Daily Current Affairs - 3rd, 4th & 5th December 2025
- TPP
- 3 days ago
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Updated: 6 hours ago
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Table of Content
ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY
Modi, Putin chart roadmap: Labour mobility, n-energy, trade & defence
The 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, held in New Delhi.
The meeting coincided with the 25th anniversary of the 2000 Declaration on Strategic Partnership, a framework elevated in 2010 to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
At a time of shifting global geopolitics, strained India–US ties, the prolonged Ukraine crisis, and Russia’s growing dependence on Asian partners, the summit gained unusual political and diplomatic weight.
A Comprehensive Roadmap: Economic Programme 2030
One of the most consequential outcomes was the adoption of the “Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India–Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030.”
The document seeks to broaden the economic relationship, which has long been dominated by defence and hydrocarbons, into more diversified sectors.
Key Economic Commitments
$100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, up from $68.7 billion in 2024–25.
Agreement to fast-track FTA negotiations between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, aimed at easing the flow of goods and services.
Expansion of bilateral settlement mechanisms using national currencies, interoperability of payment systems, and even cooperation on central bank digital currencies, reducing dependence on Western-dominated financial channels.
However, even as bilateral trade booms, the trade gap has widened to $58.9 billion, heavily skewed in Russia’s favour. Trade experts argue that India could raise exports from $5 billion to nearly $35 billion if barriers in food, pharma, textiles, and machinery are eased.
Energy and Nuclear Cooperation: A Central Pillar
Both leaders underscored that energy security remains a cornerstone of the partnership.
Energy Collaboration
Russia reaffirmed its commitment to uninterrupted oil and gas supplies to India.
Putin linked energy cooperation directly to India’s economic rise, calling Russia a “reliable supplier.”
Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Defence and nuclear issues dominated discussions. Both sides agreed to broaden collaboration across:
Nuclear fuel cycle,
Life-cycle support for the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP),
Non-power applications,
And a new agenda for peaceful atomic energy and high technologies.
They also reviewed progress on ongoing units at KKNPP and discussed the allotment of a second site for a future Russian-built nuclear plant in India.
Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to work with India on small modular reactors (SMRs) and floating nuclear plants, signalling advanced-tech cooperation rarely extended by Moscow to other partners.
Defence, Security, and Technology Transfer
India and Russia continue to see defence as a critical foundation of their partnership. Russia remains the only major power willing to share sensitive technologies such as nuclear submarines and missile defence systems—vital platforms that have shaped India’s strategic capabilities, most recently seen in the effective deployment of the S-400 system during Operation Sindoor.
At the summit, both sides reaffirmed cooperation in:
Joint R&D and co-production aligned with Make in India,
Expansion of military exercises,
Technology transfer in advanced systems,
Addressing new-age security threats.
The joint statement highlighted concerns over terrorist misuse of ICT tools, including payment platforms, social media, fundraising channels, and particularly the misuse of UAVs/drones.
Labour Mobility: A New Dimension in Ties
In an unexpected but strategically important development, India and Russia signed two agreements governing the movement of workers:
Agreement on Combating Irregular Migration – Prompted by incidents where Indian citizens, lured by job offers, ended up fighting or dying in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Agreement on Temporary Labour Activity – Enables skilled Indian workers to take up jobs in Russia across construction, agriculture, IT-enabled services, electronics, and textiles.
Russia currently faces an acute labour shortage, with more than 3 million positions needing to be filled by 2030.
Sources indicate that up to 70,000 Indian workers could be employed in Russian industries over the next 2–3 years.
India, which has already signed similar mobility pacts with Japan, Israel, the UAE, and Germany, is considering setting up training facilities in Maharashtra to prepare workers for deployment.
Russia’s comparatively regulated working hours and competitive wages have already attracted around 10,000 Indian workers, despite the language barrier.
Connectivity and Maritime Corridors
Connectivity was another major theme, with both countries committing to:
Strengthening the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC),
Expanding the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor,
Enhancing infrastructure for the Northern Sea Route.
An MoU on training specialists for ships navigating polar waters was signed to support Arctic cooperation.
People-to-People Engagement
To expand societal linkages:
India and Russia signed MoUs on migration and mobility,
Russia offered 30-day visa-free e-tourist entry for Indian citizens,
Multiple agreements were inked on health, maritime cooperation, fertilisers, academia, customs, and media collaboration—16 pacts in total.
Russia also formally joined India’s International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), enhancing conservation diplomacy.
The Ukraine Question: Diplomacy Without the Word “War”
A notable feature of the summit was the absence of any reference to “war” or “conflict” in the joint statement—both Modi and Putin called it a “crisis,” reflecting India’s careful diplomatic positioning.
India’s Stand
Prime Minister Modi stated:
“India is not neutral; India is on the side of peace.”
“We support all efforts towards peace.”
This aligns with India’s long-standing messaging since 2022, though noticeably, the phrasing differed from earlier remarks such as “not an era of war” and “solutions can’t be found on the battlefield.”
Russia’s View
Putin disclosed only that he briefed Modi in detail about:
The situation in Ukraine,
And talks initiated by the US on a possible settlement.
European capitals, already frustrated with India’s energy ties with Russia, viewed the red-carpet welcome for Putin—including Modi personally receiving him at the airport—as troubling and politically revealing.
Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) Pact
Russia’s lower house (State Duma) ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact, marking a major step in strengthening India–Russia military cooperation.
The RELOS pact is an agreement that allows both countries to access each other’s military bases, ports, airfields and maintenance facilities.
Military bases, ports and airfields refer to operational locations where armed forces conduct deployment, refuelling, repairs or logistical activities.
The pact enables joint military exercises by providing logistical access on each other’s territory.
It facilitates military training cooperation by allowing smoother movement and support for personnel and equipment.
It supports disaster relief operations through shared logistics and accessible support infrastructure.
It allows refuelling of ships and aircraft at each other’s facilities, which reduces operational delays during long-range missions.
It permits repairs and maintenance of military platforms at partner facilities, enhancing operational efficiency.
It enables port visits by naval vessels, which strengthens naval diplomacy and interoperability.
The pact enhances India’s operational reach, meaning India can project military capability over longer distances with logistical ease.
It potentially provides India with access to Russian naval routes, expanding maritime mobility.
The pact overall strengthens strategic military coordination between India and Russia by integrating logistics networks.
NITI Aayog & IBM Unveil Roadmap to Make India a Top3 Quantum Economy by 2047
NITI Aayog and IBM unveiled a roadmap titled “Transforming India into a Leading Quantum-Powered Economy.”
The roadmap aims to make India a Top-3 Quantum Economy by 2047.
The roadmap seeks to build a home-grown quantum computing ecosystem, meaning an indigenous network of quantum research, hardware, software, and industry participation.
It aims to help India capture a major share of the global quantum market, which refers to the worldwide demand for quantum technologies and services.
The roadmap targets the incubation of at least 10 globally competitive quantum startups.
Each startup is expected to surpass USD 100 million in revenue by 2035.
Each startup is expected to capture over 50% of the value in the global quantum software and services market by 2035.
Status of Quantum Technology in India (Connected One-Liners)
India ranks 2nd globally in the number of graduates in quantum-relevant fields, with approximately 91,000 graduates.
The only region ahead of India in this metric is the European Union.
Multiple Indian states are actively creating their own quantum ecosystems, meaning state-level clusters for research, infrastructure and industry.
Karnataka has established the Quantum Research Park (QuRP) as part of its quantum ecosystem.
Andhra Pradesh has launched the Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) to promote state-level quantum innovation.
Key Recommendations of the Roadmap (Connected One-Liners)
The roadmap recommends expanding the quantum workforce in India.
The roadmap aims to grow the scientific workforce, meaning researchers and scientists specializing in quantum science, within 2–3 years.
It aims to grow the deep engineering workforce, meaning engineers who can build quantum hardware and associated systems, within 2–3 years.
It aims to grow the professional deployment-ready workforce, meaning industry-ready quantum professionals, within 2–3 years.
The roadmap proposes prioritizing 3–5 key quantum opportunity areas for focused development.
The priority areas include secure communication, which uses quantum mechanics for tamper-proof data transmission.
The priority areas include health and pharma, where quantum computing can accelerate drug discovery and medical research.
The priority areas include cryogenics, the science of ultra-low temperatures required for quantum hardware.
The priority areas include financial services, which can use quantum algorithms for optimisation and risk modelling.
The priority areas include logistics, where quantum systems can improve complex routing and supply chain management.
The roadmap recommends accelerating the lab-to-market transition within 2 years.
The lab-to-market transition refers to the ease of converting research from laboratories into usable commercial technology.
The roadmap recommends improving ease of doing research, meaning reducing barriers for quantum R&D operations.
It recommends improving technology validation, meaning processes for testing and verifying quantum technologies.
The roadmap recommends that India lead in global standard-setting for quantum technologies.
Global standard-setting refers to forming international rules and frameworks that determine how quantum systems operate globally.
The roadmap encourages active engagement with global standards bodies to support Indian leadership in quantum norms.
The roadmap aims to ensure that Indian quantum products gain access to global markets through standard alignment.
The roadmap recommends making India an attractive domicile for quantum startups.
The roadmap aims for more than 90% of deep-tech Indian startups to remain domiciled in India.
About Quantum Technology (Connected One-Liners)
Quantum technology is a class of technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics, the physics of sub-atomic particles.
Quantum mechanics includes concepts such as quantum superposition, where particles exist in multiple states at once.
Quantum mechanics also includes quantum entanglement, where particles share linked states regardless of distance.
Quantum technology is classified into four major vectors, meaning four broad application categories.
The first vector is Quantum Computing, which uses quantum bits (qubits) to perform complex calculations.
The second vector is Quantum Communication, which enables secure data transfer using quantum principles.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is part of quantum communication and provides ultra-secure encryption keys.
The third vector is Quantum Sensing and Metrology, which enhances measurement accuracy using quantum effects.
The fourth vector is Quantum Materials, which are materials engineered to exhibit quantum properties.
Large Exposures Framework (LEF) limits
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened rules for foreign bank exposure to their overseas branches.
The tightening of rules specifically relates to Large Exposures Framework (LEF) limits.
The LEF is a prudential regulation, meaning a safety regulation designed to reduce financial risks for banks.
The LEF aims to curb concentration risk, which refers to the risk arising when too much lending is directed toward one borrower or one group.
The LEF limits how much a single borrower can borrow from one bank.
The LEF also limits how much a group of related or connected borrowers can borrow from one bank.
A “large exposure” is defined as any exposure to a counterparty equal to or above 10% of the bank’s eligible capital base.
A counterparty refers to any entity—such as a company or borrower—that the bank is financially exposed to.
A group of connected counterparties refers to entities that are linked financially or operationally, making their risks interdependent.
Recent Changes Announced by RBI
The RBI has introduced amendments to the Large Exposures Framework (LEF).
The RBI has also introduced amendments to Intragroup Transactions and Exposures (ITE) regulations.
Intragroup Transactions and Exposures (ITE) refer to financial dealings between different entities belonging to the same banking group.
The amendments provide clarifications on methodological norms for calculating large exposures.
The amendments also clarify methodological norms for calculating intragroup dealings.
The RBI has directed banks to create strong internal policies for managing concentration risks.
The concentration risk policies must cover single counterparties, ensuring no excessive exposure to a single borrower.
The policies must also cover interconnected groups, which are borrower groups linked financially or operationally.
The policies must additionally address specific sectors, where over-lending can create systemic risks.
Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) receives SEBI’s In-Principle approval for registration of Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT).
About InvIT
InvITs are Collective Investment Scheme similar to a mutual fund, that allow investors to invest in infrastructure projects (E.g. toll roads, power transmission lines etc.).
InvITs are created by sponsors (infrastructure companies or private equity firms) who transfer ownership of underlying assets to a Trust.
The Trust issues units to the investors.
InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
SEBI requires InvITs to distribute at least 90% of their income to investors.
Goldilocks Economy
RBI has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, signalling a rare Goldilocks period in the economy.
What is Goldilocks Economy?
Definition: A Goldilocks economy represents an ideal economic condition where there is balanced growth, low inflation, and full employment, without overheating or slipping into a recession.
Indicators: Latest data show projected GDP growth of 7.3%, paired with benign inflation around 2%, reflecting Goldilocks-like conditions.
Finfluencers
SEBI has barred a prominent finfluencer from securities markets for illegal gains from unregistered services.
About Finfluencers
They are a breed of social media influencers who act as financial advisors and post content on investment, personal finance, mutual funds etc. on various social media platforms.
SEBI’s Guidelines under 2013 Investment Advisers Regulations
Mandatory registration: Anyone providing investment advice must register with SEBI as a Research Analyst (RA) or Investment Advisor (IA).
Unregistered finfluencers cannot provide investment advice or make performance claims about securities.
Private Members’ Bill on Right to Disconnect
A Private Members’ Bill on the Right to Disconnect was moved in the Lok Sabha.
A Private Members’ Bill is a Bill introduced by an MP who is not a Minister.
The Bill aims to establish an Employees’ Welfare Authority.
The proposed Authority will confer the right to disconnect from work-related calls beyond work hours.
The proposed Authority will also confer the right to disconnect from work-related e-mails during non-work hours and on holidays.
Meaning of Right to Disconnect
The Right to Disconnect is a legal protection allowing workers to ignore work-related electronic communications during non-work hours.
The Right to Disconnect is based on Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Article 24 of UDHR states that everyone has the right to rest and leisure.
Article 24 also guarantees a reasonable limitation of working hours.
Article 24 further provides for periodic holidays with pay, reinforcing work-life balance.
Need for Right to Disconnect
The need arises due to work-related stress caused by constant digital connectivity.
Constant availability in the digital age leads to high stress levels.
Constant digital engagement contributes to sleep deprivation.
It also results in mental exhaustion, which affects long-term well-being.
Studies show that productivity declines when working over 50 hours per week.
Overwork creates a socio-psychological impact by harming work-life balance.
Overwork negatively affects social relationships, including increased isolation.
A notable example is the Ernst & Young employee’s death in Pune in 2024, which was linked to overwork.
Constitutional Basis
The Right to Disconnect draws support from Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees Right to Life and Dignity.
It also draws support from Article 39(e), which requires the State to ensure that health and strength of workers are not abused.
It is further supported by Article 42, which mandates the State to ensure just and humane working conditions.
Global Case Studies
France introduced the El Khomri Law in 2017, making it the first country to formally recognise the Right to Disconnect.
Australia passed a 2024 Amendment to its Fair Work Legislation to strengthen employees’ rights after work hours.
The Australian amendment allows employees to ignore after-hours work communications without fear of penalty.
The Australian law restricts this right only when the refusal is deemed unreasonable, such as during emergencies.
Supreme Court on AI in Judicial Administration
The Supreme Court of India stated that Artificial Intelligence will not take over the judicial administration process in India.
The statement was made while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking guidelines to prevent misuse of AI in courts.
The Supreme Court observed that judges are conscious of risks associated with indiscriminate use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in judicial work.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) refers to AI systems capable of producing text, images, or content autonomously.
Concerns with AI Use in the Judiciary
One major concern is AI hallucination, which means AI generating false or fabricated information.
AI hallucinations could lead to fictitious judgments if used unregulated in legal reasoning.
AI hallucinations could also produce false research material that misguides legal arguments.
An example occurred in the UK High Court, where lawyers submitted AI-generated legal arguments.
The UK High Court case involved AI-generated citations to non-existent cases, showcasing the danger of hallucinations.
Improper AI development or use may lead to disparate treatment between individuals.
Disparate treatment refers to unequal or biased outcomes affecting certain groups.
AI may also perpetuate existing biases embedded in training data.
Another concern is lack of algorithmic transparency, which means the decision-making logic of AI is unclear.
Lack of transparency makes it difficult to understand the rationale behind AI-assisted decisions.
It also makes it difficult to assess fairness of AI-generated legal recommendations.
Integration of AI in Judiciary
AI is supporting access to justice by enabling early legal consultations.
Early legal consultations are facilitated through AI chatbots and virtual assistants.
AI improves judicial productivity by helping identify genuine appeal cases.
AI enhances productivity by providing automated transcription of court proceedings.
AI assists judges in understanding case laws through efficient data analysis.
An example of AI integration is Brazil’s VICTOR AI system.
The VICTOR AI system in Brazil automates examination of appeals filed before the Supreme Court.
AI contributes to clearing judicial backlogs by automating routine administrative tasks.
AI supports backlog reduction by providing predictive analytics that help prioritise cases.
AI also speeds up legal work by supporting automated legal research.
An example from Greece shows AI facilitating automated document processing.
Automated document processing in Greece helps achieve faster case disposal.
Delhi High Court on Patent Suit Against Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
The Delhi High Court rejected a patent infringement suit filed against Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL).
The High Court refused to grant Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, an interim injunction against DRL.
The dispute concerned the drug semaglutide, which is patented by Novo Nordisk in India.
Semaglutide is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used for treating Type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide is also used for treating obesity.
An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the chemical component of a medicine that produces the intended therapeutic effect.
Novo Nordisk markets its anti-diabetic drug Ozempic using semaglutide.
Novo Nordisk also markets its weight-loss drug Wegovy using semaglutide.
The Court observed that Novo Nordisk’s two patents on minor variations of semaglutide could amount to evergreening.
About Evergreening of Patents
Evergreening of patents is a strategy used to extend patent monopolies beyond the standard period.
The maximum life of a patent is 20 years, after which generic production is allowed.
Evergreening often involves making minor changes to existing patented compounds.
Such modifications may include new forms of the same drug.
They may include new salts of an existing molecule.
They may include new isomers, which are molecules with the same formula but different structures.
They may include new polymorphs, which are different crystalline forms of the same chemical.
They may include new dosages or delivery systems that do not improve therapeutic value.
Legal Provisions Against Evergreening
Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, 1970 expressly prohibits patents on new forms or derivatives of known substances.
Section 3(d) allows such patents only when the new form shows significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
This provision limits unjustified evergreening practices.
Indian patent standards of patentability require strict tests of novelty.
They also require strict tests of inventive step, which prevents protection for trivial modifications.
These standards ensure that obvious variants of existing drugs are not granted new patents.
India’s patent framework remains TRIPS-compliant, meaning it adheres to the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
India uses Doha Declaration flexibilities to protect public health.
The Doha Declaration allows countries to curb unjustified secondary patents in the interest of public access.
These flexibilities help ensure access to affordable generic medicines in India.
Parliamentary Panel on Lokpal’s Operationalisation
A Parliamentary Committee has sought the full operationalisation of the Lokpal’s inquiry and prosecution wings.
The Committee noted that both wings remain inadequately operationalised despite statutory requirements under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
About Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 – Connected One-Liners
The Act mandates the establishment of the Lokpal at the Union level to deal with corruption complaints.
The Act also mandates the establishment of Lokayuktas at the State level for handling corruption-related complaints.
The Act contains provisions for an Inquiry Wing under Section 11.
The Inquiry Wing is headed by the Director of Inquiry.
The Inquiry Wing conducts preliminary inquiry into offences allegedly committed by public servants.
These offences fall under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The Act also provides for a Prosecution Wing under Section 12.
The Prosecution Wing is headed by the Director of Prosecution.
The Prosecution Wing is responsible for the prosecution of public servants in relation to complaints forwarded by the Lokpal.
Parliamentary Committee Report – Findings (One-Liners)
The Committee found that the Inquiry Wing is currently using officers on deputation temporarily.
The Committee observed that the Inquiry Wing has not been fully operationalised.
The Committee found that only a small number of cases have reached the prosecution stage.
The Committee noted that a full-fledged Prosecution Wing has not yet been set up.
Parliamentary Committee Report – Recommendations (One-Liners)
The Committee recommended that both wings must be fully constituted within six months.
The Committee urged the government to take urgent steps to operationalise the Inquiry Wing.
The Committee also urged the government to take urgent steps to operationalise the Prosecution Wing.
About Lokpal – Connected One-Liners
The Lokpal consists of a Chairperson and up to eight Members.
At least 50% of the Members must be Judicial Members.
A Chairperson is a person who is or has been a Chief Justice of India.
A Chairperson may also be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court.
A Judicial Member is a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court.
A Judicial Member may also be a person who is or has been a Chief Justice of a High Court.
At least 50% of the total Members must belong to SC, ST, OBC, minorities, or women.
Members of the Lokpal have a term of 5 years.
Members serve until they reach the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
All administrative expenses of the Lokpal are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.
The Consolidated Fund of India is the government’s main account for receiving revenues and making expenditures.
A complaint against a public servant can be filed by an individual, society, association of persons, trust, company, limited liability partnership (LLP) and statutory board, corporation, or statutory authority.
Parliamentary Report on Curbing Fake News
A Parliamentary report on the subject “Review of Mechanism to Curb Fake News” was presented in the Lok Sabha.
The report warns that India’s current framework to tackle fake news is inadequate.
The inadequacy arises due to the scale and sophistication of today’s misinformation ecosystem.
A misinformation ecosystem refers to the network through which false content spreads across digital and traditional media platforms.
Current Mechanism to Curb Fake News
India currently uses the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to regulate online news content.
These IT Rules regulate publishers of news and current affairs content on digital platforms.
The Rules also regulate curated audio-visual content published online.
India uses Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to curb fake news.
Section 353 criminalises spreading false information or rumours with intent to cause public harm.
Other mechanisms include the Information Technology Act, 2000, which governs electronic communication and liability of intermediaries.
India also uses the Fact Check Unit under the PIB to verify government-related misinformation.
India additionally uses the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 to regulate private satellite TV content.
Issues and Recommendations – Connected One-Liners
1. Absence of a Statutory Definition
India currently lacks a statutory definition of the term “fake news.”
The Committee recommended that “Fake News” must be legally defined.
The Committee also recommended setting up a special committee to propose amendments to existing laws.
The amendments should address gaps in laws such as the IT Act, 2000.
The amendments should also address gaps in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.
2. Regulatory Gaps
The report notes issues with safe harbour provisions under the IT Act.
Safe harbour exempts intermediaries from liability for third-party content if they follow due diligence.
The Committee recommended revisiting relevant Sections of the IT Act to ensure accountability.
The review is needed because algorithms often amplify sensational narratives for revenue.
Algorithms refer to automated systems that determine what content users see on digital platforms.
3. Cross-Border Jurisdictional Issues
India faces difficulty in holding foreign content creators accountable for fake news.
The problem arises because different countries have varying laws on digital content responsibility.
The Committee recommended forming a dedicated Inter-Ministerial Task Force.
The Task Force should involve the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Task Force should also include legal experts to manage cross-border accountability.
4. Technological Sophistication
Fake news is increasingly driven by AI-generated videos and deepfakes.
A deepfake is a highly realistic synthetic video created using artificial intelligence.
Increased Internet penetration has expanded the reach of AI-generated misinformation.
Low digital literacy makes users more vulnerable to such deceptive content.
The Committee recommended exploring mandatory labelling of AI-generated videos.
The Committee also suggested exploring licensing requirements for AI content creators.
Seahawk Helicopters
The USA welcomed India’s decision to sign a $946 million sustainment package for MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
About Seahawk Helicopters
Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and avionics suite, it is a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter.
Part of 24- aircraft Foreign Military Sale contract signed with US government.
Features: Designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
Significance: Enhance India’s blue-water capabilities.
Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI
Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI has commenced at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI
Type: Bilateral.
Participating counties: India– Indonesia Joint Special Forces.
Edition: The 10th edition.
Aim: To strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces.
Ex Harimau Shakti
The armies of India and Malaysia have commenced the 5th edition of joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ in Rajasthan.
About Harimau Shakti Exercise
It is an annual bilateral exercise, conducted alternately in India and Malaysia.
The exercise aims to jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, with a focus on coordinated counter-terrorist operations.
Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
The NHRC reported that 97 central and State laws still contain discriminatory provisions against persons with leprosy.
About Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic bacterial infection.
The infection is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
Leprosy primarily affects the skin. Leprosy also affects the peripheral nerves, which are nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Leprosy additionally affects the eyes.
If left untreated, leprosy can cause progressive disabilities.
Untreated leprosy may also lead to permanent disabilities, making it a neglected tropical disease.
Transmission of Leprosy
Leprosy spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth of infected individuals.
Transmission occurs during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
Leprosy Situation in India
India’s Prevalence Rate (PR) for leprosy was 57.2 per 10,000 in 1981.
The PR reduced to 0.57 per 10,000 in 2025.
This reduction represents a 99% decline in prevalence.
India achieved Elimination status for leprosy in 2005 at the national level.
Elimination status means a PR below 1 per 10,000 population.
Elimination and Control Efforts
India implements the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) for leprosy control and management.
India also follows the National Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy (2023–2027) to strengthen elimination efforts.
Food Irradiation as a Safe Food Processing Technique
Food irradiation is recognised as a safe food processing technique backed by strong scientific validation.
The technique shows no toxicological issues according to scientific assessments.
It also shows no nutritional issues, meaning nutrients remain largely unaffected.
It further shows no microbiological issues, indicating safety against harmful microbes.
The method has been endorsed by reputed scientific bodies, including the American Medical Association.
About Food Irradiation
Food irradiation is a physical process applied to food and agricultural commodities.
The process involves exposing food to a controlled amount of radiant energy.
The exposure is applied to food either in pre-packed form or in bulk form.
The process aims to achieve desirable effects such as preservation and safety.
An example of the process is radiolysis, which is the splitting of water molecules due to interaction with radiation.
Radiolysis acts on water molecules, which are major constituents of food and cells of insects and pathogens.
Radiolysis contributes to food preservation by hindering microbial growth.
Significance of Food Irradiation – Connected One-Liners
Food irradiation enables the inhibition of sprouting in crops like potatoes or onions.
It helps in delaying ripening of fruits and vegetables. It facilitates killing of insect pests present in food items. It kills parasites that may contaminate food.
It eliminates pathogenic microorganisms responsible for foodborne diseases.
It removes spoilage microorganisms, enhancing shelf life.
Food irradiation achieves these benefits while preserving overall food quality.
Mechanism of Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiations act through primary processes involving direct deposition of energy.
Primary processes cause the formation of ions or excited molecules.
Ionizing radiations also act through secondary processes, which involve interactions of products formed in primary events.
Secondary processes are influenced by water content present in food.
They are also influenced by the oxygen content of food.
They are further influenced by the pH level of food items.
The products formed from both processes are called radiolytic products.
Radiolytic products cause negligible chemical changes in food.
Types of Radiation Used in Food Irradiation
Gamma Rays
Gamma rays used in food irradiation are generated from radioactive Cobalt-60.
Cobalt-60 for food irradiation is supplied by the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT).
BRIT operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, India.
X-Rays
X-rays are produced by reflecting a high-energy stream of electrons off a target substance.
X-rays are commonly used in medicine and industry.
Electron Beams
Electron beams consist of high-energy electrons directed from an accelerator.
Electron beam technology provides rapid food processing.
Food Irradiation in India
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries supports multiproduct food irradiation units.
The support is provided under the Integrated Cold Chain & Value Addition Infrastructure scheme.
This scheme is implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
As of August 2025, 16 project proposals have been approved for setting up multiproduct food irradiation units.
Out of these, 9 units are operational.
State of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India 2025 Report
The State of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India 2025 Report has been released recently.
The report has been prepared by IIM Bangalore’s Center for Digital Public Goods.
The report argues that India has built a “middle-path” digital model balancing public and private sector roles.
The report states that this model serves as a template for the Global South.
About Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
DPI refers to an infrastructure-based approach that uses technology to achieve societal goals.
DPI operates through an ecosystem of technology, markets, and governance.
DPI consists of shared digital systems built on open standards and open specifications.
These shared systems are developed in public interest to ensure accessibility and trust.
Conditions for an Initiative to Operate as DPI
The first condition is reach and scale, which requires that third parties be able to use the infrastructure to innovate.
Reach and scale allow third parties to offer diverse final services using the core infrastructure.
The second condition is the principle of non-exclusivity, meaning the infrastructure should be non-discriminatory.
Non-exclusivity ensures that DPI is inclusive by design.
Significance of DPI
DPI promotes financial inclusion, demonstrated through the Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) Trinity.
DPI enables effective public service delivery, such as Direct Benefit Transfers.
DPI stimulates innovation by providing open, interoperable building blocks.
DPI contributes to citizen empowerment by enhancing access and transparency.
Key Highlights of India’s DPI (as per the Report)
Co-Creation Model
India follows a co-creation model that is government-driven and private-sector-energized.
An example of this model is UIDAI’s Aadhaar, which partners with private enrolment agencies and biometric device manufacturers.
Building Blocks Approach
India uses a building blocks approach that integrates Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with Digital Public Goods (DPG).
This approach provides speed and scale in digital service delivery.
An example is DigiYatra, which as a DPG uses Aadhaar as DPI to enable paperless travel.
DPI Expansion into Sectors
India is expanding DPI into diverse sectors as part of its growth strategy.
DPI is being deployed in agriculture, through the Agri-stack.
DPI is supporting logistics, through the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP).
DPI is strengthening education, through platforms like DIKSHA.
India’s DPI Ecosystem: India Stack
India Stack represents India’s comprehensive DPI ecosystem. India Stack comprises three core public utilities: identity, payments, and data.
Components of India Stack
1. Flow of Data – Account Aggregator (AA)
The Account Aggregator system manages the flow of data between institutions.
Account Aggregator is secure in design.
Account Aggregator is consent-based, meaning data moves only with user permission.
The AA framework improves access to credit by enabling data sharing.
It also strengthens financial management for individuals and businesses.
2. Flow of Money – UPI
UPI manages the flow of money across India’s digital economy.
UPI is interoperable, allowing cross-platform transactions.
UPI is fast, offering real-time transfers.
UPI is low-cost, enabling affordable digital payments.
UPI enables ease of use through simple interfaces.
UPI supports QR-based payments widely across India.
UPI contributes to a cashless economy.
3. Flow of People – Aadhaar
Aadhaar manages the flow of people through digital identity infrastructure.
Aadhaar provides a unique ID for every individual.
Aadhaar offers multiple authentication modes, including biometric, OTP-based, and manual.
Aadhaar enables ease of account opening in banks.
Aadhaar provides access to subsidies through identity-linked welfare delivery.
First of its kind R&D Roadmap to Enable Net Zero Targets through CCUS launched
Prepared by Department of Science & Technology (DST), the roadmap offers Three Phased Research & Development Program in Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS).
Three Phases Include
Integration of the current state-of-the-art CCUS technologies or their improved versions as End-Of-Pipe (EP) solution in the existing emitting industries.
Integration of advanced CCUS technologies in new industrial manufacturing plants using CCUS Compliant Design (CCD).
Integration of emerging CCUS technologies like photo-bio-electro-catalytic conversions as CCUS in One Pot (COP) strategy in new low-emission industrial manufacturing technologies.
About CCUS
Technologies that enable the mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large point sources like power plants, or removing existing CO2 from atmosphere and storing it either in seawater, deep-sea sediments, or geological sites, etc.
Role of CCUS in Mitigating Climate Change
Reducing emissions in ‘hard-to-abate’ industries: Mainly industries that are difficult to decarbonise including iron, steel and chemicals.
Producing low-carbon electricity and Hydrogen: CCUS can be installed on power plants running on coal, gas, biomass or waste.
Removing existing CO2 from atmosphere: Through either Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) or Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) – both having technological foundation with CCUS.
DACCS enables the capture of CO2 directly from the atmosphere while BECCS can result in CO2 removal on a net basis where the biomass is sustainably sourced.
New GI Tagged Products in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu added five more products to its growing list of Geographical Indication (GI) registrations.
Products Include
Woraiyur cotton sari: Native to Tiruchi district.
Kavindapadi nattu sakkarai: A jaggery powder.
Namakkal makkal pathirangal: Soapstone cookware.
Thooyamalli rice variety: Meaning ‘pure jasmine’, is a traditional sambha-season rice variety grown over 135 - 140 days.
Ambasamudram choppu saman: Wooden toys.
About GI Tags
Sign used on products with specific geographical origin and possessing qualities due to that origin.
Regulated under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
Provided for 10 years and can be renewed.
DHRUVA
The Department of Posts has proposed DHRUVA as a new digital addressing initiative.
DHRUVA aims to create a digital addressing system for India.
DHRUVA seeks to enable “Address as a Service (AaaS)” as a digital public service.
AaaS refers to providing address-related services through digital, standardised infrastructure.
About DHRUVA – Connected One-Liners
DHRUVA stands for Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address.
DHRUVA is designed as an interoperable digital addressing system.
It is also designed to be standardised to ensure uniform address structure.
It is built to be user-centric, ensuring ease of access and convenience.
Purpose of DHRUVA
DHRUVA aims to replace textual addresses used in India.
It replaces these textual addresses with UPI-like digital labels.
These digital labels follow a format similar to “name@entity”.
These labels function as proxies for physical addresses.
How DHRUVA Works
Users share a digital address label instead of typing full address details.
Firms can access the full physical address through the label.
Firms also receive the geo-coordinates of the address.
Access to this information occurs only with user consent, ensuring privacy.
Foundational Layer of DHRUVA
The foundational layer of DHRUVA is called DIGIPIN.
DIGIPIN is a geo-coded identifier assigned to each address.
DIGIPIN is based on latitude and longitude coordinates.
Mahad Satyagraha
Mahad marks the birthplace of one of India’s first human rights movements initiated by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
About Mahad Satyagraha
Date & Place: Started on 20 March 1927 at Chavdar Tale, Mahad (Maharashtra).
Objective: To secure the right of untouchables to access public drinking water, which was denied due to caste discrimination.
Key associates of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar included Anandrao Chitre, Bapu Sahastrabuddhe, Sambhaji Gaikwad, Ramchandra More.
Symbolic Act: Ambedkar and followers drank water from the public tank, asserting that essential resources like water cannot be monopolised by upper castes.
Ideological Message: Water is a basic human right, not a caste privilege; aimed at breaking social exclusion rooted in untouchability.
Manusmriti Dahan (Burning): On 25 December 1927, Ambedkar burned Manusmriti publicly, rejecting the caste system
Significance: It marked the first major civil rights movement of Dalits under Ambedkar.
Karthigai Deepam Festival
The Karthigai Deepam festival celebration recently began in Tamil Nadu.
About Karthigai Deepam Festival
Three-day festival falling in month of Karttikai (November-December).
Coincides with full moon or pournami day.
It witnesses the lighting of clay oil lamps or agal vilaku to ward off evil spirits.
Honours Lord Karthikeya or Lord Murugan.
It finds references in Tamil Literature called Ahananuru, a collection of poems and among one of great books of Sangam literature.
Avaiyyar, renowned woman of Sangam age also mentions it in her poems.
waiting for the daily current affairs last two days. thank you