Daily Current Affairs - 20th & 22nd December 2025
- TPP
- Dec 23, 2025
- 23 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Securities Markets Code 2025, CSR & Environmental Responsibility Ruling, Child Marriage Free Bharat Campaign, Ghost Pairing, Pulsars & Superkilonova, WHO Traditional Medicine Summit, Aravalli Protection, National Maritime Heritage Complex and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.
Table of Content
POLITY & GOVERNANCE
SECURITY / DEFENCE
Reviving Shipbuilding in India
Shipbuilding is known as the mother of heavy engineering industries.
Shipbuilding enhances national security, supports strategic independence and improves the resilience of trade and energy supply chains.
Current Status of Shipbuilding in India
India’s shipbuilding industry accounts for less than 1% of the global shipping market.
China has the largest shipbuilding capacity in the world. South Korea is the second-largest shipbuilding nation. Japan ranks third in global shipbuilding capacity.
Foreign ships carry 92% of India’s total trade.
India pays $75 billion annually to foreign shipping companies for this trade.
Cochin Shipyard Limited has the highest shipbuilding and ship-repair capacity in India.
Challenges Faced by India’s Shipbuilding Sector
The sector faces high capital costs. High capital costs arise due to expensive financing options.
Expensive financing makes large investments risky.
High risk limits the ability of shipyards to scale operations.
The sector suffers from import dependence.
Import dependence refers to reliance on foreign sources for materials and components.
India lacks indigenous availability of many advanced shipbuilding materials and critical ship components.
Indian shipyards have lower productivity compared to global leaders.
Productivity is lower when compared specifically with China.
Outdated technology contributes to lower productivity.
Longer shipbuilding timelines reduce operational efficiency. Supply chain limitations further reduce productivity.
Strategic Importance of Strengthening Shipbuilding
Strengthening India’s shipbuilding sector is vital for long-term growth.
A strong shipbuilding sector supports India’s transformation into a global maritime hub.
The target year for this transformation is 2047.
A maritime hub refers to a global center for shipping, shipbuilding, and logistics.
Key Initiatives to Promote Shipbuilding in India
The government provides financial assistance to the shipbuilding sector.
The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme supports domestic shipyards.
The Maritime Development Fund provides long-term financing for maritime projects.
The government provides public procurement preference to Indian shipyards.
As per the Make in India Order, 2017, ships costing up to ₹200 crore must be procured from Indian shipyards.
Ships have been granted infrastructure status.
Infrastructure status allows access to favourable financing terms.
The Haritha Nauka Guidelines promote environmentally sustainable shipbuilding.
The Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) supports green tugs and domestic manufacturing.
Green shipbuilding focuses on reducing emissions and environmental impact.
The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) has been launched to boost the sector.
SbDS promotes the creation of greenfield shipbuilding clusters.
Greenfield clusters refer to newly developed industrial zones.
SbDS supports expansion of existing shipyards.
SbDS provides risk coverage to reduce investment uncertainty.
The Maritime Amritkal Vision 2047 outlines a long-term roadmap for the shipping sector.
The vision aims to modernize shipping and shipbuilding in India by 2047.
RBI Approval of Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Framework
The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premium Framework.
The framework will replace the existing flat-rate deposit insurance system.
Under the current flat-rate system, banks pay 12 paise per ₹100 of deposits as insurance premium.
Deposit insurance refers to protection of depositors’ money in case of bank failure.
The main objective of deposit insurance is to protect depositors against bank failure.
Meaning of Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premium Framework
A risk-based deposit insurance premium framework links insurance premiums to a bank’s risk profile.
A risk profile reflects a bank’s financial strength, governance, and risk management practices.
Safer and well-managed banks are required to pay lower insurance premiums.
Riskier banks are required to pay higher insurance premiums.
Objectives of the Risk-Based Framework
The framework aims to incentivise sound risk management among banks.
Incentivise means encouraging positive behaviour through financial benefits.
The framework aims to reward prudent behaviour with lower costs.
Prudent behaviour refers to careful and responsible banking practices.
The framework seeks to reduce moral hazard in the banking system.
Moral hazard refers to excessive risk-taking due to the presence of safety nets.
Higher insurance premiums discourage banks from taking excessive risks.
Deposit Insurance Framework in India
Deposit insurance in India is managed by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
DICGC is the statutory institution responsible for insuring bank deposits in India.
DICGC functions under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961.
DICGC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India.
Insurance Coverage and Premium Payment
The maximum insurance coverage provided by DICGC is ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.
The insurance premium is paid by banks, not by depositors.
Types of Deposits Covered
DICGC insures savings deposits, fixed deposits, current deposits and recurring deposits.
DICGC does not insure deposits of foreign governments and Central and State Governments.
Banks Covered under Deposit Insurance
Insurance coverage includes all commercial banks operating in India.
Coverage includes branches of foreign banks functioning in India, local area banks, regional rural banks (RRBs), State cooperative banks, Central cooperative banks and Primary cooperative banks.
Insurance coverage excludes primary cooperative societies.
Securities Markets Code (SMC), 2025 Bill
The Securities Markets Code (SMC), 2025 Bill has been tabled in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to create a single, rationalised legal framework for India’s securities markets.
Consolidation of Securities Laws
The Bill consolidates provisions of the SEBI Act, 1992, Depositories Act, 1996 and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
Consolidation refers to merging multiple laws into one comprehensive code.
The unified law will be known as the Securities Markets Code.
The Code will govern India’s securities markets.
Expansion of SEBI Board
The Bill provides for an expansion of the SEBI Board.
The strength of the SEBI Board will increase from 9 members to 15 members.
The Board will include a Chairperson, two members from Central Government ministries and one nominee from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The Board will also include eleven other members.
A minimum of five members must be whole-time members.
Whole-time members are those fully engaged in SEBI’s daily operations.
Expanded Definition of Securities
The Bill expands the definition of securities under law.
Hybrid instruments are explicitly included within the definition.
Hybrid instruments combine features of equity and debt instruments.
Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are included as securities.
EGRs represent digital ownership of physical gold stored in vaults.
Zero coupon zero principal instruments are included as securities.
These instruments do not pay interest and do not return principal.
Onshore rupee bonds issued by multilateral institutions are included as securities.
Multilateral institutions include entities such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
SEBI may frame regulations to enable listing of other regulated instruments.
SEBI will consult other financial regulators before framing such regulations.
The objective is to ensure a seamless listing process across markets.
Conflict of Interest and Accountability
The Bill strengthens conflict of interest norms for SEBI Board members.
Conflict of interest arises when personal interests interfere with official duties.
The Bill empowers removal of a Board member who acquires prejudicial interests.
Prejudicial interest refers to any interest affecting impartial discharge of functions.
SEBI Board members must disclose direct financial interests and indirect financial interests.
Disclosures must include interests of family members.
Limitation Period for SEBI Investigations
The Bill introduces a limitation period for SEBI inspections and investigations.
SEBI cannot order an inspection or investigation after eight years.
The eight-year period begins from the date of alleged default or contravention.
Contravention refers to a violation of securities laws or regulations.
Exceptions are provided for cases involving systemic market impact.
Systemic market impact refers to risks affecting the entire securities market.
Exceptions are also allowed for cases referred by investigating agencies.
Safeguarding Investor Interests
The Bill mandates SEBI to specify an Investor Charter.
An Investor Charter defines rights, responsibilities, and service standards for investors.
The objective is to safeguard investor interests.
The Charter also aims to encourage investor participation in securities markets.
The Code provides for an Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism.
The mechanism ensures timely and effective resolution of investor complaints.
Decriminalization of Minor and Procedural Defaults
The Bill provides for decriminalization of minor and procedural defaults.
Minor defaults refer to technical or compliance-related lapses.
Such defaults will be reclassified as civil violations.
Civil violations attract monetary penalties.
This replaces criminal prosecution for such defaults.
CSR must include Environmental Responsibility: SC
The Supreme Court ruled that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) inherently includes environmental responsibility.
The ruling was delivered in the MK Ranjitsinh & Others v Union of India case.
The judgment links CSR obligations with constitutional duties.
The Court also connected CSR with biodiversity conservation.
Key Observations of the Supreme Court
The Court clarified that CSR is not limited to social welfare alone.
The Court held that environmental protection forms an essential part of CSR.
Criteria for CSR Applicability to Companies
CSR provisions apply to companies meeting specified financial thresholds.
A company is eligible for CSR if its net worth is ₹500 crore or more.
Net worth refers to the total assets minus total liabilities of a company.
A company is eligible for CSR if its turnover is ₹1000 crore or more.
Turnover refers to the gross revenue generated from business operations.
A company is eligible for CSR if its net profit is ₹5 crore or more.
Net profit refers to profit after deducting all expenses and taxes.
Corporations as Constitutional Actors
The Court recognised corporations as constitutional actors.
Constitutional actors are entities expected to uphold constitutional values.
Corporations are considered legal persons under Indian law.
Corporations function as key organs of society due to their economic influence.
Corporations are bound by Fundamental Duties under the Constitution.
The Court specifically referred to Article 51A (g) of the Constitution.
Article 51A (g) mandates the duty to protect and improve the natural environment.
The natural environment includes forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
Article 51A (g) also mandates compassion for living creatures.
CSR as a Constitutional Obligation
The Court held that CSR is an obligation and not a charitable activity.
Allocation of CSR funds for environmental protection is a constitutional duty.
Constitutional duty means an obligation arising directly from constitutional principles.
Environmental CSR spending is therefore not voluntary philanthropy.
Polluter Pays Principle and Species Protection
The Court applied the Polluter Pays Principle to corporate responsibility.
The Polluter Pays Principle means the polluter bears the cost of damage caused.
The principle applies where corporate activities threaten endangered species.
Corporations must bear the cost of species recovery measures.
In-situ conservation refers to protecting species in their natural habitat.
Ex-situ conservation refers to protecting species outside their natural habitat.
Corporate Social Responsibility under Indian Law
Corporate Social Responsibility is governed by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
CSR is a mandatory legal requirement for eligible companies.
Section 135 compels companies to contribute to social development.
Section 135 also compels contribution to environmental development.
Section 135 further supports economic development of the country.
CSR Fund Allocation Requirement
Eligible companies must allocate at least 2% of their average net profits to CSR.
The calculation is based on the average net profit of the preceding three years.
Activities Covered under CSR
CSR activities include:
eradicating hunger.
eradicating poverty.
addressing malnutrition.
promoting gender equality.
ensuring environmental sustainability.
Child Marriage Free Bharat Campaign
The Child Marriage Free Bharat Campaign has completed one year of implementation.
The campaign aims to eliminate the practice of child marriage across India.
Meaning of Child Marriage
Child marriage refers to the marriage of a child before attaining adulthood.
In India, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 governs child marriage.
The Act prohibits marriage of females below 18 years of age and males below 21 years of age.
At the global level, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) defines a child.
The CRC defines a child as any human being below the age of 18 years.
The CRC refers to marriages within this age group as child marriage.
Trends in Child Marriage in India
The prevalence of child marriage in India was 47.4% in 2005–06.
The prevalence declined to 26.8% in 2015–16.
The prevalence further declined to 23.3% in 2019–21.
These estimates are based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS).
NFHS is a large-scale survey providing data on health and social indicators.
Among Indian states, West Bengal reports high child marriage cases.
Bihar also records a high prevalence of child marriage.
Tripura is among the states with the highest child marriage incidence.
Key Reasons for Child Marriage
Poverty is a major driver of child marriage in India.
Poverty leads families to consider girls as an economic burden.
This perception is linked to a patriarchal social structure.
Patriarchy prioritizes household labour over girls’ education.
Patriarchy refers to a system where men dominate social and family decision-making.
Socio-cultural practices also contribute to child marriage.
Religious beliefs in some communities encourage early marriage.
Some communities believe marrying girls before puberty is auspicious.
Key Measures Taken to Address Child Marriage
Legal measures are provided under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The Act allows states to appoint Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.
These officers are responsible for prevention and reporting of child marriages.
The government implements social schemes to address the issue.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a flagship scheme promoting girls’ welfare.
Grassroots initiatives have also shown success.
The Surajpur Model in Chhattisgarh is an example of local action.
In this model, 75 Panchayats were declared Child Marriage-Free.
Panchayats are village-level local self-government institutions.
Global Commitments of India
India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
UNCRC is a global treaty focused on protecting children’s rights.
India has committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.
SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality.
SDG 5 includes elimination of child, early, and forced marriage.
India has committed to achieving this target by 2030.
Supreme Court Guidelines in Child Trafficking Cases
The Supreme Court laid down specific guidelines to evaluate the evidence of victims in child trafficking cases.
The guidelines focus on improving judicial assessment of victim testimony.
The Court observed that child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children is a deeply disturbing reality in India.
Commercial sexual exploitation of children refers to abuse of children for sexual purposes in exchange for money or benefits.
Guidelines to Evaluate Evidence of Child Victims
The Court emphasized recognition of the vulnerability of the victim during judicial scrutiny.
Vulnerability refers to the socio-economic and cultural disadvantages faced by child victims.
Judges must account for the social and economic background of trafficked children.
The Court ruled that minor inconsistencies in a trafficked child’s testimony must not discredit the evidence.
Minor inconsistencies refer to small variations that do not affect the core facts of the case.
The Court held that the sole testimony of the victim can be sufficient for conviction.
Such testimony must be credible and convincing to the court.
The Court highlighted the concept of secondary victimization.
Secondary victimization occurs when recounting abuse causes psychological trauma to the victim.
Secondary victimization also involves social stigma faced by the child.
Secondary victimization includes fear of retaliation from traffickers or offenders.
Judicial evaluation must therefore show sensitivity and realism.
The Court clarified that a trafficked child must not be treated as an accomplice.
An accomplice is a person who voluntarily participates in a crime.
The Court directed that a trafficked child must be treated as an injured witness.
An injured witness is a victim who has directly suffered harm due to the offence.
An injured witness deserves due regard and judicial credence.
Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme
The Ministry of Home Affairs has released revised guidelines and a Standard Operating Procedure for the Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme.
A Standard Operating Procedure defines uniform steps for implementing a scheme effectively.
About Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme, 2023
The Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme, 2023 aims to enable the release of indigent prisoners and undertrials.
Indigent prisoners are those who lack sufficient financial means.
Undertrials are prisoners whose trials are still pending before a court.
The scheme targets prisoners who are unable to pay fines imposed by courts.
The scheme also covers prisoners unable to furnish bail sureties.
Bail surety refers to a financial or personal guarantee for release on bail.
The objective of the scheme is to reduce prison overcrowding.
Nodal Agency
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is the nodal agency for the scheme.
A nodal agency is the primary body responsible for coordination and implementation.
Institutional Mechanism
The scheme provides for a District-level Empowered Committee.
The District-level Empowered Committee examines the eligibility of prisoners.
The Committee assesses the financial assistance required for bail or fine payment.
The Committee recommends the release of funds for eligible prisoners.
The scheme also provides for a State-level Oversight Committee.
The State-level Oversight Committee monitors and supervises implementation.
Exclusions under the Scheme
The scheme is not applicable to offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The scheme excludes offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The scheme also excludes heinous crimes.
Heinous crimes include terrorism-related offences, national security offences, dowry death, rape and human trafficking.
Heinous crimes include offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Role of Jail Authorities
The Jail Superintendent has a specific reporting obligation under the scheme.
The Jail Superintendent must inform the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
The information must be provided within one week.
The obligation arises if release is stalled due to non-payment of fine.
The District Legal Services Authority provides legal aid to eligible prisoners.
Ghost Pairing Cyber Scam
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an advisory for Indian users.
The advisory warns about a WhatsApp account takeover campaign known as Ghost Pairing.
CERT-In is the national agency responsible for cyber security incident response in India.
Meaning of Ghost Pairing
Ghost Pairing is a newly identified cyber scam targeting WhatsApp users.
The scam allows hackers to take over a WhatsApp account.
The takeover occurs without requiring the account password.
The takeover also occurs without requiring access to the SIM card.
How Ghost Pairing Works
The attack exploits WhatsApp’s device-linking feature.
Device linking is a WhatsApp feature that allows multiple devices to access one account.
Hackers trick users into approving a fake but authentic-looking pairing code.
A pairing code is normally used to link a new device to an existing WhatsApp account.
Victims receive deceptive messages from attackers.
Messages such as “Hi, check this photo” are commonly used.
These messages prompt users to unknowingly approve the pairing request.
Account Hijacking Mechanism
Once the pairing is approved, the attacker’s device becomes linked to the account.
The attacker’s device is added as a hidden trusted device.
A trusted device has full access to chats, contacts, and account functions.
This results in complete account hijacking without alerting the victim immediately.
IN-SPACe and Antariksh Prayogshala Initiative
IN-SPACe has rolled out a Request for Proposal (RFP).
A Request for Proposal is a formal invitation to submit project proposals.
The RFP aims to establish Antariksh Prayogshala, also called Space Labs.
Antariksh Prayogshala will be set up at select academic institutions across India.
The initiative seeks to strengthen space research and innovation in academia.
About Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) was established in 2020.
IN-SPACe was created as part of space sector reforms in India.
IN-SPACe functions as an autonomous agency.
An autonomous agency operates independently within its administrative framework.
IN-SPACe functions under the Department of Space.
Role and Structure of IN-SPACe
IN-SPACe acts as a single-window agency.
A single-window agency provides approvals and clearances through one platform.
IN-SPACe is an independent nodal agency.
A nodal agency is the main coordinating body for a specific sector.
Objectives of IN-SPACe
The primary objective of IN-SPACe is to support space sector reforms.
These reforms aim to enable participation of private players.
Private players include startups, industries, and academic institutions.
Functions of IN-SPACe
IN-SPACe is responsible to promote, enable, authorize and supervise space activities of non-governmental agencies.
Interface Role of IN-SPACe
IN-SPACe acts as an interface between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).
ISRO is India’s national space agency responsible for government space missions.
Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) include private companies, startups, and academic institutions.
Pulsars and Recent Discovery
The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a bizarre lemon-shaped world orbiting a pulsar.
The discovery highlights the extreme environments around pulsars.
What is a Pulsar?
A pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star.
A neutron star is the dense remnant left after a massive star explodes.
A pulsar emits beams of electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation refers to energy waves such as radio waves and light.
Pulsars emit radiation primarily in the form of radio waves.
The radiation is emitted from the magnetic poles of the pulsar.
Formation of Pulsars
Pulsars are usually formed after a supernova explosion.
A supernova is a powerful explosion marking the death of a massive star.
Rotation Speed of Pulsars
Pulsars rotate at extremely high speeds.
A pulsar can rotate dozens of times per second.
A pulsar can also rotate hundreds of times per second.
Pulsars as Cosmic Clocks
Pulsars are described as cosmic clocks.
Cosmic clocks are natural objects that keep extremely precise time.
The high stability of pulsar rotation makes them highly accurate timekeepers.
Superkilonova
An international research team has reported evidence of a possible second version of a Superkilonova.
The research team includes scientists from IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.
Meaning of Superkilonova
A Superkilonova is a rare cosmic explosion.
It involves the death of a star through two explosive processes occurring in sequence.
The first explosive process is a supernova.
The second explosive process is a kilonova.
Both explosions originate from the same astrophysical source.
Formation Mechanism
In a Superkilonova, the supernova core may produce two neutron stars.
Neutron stars are ultra-dense remnants formed after stellar collapse.
These two neutron stars may later merge with each other.
The merger of neutron stars leads to a kilonova explosion.
Related Astrophysical Phenomena
A supernova occurs when a massive star ends its life.
A supernova releases an enormous amount of energy in a short time.
A kilonova occurs when two neutron stars collide.
A kilonova is an extremely powerful explosion producing heavy elements.
Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine concluded in New Delhi.
The summit focused on global collaboration for traditional medicine systems.
Key Developments at the Summit
The Traditional Medicine Global Library was launched during the summit.
The objective of the Global Library is to ensure equitable global access.
Equitable access means fair and inclusive availability across countries.
The library will provide scientific data related to traditional medicine, policy resources for governments and institutions and validated knowledge.
Validated knowledge refers to evidence-based and peer-reviewed information.
The WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) building was inaugurated.
The SEARO building is located in New Delhi.
SEARO functions as WHO’s regional office for South-East Asia.
The My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP) was launched at the summit.
MAISP functions as a master digital portal.
A master digital portal integrates multiple services on a single platform.
MAISP is designed specifically for the AYUSH sector.
The Ayush Mark was launched as part of summit outcomes.
The Ayush Mark is proposed as a global quality benchmark.
A quality benchmark defines minimum accepted quality standards.
The benchmark applies to AYUSH products and services.
The summit adopted the Delhi Declaration.
The Delhi Declaration recognises traditional medicine as a shared biocultural heritage.
Biocultural heritage refers to the interlinkage between biodiversity and cultural practices.
The Delhi Declaration aligns with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
About Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine includes both codified and non-codified healthcare systems.
Codified systems are those with written texts and standardised practices.
Non-codified systems are based on oral traditions and community knowledge.
Traditional medicine systems are rooted in historical and cultural traditions.
These systems predate biomedicine, which refers to modern Western medicine.
India’s Traditional Medicine Systems
India’s traditional medicine is represented by the AYUSH sector.
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
India’s AYUSH sector is valued at $43.4 billion.
The AYUSH sector has expanded nearly eight-fold in the past decade.
Government Initiatives for Traditional Medicine in India
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) was launched in 2014. NAM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
The scheme aims to strengthen AYUSH infrastructure and to improve AYUSH healthcare services.
The scheme promotes co-location of AYUSH facilities with mainstream healthcare.
Ayurgyan is a national initiative for research and capacity building.
Ayurgyan supports drug standardisation in traditional medicine.
Ayurgyan supports medicinal plant research.
AOGUSY stands for AYUSH Oushadhi Gunvatta evum Uttapadan Samvardhan Yojana.
AOGUSY focuses on drug quality improvement.
AOGUSY promotes standardisation of AYUSH medicines.
AOGUSY supports pharmacovigilance.
Pharmacovigilance refers to monitoring safety of medicines.
The government also undertakes Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns.
IEC campaigns aim to increase awareness about traditional medicine.
The government promotes Medical Value Travel (MVT).
Medical Value Travel refers to travel for medical treatment and wellness.
Digital initiatives include the Ayush Grid and the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
TKDL documents traditional knowledge to prevent biopiracy.
Significance of Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine acts as a complementary healthcare system.
Complementary systems support and augment allopathy.
Allopathy refers to modern Western medical practice.
Examples of complementary systems include AYUSH and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Traditional medicine provides healthcare access in remote and tribal areas.
These systems are trusted in underserved regions.
Traditional medicine offers affordable healthcare solutions.
Affordable care is especially beneficial for economically weaker populations.
Traditional medicine supports mind-body well-being.
Mind-body well-being includes psychological health, emotional health and spiritual health.
Traditional medicine contributes to maternal and child health.
These systems are used for treating common ailments.
Common ailments include diarrhoea and fever.
Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System
Soil tests in the Kuttanad paddy fields have reported increased aluminium levels above safe limits.
These paddy fields are part of the Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System in Kerala.
Aluminium Toxicity in Kuttanad Soils
Aluminium becomes more soluble and toxic when soil pH drops below five.
Soil pH is a measure of soil acidity or alkalinity.
Highly acidic soils increase aluminium availability to plants.
Excess aluminium levels damage plant root systems.
Root damage affects the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Aluminium toxicity disrupts the uptake of:
phosphorus.
calcium.
potassium.
magnesium.
Structure of Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System
The Kuttanad system is a complex mosaic of fragmented agricultural landscapes.
The system is divided into three distinct structures.
The first structure consists of wetlands used for paddy cultivation.
These wetlands are also used for fish catching.
The second structure consists of garden lands.
Garden lands are used for food crop plantations.
The third structure consists of water areas.
These water areas are used for inland fishing.
These water areas are also used for shell collection.
Unique Features of Kuttanad System
The Kuttanad system is unique in India.
It supports rice cultivation below sea level.
The cultivable land is created by draining delta swamps.
These swamps exist in brackish water environments.
Brackish water is a mixture of freshwater and seawater.
Global Recognition
The Kuttanad Wetland Agricultural System is recognised under Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
GIAHS is an initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
GIAHS status recognises traditional farming systems with ecological and cultural value.
Uniform Definition of Aravalli Hills
The Union Environment Minister stated that a new definition protects over 90% of the Aravalli region.
The Supreme Court (SC) has accepted a uniform definition of the Aravalli Hills.
The definition was recommended by a Central Government–appointed expert committee.
The SC issued additional directions along with accepting the definition.
Significance of the New Definition
The SC observed that the definition enables landscape-level conservation.
Landscape-level conservation treats ecosystems as connected ecological units.
The Aravalli is treated as a continuous geological ridge under this approach.
The ridge is no longer viewed as isolated individual hills.
Key Recommendations of the Expert Committee
The committee provided operational definitions for regulatory clarity.
The committee separately defined Aravalli Hills.
Aravalli Hills include any landform in Aravalli districts with an elevation of 100 metres or more from local relief.
Local relief refers to height difference relative to surrounding terrain.
The committee also defined the Aravalli Range.
An Aravalli Range consists of two or more Aravalli Hills.
These hills must be located within a proximity of 500 metres.
Core and Inviolate Zone Safeguards
The committee recommended safeguards for core or inviolate zones.
Inviolate zones are areas where human activity is strictly restricted.
Mining is absolutely prohibited in protected areas.
Mining is prohibited in:
eco-sensitive zones
tiger reserves
wetlands
CAMPA plantation sites
CAMPA refers to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
Other Key Directions Issued by the Supreme Court
The SC directed preparation of a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM).
The MPSM will be prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).
The MPSM will cover the entire Aravalli region.
The SC ordered a freeze on new mining leases.
The freeze will continue until a new MPSM is prepared.
The new MPSM must follow the model prepared for Saranda Forest in Jharkhand.
About the Aravalli Range
The Aravalli Range is one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.
It dates back to the Pre-Cambrian period.
The range predates the Himalayas.
The Aravalli stretches over 800 kilometres.
It extends from Gujarat to Delhi. The range passes through Rajasthan and Haryana.
The highest peak of the Aravalli is Guru Shikhar.
Guru Shikhar is located in Mount Abu.
Initiatives for Protection of Aravalli
The Matri Van Initiative has been launched for Aravalli conservation.
The initiative aims to develop a 750-acre urban forest.
It is implemented under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme.
The Aravalli Green Wall Project is another conservation initiative.
The project focuses on greening a 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli.
The project covers four states.
Judicial protection was strengthened through MC Mehta v. Union of India.
In a series of judgments, the SC prohibited mining activities.
The prohibition applies to the entire Aravalli region.
Tundra Biome
According to a study, wildfires in the tundra have been more active in the past century than at any time in the last 3,000 years.
Wildfires in tundra regions are rare due to low temperatures and limited vegetation.
Location of Tundra Biome
The Arctic tundra is located between 60° to 70° North latitude.
It spans the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.
The Antarctic tundra occurs on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Alpine tundra occurs on high mountain tops around the world.
Alpine tundra exists above the tree line, which ranges from 1,000 meters to 2,400 meters depending on location.
The tree line is the elevation above which trees cannot grow due to harsh climatic conditions.
Characteristics of Tundra Biome
The tundra environment is harsh and extreme.
It receives low precipitation, typically less than 25 centimeters per year.
The soil in tundra regions is nutrient-poor and often frozen.
Most tundra regions are largely treeless.
Flora of Tundra Biome
Tundra vegetation includes mosses.
It also includes lichens, which are symbiotic associations between fungi and algae.
Other plants include grasses and sedges, adapted to cold climates.
Dwarf shrubs also grow in tundra regions, remaining small due to harsh conditions.
Fauna of Tundra Biome
The tundra is home to the Arctic fox, a predator adapted to cold climates.
Caribou, also known as reindeer, are common herbivores in the tundra.
Musk ox are large herbivorous mammals found in Arctic tundra.
Lemmings, small rodents, are important prey species for many tundra predators.
The polar bear is the apex predator of Arctic tundra ecosystems.
Doppler Weather Radars in India
Currently, there are 47 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) in operation across India.
These radars cover 87% of the country’s total area.
About Doppler Weather Radars
DWRs are ground-based radar systems used by meteorological agencies.
They are primarily used to detect rain, thunderstorms, cyclones, and other weather phenomena.
DWRs can provide information on both the position of atmospheric targets and their movement.
In India, DWRs of varying frequencies — S-band, C-band, and X-band — are commonly used.
IMD (India Meteorological Department) operates and monitors these radars.
Frequency bands like S, C, and X-band refer to different wavelengths of radar signals, affecting range and resolution.
How Doppler Weather Radars Work
DWRs use the Doppler Effect, which is the change in frequency of a wave when the source is moving.
The radar emits radio waves from an antenna.
When these waves hit atmospheric objects such as raindrops, snow, or hail, part of the energy is reflected back.
The time taken for the reflected signal to return helps determine the distance of precipitation.
The intensity of the returned signal helps estimate the strength of precipitation.
Larger particles reflect more energy, enabling better estimation of rainfall intensity.
Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)
A dedicated body called the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) will be constituted for the security of vessels and port facilities.
BoPS will focus on protecting ships, cargo, and port infrastructure from security threats.
Legal and Structural Framework
BoPS shall be constituted as a statutory body under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
A statutory body is an organization created by an Act of Parliament with legal powers to perform specific functions.
BoPS is being modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
BCAS is responsible for security oversight in India’s civil aviation sector.
Objective of BoPS
The primary objective of BoPS is to be responsible for regulatory and oversight functions related to the security of ships and port facilities.
Regulatory functions include setting standards and enforcing security protocols.
Oversight functions include monitoring compliance and assessing security preparedness.
Key Functions of BoPS
BoPS will ensure timely analysis of security threats.
It will be responsible for collection and exchange of security-related information.
BoPS will have a special focus on cyber security to protect digital systems in ports and shipping.
Cyber security refers to safeguarding computer networks and digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
Administrative Control
BoPS will function under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Functioning under the aegis means it will operate under the administrative control and guidance of the Ministry.
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)
India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU aims to collaborate on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC).
Location and Historical Significance
The NMHC is located at Lothal in Gujarat.
The complex aims to showcase 4,500 years of India’s maritime heritage.
Lothal is an archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Lothal is also known as the “Mound of the Dead”.
The site is famous for the discovery of the earliest known man-made dockyard.
Development Framework
The NMHC is being developed under the Projects category of the Sagarmala Programme.
Sagarmala is a national initiative focused on port-led development.
The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Projects under NMHC Master Plan
The NMHC Master Plan includes the National Maritime Museum.
The Master Plan includes Monuments Theme Parks.
The Master Plan includes State Pavilions.
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