan’s sole port.
Jordan also borders the Dead Sea, which is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel to the west.
Key geographical features of Jordan include the Syrian/Arabian Desert, the Jordan Valley, which is part of the Rift Valley, and the uplands east of the Jordan River.
The highest peak in Jordan is Jabal Umm ad Dami.
The Rift Valley, which includes the Jordan Valley, is a geological trench formed by tectonic activity.
Gulf of Oman
Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, which was carrying crew members from India.
The Gulf of Oman is the northwestern arm of the Arabian Sea.
The Gulf of Oman is bordered by Iran in the north, by the United Arab Emirates in the west, and by Oman in the south.
The Gulf of Oman has significant geostrategic importance because it connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that then empties into the Persian Gulf, serving as a key route for global oil transportation.
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