Dec 20, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Annatto Category: Science and Technology Context: The CSIR–CFTRI, Mysuru is participating in a project which envisages the development of Vitamin-E enriched annatto oil for use in food and cosmetic applications. About Annatto: Nature: It is a natural food colouring and flavoring agent. Scientific name: Its scientific name is Bixa Orellana. Native: It is obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree, native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Cultivation in India: It is grown primarily in tropical states like Andhra Pradesh (cultivated by tribal communities in areas like Rampachodavaram). Chemical constituents: It contains carotenoids, primarily Bixin (oil-soluble) and Norbixin (water-soluble). It is also a rich source of Tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E).  Significance: About 70% of natural food colours come from annatto.  Colouring: It adds a yellow-orange colour to foods like cheese, butter, yogurt, sausage, smoked fish, ice cream, and baked goods. The bold colour comes from carotenoids, which are plant pigments that are found in the coating of the seed. Usage: It is most often ground up into a powder or paste form for use.  Flavour: It has a mild, peppery flavour when used in large amounts as well as a nutty and floral scent. Safety: It is safe for most people when used in normal food amounts. However, it might cause allergic reactions in some sensitive people. Improved health: It has been linked to various benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved eye and heart health, and anticancer properties. It is rich in antimicrobial compounds, which can limit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Rich in antioxidants: It is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize the effects of harmful free radicals that can cause damage to cells. It is also high in tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E that some studies show could help with keeping bones strong and healthy. Applications: It is used in lipsticks, soaps, and hair oils due to its safe, non-toxic nature. Traditionally, it is also used as a fabric dye. Source: PIB Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) Category: Economy Context: Recently, the Finance Ministry unveiled a new logo for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to signify a single and unified brand identity. About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Establishment: RRBs were established under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Narasimham Committee on Rural Credit (1975).  Objective: Their mission is to fulfil the credit needs of the relatively unserved sections in rural areas: small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, and socio-economically weaker sections. Collaboration: They are formed in collaboration by the Central Government, State Governments, and Sponsoring Commercial Banks to give loans to rural areas. Regulation: Regional Rural Banks are regulated by the RBI and supervised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). First RRB: Rathama Grameen Bank was the first RRB bank and was established on 2nd October 1975. Configuration: RRBs were configured as hybrid micro-banking institutions, combining the local orientation and small-scale lending culture of the cooperatives with the business culture of commercial banks. PSL target: The RBI has set a Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target of 75% of total outstanding advances for RRBs as against 40% for Scheduled Commercial Banks.  Ownership: Sponsored by the Commercial Banks, the equity of RRBs is held by the central government, concerned state government, and the sponsor bank in the proportion of 50:15:35.  Area of operation: The area of operation of RRBs is limited to the area as notified by the Government of India, covering one or more districts in the State.  Sources of Funds: It comprises owned funds, deposits, borrowings from NABARD, sponsor banks and other sources, including SIDBI and the National Housing Bank. Management: The Board of Directors manages these banks, overall affairs, which consists of one Chairman, three Directors as nominated by the Central Government, a maximum of two Directors as nominated by the concerned State Government, and a maximum of three Directors as nominated by the sponsor bank. Network size: At present, 28 RRBs operate across the country with a vast network of over 22 thousand branches in more than 700 districts. Source: The Hindu INS Hansa Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, INAS 335, the ‘Ospreys’, the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate MH-60R helicopters, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa. About INS Hansa: Location: INS Hansa is an Indian Naval Air Station located near Dabolim, Goa. Establishment: The station was originally commissioned on 5 September 1961 at Sulur near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and was initially co-located with the Indian Air Force’s Sulur Air Force Station. Relocation: The base includes a civil enclave, which functions as Dabolim Airport, handling domestic and international flights round-the-clock. Following the liberation of Goa, the Navy took over Dabolim airfield in April 1962, and INS Hansa was relocated to Dabolim in June 1964. Uniqueness: It is the largest naval airbase in India and houses some of the Indian Navy’s premier air squadrons. Significance: It houses various aircraft, including Kamov Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters and MiG-29K fighters. The Navy is also progressing the acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft. Strategic Role: It is the hub for the Indian Navy’s western air operations, supporting maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and combat missions in the Arabian Sea. Source: The Hindu SabhaSaar Initiative Category: Government Schemes Context: SabhaSaar has been made available to all States/UTs, and Gram Panchayats are progressively adopting it for routine Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings. About SabhaSaar Initiative: Nature: It is an AI-enabled voice-to-text meeting summarisation tool. Nodal ministry: It is launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Objective: It aims to streamline documentation and empower stakeholders with instant access to meeting insights in panchayats, administrative bodies, and rural development projects. Adoption: It has been made available to all States/UTs, and Gram Panchayats are progressively adopting it for routine Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings. Significance: It will bring uniformity in minutes of the gram sabha meetings across the country. Panchayat officials can use their e-GramSwaraj login credentials to upload video/audio recordings on ‘SabhaSaar’. Use of AI: It leverages the power of AI to generate structured minutes of meetings from gram sabha videos and audio recordings. The AI model used in SabhaSaar operates on AI and cloud infrastructure provisioned through the India AI Compute Portal under the India AI Mission of MeitY. Built on Bhashini: It is built on Bhashini, an AI-powered language translation platform launched by the government to bridge literacy, language, and digital divides. The tool generates transcription from a video or audio, translates it into a chosen output language and prepares a summary. Transcription in major Indian languages: It enables transcription in all major Indian languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Gujarati, in addition to English. Source: PIB BRICS Category: International Organisations Context: As Brazil passed the presidency of BRICS to India recently, it handed over a gavel made of recycled wood from the Amazon rainforest. About BRICS: Nomenclature: The acronym ‘BRIC’ was coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to represent the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.  Establishment: BRIC began functioning as a formal group during the G-8 Outreach Summit in 2006, held its first summit in Russia in 2009, and became BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.  Members: The initial five BRICS members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. In 2024, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Ethiopia joined the group while Indonesia joined in 2025. Saudi Arabia has not yet formalised its BRICS membership, while Argentina, initially expected to join in 2024, later opted out.   Key initiatives: It includes New Development Bank (2014), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), BRICS Grain Exchange, BRICS Rapid Information Security Channel, STI Framework Programme (2015) etc.   Significance: BRICS accounts for 45% of the world’s population and 37.3% of global GDP, surpassing the EU’s 14.5% and the G7’s 29.3%.  Energy security: With Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joining, BRICS now accounts for around 44% of global crude oil production positioning it as a key player in ensuring energy security and influencing oil prices and supply chains.  Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Significance of a Strong Defence Industrial Base for India (UPSC GS Paper III – Defence, Indigenisation of Technology, Industrial Growth; GS Paper II – Strategic Capability & Governance)   Context (Introduction) India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 is inseparable from strategic self-reliance. A strong defence industrial base is central to national security, economic resilience, technological advancement, and India’s emergence as a credible global power.   Main Arguments: Why a Robust Defence Industrial Base Matters Correcting Historical Vulnerabilities: For decades, India followed a paradoxical approach—excluding domestic private industry while relying heavily on foreign private suppliers. This led to excessive import dependence, constrained innovation, and strategic vulnerability during crises or supply-chain disruptions. Reform-Driven Ecosystem Maturation: Recent reforms—private sector entry, liberalised FDI, corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, expanded ‘Make’ procurement categories, and innovation promotion—have transformed the ecosystem. Defence production has increased, and exports now reach over 80 countries, signalling ecosystem maturity. Strategic Autonomy and Resilience: Global conflicts in Europe, West Asia, and Asia have highlighted the fragility of international supply chains. Countries with strong domestic defence industries have demonstrated greater resilience. For India, facing persistent land and maritime security challenges, defence self-reliance is indispensable. Economic and Geopolitical Leverage: Defence manufacturing generates high-skilled employment, stimulates advanced manufacturing, and integrates India into global supply chains. Defence exports also enhance geopolitical influence by positioning India as a reliable security partner. Emerging Global Opportunities: Rising defence spending in Europe, saturation of traditional suppliers, and demand for cost-effective platforms create export opportunities. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region and expanding diplomatic footprint strengthen its prospects as a defence supplier.   Challenges and Criticisms Regulatory and Procedural Bottlenecks: Complex export licensing, slow approvals for joint ventures and technology transfers, and fragmented institutional coordination continue to deter private investment, especially for MSMEs and startups. Uncertain Demand Signals: Absence of long-term demand projections reduces investor confidence for capital-intensive defence manufacturing. DRDO’s Evolving Role: While Defence Research and Development Organisation has built strategic capabilities, overlapping roles in research, development, and production dilute efficiency and delay commercialisation. Financial and Testing Constraints: Manufacturers face high-cost credit, stringent domestic standards, limited testing facilities, and prolonged trials, reducing competitiveness against established global players. Fragmented Export Facilitation: Multiple ministries and agencies handle defence exports, creating coordination gaps and slowing market outreach.   Reforms and Way Forward Simplify and Stabilise Regulations: Streamline export licensing, technology-transfer approvals, and joint venture clearances, ensuring policy continuity to meet the target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. Reorient DRDO–Industry Roles: DRDO should focus on frontier research, while production, scaling, and commercialisation shift decisively to public and private industry, aligning with global best practices. Create Dedicated Export Facilitation Agency: A professionally staffed, single-window defence export agency can coordinate outreach, financing, certifications, and government-to-government engagements. Strengthen Financial and Testing Ecosystems: Introduce specialised export financing instruments, expand integrated testing facilities, adopt international certification norms, and ensure time-bound trials. Leverage Strategic Instruments: Use lines of credit, government-to-government agreements, and long-term service commitments to enhance India’s credibility as a defence supplier.   Conclusion A strong defence industrial base is not merely about reducing imports; it underpins national security, economic growth, technological leadership, and diplomatic influence. Deepening reforms and sustaining policy momentum will define India’s transition into a confident and influential global power by 2047.   Mains Question Why is a strong defence industrial base critical for India’s national security and economic aspirations? Examine the reforms required to make India a competitive defence manufacturing and export hub.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Child Trafficking in India: Causes, State Response and the Way Forward (UPSC GS Paper I – Society: Vulnerable Sections; GS Paper II – Governance, Judiciary & Social Justice)   Context (Introduction) A recent Supreme Court of India judgment describing child trafficking as a “deeply disturbing reality” brings renewed focus on India’s persistent trafficking networks, despite constitutional safeguards, special laws, and multiple government schemes aimed at child protection.   Scale and Nature of Child Trafficking in India Magnitude of the Problem: As per NCRB Crime in India data, over 2,200 children were trafficked in 2022, with girls constituting a majority. States such as West Bengal, Telangana, Bihar, Maharashtra and Assam consistently report high numbers due to poverty, migration corridors and porous borders. Organised Crime Networks: Trafficking operates through decentralised yet interconnected verticals—recruitment, transportation, harbouring and exploitation—often spread across States, complicating detection and prosecution, as noted by the Supreme Court. Forms of Exploitation: Children are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic work, begging, and increasingly for online sexual abuse material, reflecting adaptation to digital platforms.   Reasons for Persistence of Child Trafficking Socio-Economic Drivers: Poverty, seasonal migration, debt bondage, lack of schooling, family disintegration and disasters push children into vulnerability. UNICEF notes that children from migrant and informal labour households face disproportionately higher trafficking risks. Demand-Side Factors: Urban informal economies, tourism hubs, construction sites and domestic work markets sustain demand. NCRB data shows trafficking hotspots align with major urban and industrial centres. Weak Preventive Governance: Limited surveillance in source areas, understaffed Child Welfare Committees, and poor inter-State coordination weaken early detection. Parliamentary Standing Committee reports have flagged capacity gaps in child protection institutions. Low Conviction Rates: Conviction rates under trafficking-related provisions remain low (often below 30%), reflecting poor investigation quality, victim intimidation, and insensitive evidentiary standards—issues directly addressed by the recent Supreme Court judgment.   Legal and Policy Framework Constitutional Mandate: Articles 23 and 24 prohibit trafficking and child labour; Articles 15(3), 21 and 39(f) mandate special protection for children’s dignity and development. Statutory Architecture: The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act and IPC Sections 370/370A collectively criminalise trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Judicial Reinforcement: The Supreme Court has clarified that trafficked children are injured witnesses, whose testimony cannot be discarded due to minor inconsistencies, aligning with trauma-informed justice principles.   Government Schemes and Institutional Response Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): Established in many districts to focus on detection, rescue and investigation, supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs, though uneven operational capacity persists. Ujjawala Scheme: Targets prevention, rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of women and child victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation; however, CAG audits have pointed to gaps in coverage and monitoring. Mission Vatsalya (Child Protection Services): Supports Child Welfare Committees, shelter homes, counselling and education, forming the backbone of post-rescue care. Operation Smile / Muskaan: Police-led initiatives that have traced thousands of missing children annually, reducing trafficking risks through coordinated rescue operations. TrackChild Portal: A national digital platform integrating police and child welfare data to track missing and found children, improving inter-State coordination.   Gaps and Criticisms Implementation Deficit: Reports by NCPCR and CAG highlight overcrowded shelters, staff shortages, and inadequate psychosocial care, increasing risks of re-trafficking. Reactive Policy Bias: Most interventions focus on rescue after exploitation, while preventive measures such as livelihood security, schooling and social protection in source areas remain weak. Fragmented Governance: Multiple ministries—Home, Women & Child Development, Labour—operate in silos, diluting accountability and follow-up. Reintegration Challenges: Without sustained education, skill training and income support, rescued children often return to vulnerable environments.   Way Forward Shift to Prevention-Centric Strategy: Strengthen social protection, universal schooling, nutrition, and livelihood programmes in trafficking-prone districts, in line with SDG 8.7 (ending child trafficking). Trauma-Informed Justice System: Mandatory training for police, prosecutors and judges on child psychology and victim-sensitive evidence handling, institutionalising Supreme Court guidelines. Unified Anti-Trafficking Framework: Operationalise a national anti-trafficking authority to coordinate intelligence, rescue, rehabilitation and prosecution across States. Strengthen Rehabilitation and Aftercare: Improve quality of shelters, long-term education, skill development and family reintegration to prevent re-trafficking. Data-Driven Monitoring: Enhance NCRB data granularity, map trafficking corridors, and track repeat offenders to improve deterrence and accountability.   Conclusion Child trafficking in India reflects deep socio-economic inequalities and governance gaps. While judicial interventions have strengthened victim-centric justice, eliminating trafficking requires a preventive, welfare-oriented and institutionally coordinated approach that protects children before exploitation occurs.   Mains Question Analyse the socio-economic causes of child trafficking and critically evaluate the effectiveness of government schemes in addressing the problem. Suggest a way forward.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu  

Dec 19, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th December 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Dec 19, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Channa Bhoi Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, scientists identified a new species of snakehead fish, Channa bhoi, in Meghalaya highlighting the state’s importance as a hub of freshwater biodiversity. About Channa Bhoi: Nature: It is a new species of snakehead fish.  Taxonomy: It belongs to the Channidae family and the Gachua group. Phylogenetic analysis identified it as a sister species to Channa bipuli, another snakehead found in Northeast India. Discovery: It was discovered from a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. Nomenclature: It has been named Channa bhoi, after the indigenous Bhoi people of the Khasi tribe who inhabit the Ri-Bhoi region. Significance: The discovery brings the total number of Channa species recorded from India to 26. Uniqueness: It is characterised by a bluish-grey body marked with minute black spots on each scale, forming eight to nine horizontal rows of broken lines along the sides. It can be distinguished from its close relatives by a unique colour pattern. Physical Characteristics: It has a bluish-grey body with black spots forming broken lines and distinctive banding on its pectoral fins. Biodiversity Indicator: Their presence suggests healthy stream ecosystems. Concern: It faces threats from rat-hole coal mining runoff and the illegal international aquarium trade. Source: Northeast News DHRUV64 Category: Science and Technology Context: India has achieved a significant milestone in its semiconductor journey with the launch of DHRUV64, which is a fully indigenous microprocessor developed by C-DAC. About DHRUV64: Nature: DHRUV64 is a fully indigenously developed microprocessor of India. Development: It is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP). Uniqueness: It is India’s first homegrown 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Speed: It is a 64-bit dual-core processor running at 1.0 GHz, giving it the ability to handle multiple tasks smoothly. ​Execution technique: It uses superscalar execution, which allows the processor to start more than one instruction in the same moment for better speed. ​Packaging: It includes built-in communication and control functions inside an advanced FCBGA package, making the chip compact and ready for use in many systems. Indigenisation: It provides homegrown microprocessor technology designed for startups, academia, and industry to build, test, and scale indigenous computing products without relying on foreign processors. Improved efficiency: It supports out-of-order processing, meaning it can complete instructions that are ready first, improving overall efficiency. Significance: Following earlier processors like SHAKTI (IIT Madras) and AJIT (IIT Bombay), it paves the way for the upcoming Dhanush and Dhanush+ processors. Applications: It is capable of supporting strategic and commercial applications. It is suitable for sectors such as 5G infrastructure, automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial automation and the Internet of Things (IoT). It supports prototype development for new system architectures at lower cost. Source: PIB Exercise Desert Cyclone II Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, an Indian Army contingent departed for the United Arab Emirates to participate in the second edition of the Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II. About Exercise Desert Cyclone II: Countries involved: Desert Cyclone II is the second edition of the India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise. Origin: The Exercise was first held in 2024 between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces. Objective: The core objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces. Indian representation: The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army. Follows UN mandate: The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations in urban environments under a United Nations mandate, preparing forces for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations. Focus areas: Joint training includes fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, and detailed joint mission planning. A key feature is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for conducting urban military operations. It reflects deepening military diplomacy, shared strategic interests, and growing operational synergy between India and the U.A.E. Source: The Hindu Param Vir Chakra (PVC) Category: Miscellaneous Context: Portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees are now on display at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the previously displayed portraits of 96 British Aide-de-Camps. About Param Vir Chakra (PVC): Establishment: It was introduced on January 26, 1950, on the first Republic Day with retrospective effect from 15 August 1947. Nomenclature: Literally, Param Vir Chakra means ‘Wheel (or Cross) of the Ultimate Brave’. Uniqueness: It is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying the most exceptional acts of valour, courage, and self-sacrifice during war. Order of Precedence: It is followed by the Ashoka Chakra (peacetime), Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. Eligibility: It can be awarded to officers, men, and women of all ranks of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force; of any of the Reserve Forces, of the Territorial Army Militia; and of any other lawfully constituted Armed Forces. It can be, and often has been, awarded posthumously.  Similarity: It is similar to the British Victoria Cross, the US Medal of Honor, the French Legion of Honor, or the Russian Cross of St. George. Design: The medal was designed by Mrs. Savitri Khanolkar. Structure: The medal is cast in bronze and circular in shape. In the centre, on a raised circle, is the state emblem, surrounded by four replicas of Indra’s Vajra, flanked by the sword of Shivaji. First winner: Major Somnath Sharma, from the Kumaon regiment was the first recipient of the award for his actions in the 1947 Indo-Pak War. Recipients: Till now, only 21 people had been given the Param Vir Chakra award, of which 14 are posthumous. Source: The Hindu Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, Vice President of India released a commemorative postal stamp in honour of Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II. About Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II: Dynasty: Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar belonged to the Mutharaiyar dynasty, which ruled central Tamil Nadu from 705 AD-745 AD. Other names: He was also known as ‘Suvaran Maran’ and ‘Shatrubhayankar.’ Capital: He ruled primarily from Tiruchirappalli. Great administrator: He is believed to have fought bravely in several battles alongside the Pallava king Nandivarman, and is remembered as a great administrator. Patronage: He seems to have patronised Shaivya and other scholars, as a Jain monk Vimalachandra is mentioned as visiting his court to debate them. Political Status: Initially, the Mutharaiyars were powerful feudatories of the Pallavas. As Pallava central authority weakened, Perumbidugu II emerged as an influential regional power. Territorial extent: The Mutharaiyars held sway over areas including Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli, and others near the Cauvery river. Cultural significance: As the feudatories of the Pallavas, the Mutharaiyars were great temple builders. Muttarayars were also engaged in cave temple enterprises up to the opening decades of the ninth century. Legacy: They acted as a bridge between Pallava and Chola traditions, especially in temple architecture and governance. Decline: The Mutharaiyar rule declined in the mid-9th century after Vijayalaya Chola captured Thanjavur, marking the rise of the Imperial Cholas. Source: PM India (MAINS Focus) DHRUV64 Microprocessor and India’s Indigenous Processor Ecosystem (UPSC GS Paper III – Science & Technology: Indigenisation of Technology; Electronics and IT)   Context (Introduction) India’s launch of the DHRUV64 microprocessor marks a significant step in reducing dependence on imported semiconductor designs, strengthening strategic autonomy, supply-chain resilience, and long-term technological self-reliance in the electronics and industrial automation sectors.   Progress and Rationale Behind DHRUV64 Indigenous Development Milestone: DHRUV64 is a fully indigenous 64-bit, dual-core microprocessor developed by C-DAC under MeitY’s Microprocessor Development Programme, reflecting sustained public investment in core computing technologies. Strategic Imperative: India is a major global consumer of chips but lacks control over processor IP, toolchains, and update pathways. Indigenous processors enhance security against export controls and geopolitical supply shocks. Targeted Use-Cases: With a 1 GHz clock speed, DHRUV64 is designed for telecom base stations, industrial controllers, routers, and automotive modules, where reliability and integration matter more than peak consumer performance. Ecosystem-Oriented Approach: MeitY positions DHRUV64 as a platform for startups, academia, and industry to prototype systems without reliance on foreign processors, recognising that processors succeed only with strong software–hardware ecosystems. Alignment with Open Standards: The chip is tied to the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) programme, leveraging open instruction sets to avoid licence dependencies and encourage modular, customisable designs.   India’s Broader Processor Ecosystem SHAKTI (IIT Madras): RISC-V–based processors focused on academic research, secure computing, and commercial deployment; supported under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. AJIT (IIT Bombay): Designed primarily for strategic and defence applications, emphasising reliability and deterministic performance. VIKRAM (ISRO–SCL): Radiation-hardened processors for spaceflight systems, underscoring India’s niche strengths in mission-critical electronics. THEJAS32/64 (C-DAC): Earlier DIR-V chips, with THEJAS64 fabricated at SCL Mohali, demonstrating incremental progress in domestic fabrication capabilities. Ecosystem Logic: Together, these processors cater to diverse needs—space, defence, industrial control, and embedded systems—indicating a portfolio-based strategy rather than a single “flagship” chip.   Key Information Gaps and Criticisms Lack of Performance Transparency: MeitY has not released benchmarks, cache architecture, memory controller details, I/O capabilities, or performance-per-watt metrics—critical for industrial and OEM adoption. Unclear Fabrication Details: The foundry, process node, yields, packaging, and reliability standards have not been disclosed, raising questions for telecom and automotive lifecycle requirements. Ambiguity of ‘Fully Indigenous’: It is unclear whether indigeneity refers only to instruction set usage or extends to microarchitecture, system-on-chip integration, toolchains, fabrication, and ownership of critical IP blocks. OEM Adoption Uncertainty: There is no clarity on developer boards, supported operating systems, security audits, or government-led anchor procurement to de-risk early adoption. Roadmap Risks: While DHANUSH (1.2 GHz, quad-core, ~28 nm) and DHANUSH+ (2 GHz, quad-core, ~14–16 nm) are announced, timelines and manufacturing readiness remain uncertain.   Government Schemes Supporting Indigenous Semiconductor Progress Chips to Startup Programme: ₹250 crore over five years to build skilled manpower and startup participation in chip design. Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Financial incentives for domestic semiconductor design companies to reduce entry barriers and encourage innovation. INUP-i2i Initiative: Provides academic and startup access to national nanofabrication and characterisation facilities. India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): As of 2025, approved 10 projects across six States with investments of about ₹1.6 lakh crore, focusing on fabs, ATMP units, and ecosystem development. Strategic Focus Shift: From isolated chip launches towards system-on-chip families, reference designs, and integrated manufacturing–testing capacity.   Conclusion DHRUV64 represents incremental but meaningful progress in India’s semiconductor journey. However, sustained success depends on transparency, ecosystem maturity, anchor demand, and scalable manufacturing—transforming indigenous processors from symbolic achievements into commercially and strategically viable technologies.   Mains Question Assess the significance of the DHRUV64 microprocessor in advancing India’s indigenous semiconductor ecosystem. What challenges must India overcome to translate such initiatives into sustainable technological self-reliance?(250 words, 15 marks) Source : The Hindu India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) Agreement (UPSC GS Paper II – International Relations: Bilateral Relations; GS Paper III – Internal Security & Defence Cooperation)   Context (Introduction) The ratification of the India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement institutionalises military logistics cooperation, expanding India’s operational reach from the Indo-Pacific to the Arctic while reinforcing its strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.   Main Arguments: Significance of RELOS for India–Russia Relations Institutionalising Defence Logistics Cooperation: RELOS establishes a formal framework for reciprocal access to military bases, ports, and airfields, governing refuelling, repairs, maintenance, and movement of troops, warships, and aircraft during exercises, training, and other mutually agreed operations. Enhancing India’s Strategic Reach: For India, access to Russian facilities—from Vladivostok in the Pacific to Murmansk in the Arctic—extends the Indian Navy’s and Air Force’s operational endurance during long-range deployments, particularly for Russian-origin platforms that dominate India’s defence inventory (nearly 60% by some estimates). Arctic and Indo-Pacific Convergence: RELOS aligns with India’s Arctic Policy (2022) by enabling logistical access near the Northern Sea Route, critical amid climate-induced opening of Arctic shipping lanes. Simultaneously, it complements India’s Indo-Pacific strategy by leveraging Russia’s vast Eurasian footprint without aligning with any single bloc. Support for Multipolarity: For Russia, reciprocal access to Indian ports and airfields strengthens its operational presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reinforcing Moscow’s vision of a multipolar order amid Western sanctions and strategic isolation. Operational Flexibility Beyond Combat: The agreement explicitly covers humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), joint exercises, and training, reflecting India’s preference for flexible, non-alliance-based security cooperation rather than treaty-bound military alliances.   Comparison with India’s Logistics Pacts with the U.S. Functional Similarity with Strategic Distinction: RELOS is comparable to LEMOA (2016) with the U.S., which enables reciprocal logistics support. However, unlike COMCASA (2018) and BECA (2020), RELOS does not involve encrypted communications or geospatial intelligence sharing, preserving India’s strategic autonomy. Balanced Hedging Strategy: While U.S. foundational agreements enhance interoperability within the QUAD framework to counterbalance China in the Indo-Pacific, RELOS demonstrates India’s parallel commitment to long-standing defence ties with Russia, avoiding exclusive alignment. Tailored to Bilateral Context: RELOS is customised to India–Russia defence cooperation, particularly relevant for sustaining Russian-origin equipment, unlike U.S. pacts which are oriented towards interoperability with American platforms and systems.   Criticisms and Strategic Concerns Geopolitical Signalling Risks: At a time of heightened Russia–West tensions, deeper military cooperation with Russia could invite diplomatic pressure on India from Western partners, especially amid sanctions regimes. Limited Interoperability Gains: Unlike COMCASA or BECA, RELOS does not significantly enhance network-centric warfare capabilities or intelligence integration, limiting its transformative impact on military modernisation. Dependence on Legacy Platforms: By facilitating sustainment of Russian-origin equipment, RELOS may indirectly slow India’s diversification of defence imports and indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Arctic Militarisation Concerns: Increased military logistics access in the Arctic could entangle India, even indirectly, in great power rivalries in a region India officially approaches through scientific, environmental, and commercial lenses. Operational Utilisation Uncertainty: The agreement’s real value depends on frequency of use and political will; without regular exercises or deployments, RELOS risks remaining largely symbolic.   Way Forward Strategic Transparency: India should clearly communicate that RELOS is a logistics-enabling arrangement, not a military alliance, reinforcing its doctrine of strategic autonomy. Balanced Defence Diversification: Use RELOS pragmatically for sustainment while continuing diversification of defence procurement and indigenisation under Make in India–Defence. Arctic Engagement with Restraint: Leverage Arctic access primarily for scientific research, commercial shipping insights, and climate cooperation, avoiding overt militarisation. Synergy with Multilateral Engagements: Position RELOS as complementary to, not contradictory with, India’s engagements with QUAD, ASEAN, and SCO frameworks. Operationalisation through Exercises: Conduct regular joint exercises and HADR drills to translate the agreement into functional military and diplomatic capital.   Conclusion RELOS reflects India’s calibrated foreign policy—deepening defence cooperation with Russia while maintaining diversified strategic partnerships. Its success will lie in judicious operational use that enhances reach without compromising India’s autonomy or diplomatic balance.   Mains Question The India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement reflects India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. Examine its significance and potential challenges for India’s foreign and security policy.(250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Indian Express     

Dec 18, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 18th December 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Dec 18, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Ramappa Temple Category: History and Culture Context: Recently, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO-Paris visited the Rudreswara (Ramappa) Temple, in Palampet village of Mulugu district. About Ramappa Temple: Location: It is located in the state of Telangana. Construction: It was constructed in 1213 AD during the reign of the Kakatiya Empire by RecharlaRudra, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva. Presiding deity: The presiding deity here is Ramalingeswara Swamy. Other names: It is also known as the Rudreswara Temple. Uniqueness: It is probably the only temple in India that is named after the architect. The temple got its name Ramappa because of its chief sculptor Ramappa. Structure: The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform (Upapitha) with walls, pillars and ceilings adorned with intricate carvings. Use of sandbox technique: The temple construction was done using the sandbox technique. This is a technique where the foundation pit is filled with a mixture of sand-lime, jaggery and black myrobalan fruit. Earthquake-proof: It is made out of clay mixed with acacia wood, chaff and myrobalan fruit (a family of amla), and the bricks used in building the gopuram of the temple are light enough to float on water. Using this technique has made the temple light, meaning, in case of a natural event like an earthquake, the probability of it collapsing would be very low. Historical Recognition: The traveller Marco Polo reportedly described it as the “brightest star in the galaxy of temples”. Significance: In 2021, the temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as “Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana”. Source: The Hindu Dieback Disease Category: Science and Technology Context: The withering of thousands of neem trees prompted the Mulugu-based FCRI to launch a comprehensive scientific probe into the devastating “dieback disease.” About Dieback Disease: Genus: The dieback fungus belongs to the genus Phytophthora. First case: It was first reported in the country during the 1990s near Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Causing agent: It is a fungal disease which kills a wide variety of plants. Transmission: The fungus is spread through the movement of soil and mud, especially by vehicles and footwear. It also moves in free water and via root-to root contact between plants. Infected parts: The fungus lives in susceptible plant tissue and soil, and migrates and reproduces in warm, moist conditions. Infected roots cannot provide the water and nutrients needed to maintain life, and the plants die from dehydration. Symptoms: It is responsible for causing wilting and browning of leaves from the tip of the branch, stem canker, and fruit rot. It causes almost 100% loss of fruit production in severely infected trees. Impact on native vegetation: Where the disease occurs, the native vegetation can become devastated, and the delicate fabric of ecosystems seriously impaired; certain species can disappear from the area. Timeline: The symptoms usually appear with the monsoon (warm and humid conditions) and worsen through late rainy season into early winter. Detection: Dieback is not easy to detect, as infected plants often appear to be dying from drought. Treatment: Currently, there is no known cure for the disease. Prevention: The strategies for prevention include: Pruning: Cutting and destroying infected twigs to stop the spread. Chemical Treatment: Spraying a blend of fungicide and insecticide after pruning or applying it to the soil around the base of small plants. Biological Control: Treating seeds with bio-agents like Trichoderma. Cluster Approach: Since the fungus can be airborne or spread by insects, community-level efforts in specific localities are more effective than treating isolated trees. Source: Deccan Chronicle Vellode Bird Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Migratory birds have begun arriving at the Vellode Bird Sanctuary at Vadamugam Vellode, as it serves as a breeding ground for both resident and migratory birds. About Vellode Bird Sanctuary: Location: It is located in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. Area: It was established in 1966 and it covers an area of around 0.77 sq km. Designation: It is built around the Periyakulam lake and has been designated a protected Ramsar site since 2022. Significance: It is part of an important migratory bird flyway (central Asian flyway). It also serves as a breeding ground for both resident and migratory birds. Source of water: The sanctuary receives rainfall from the Northeast monsoon between September and December. Seepage from the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal and rainwater are the main sources of water during the migration period. Fauna: Migratory birds like Northern pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Blue tailed bee-eater, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Chestnut tailed starling, Blyth’s warbler, Skyes warbler are seen here. Flora: The Site is also an ideal habitat for notable plant species including Cayratia pedata, Tephrosia purpurea and Commelina tricolor. Source: The Hindu Project Mausam Category: Government Schemes Context: Archaeological Survey of India organised a National Workshop on the Project Mausam titled as “Islands at the Crossroads of Maritime Networks within Indian Ocean Region.” About Project Mausam: Nature: It is an Indian government-led cultural-diplomacy and maritime heritage initiative. Nodal ministry: It was launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Culture. Objective: It aims to explore the multi-faceted Indian Ocean ‘world‘ – collating archaeological and historical research in order to document the diversity of cultural, commercial, and religious interactions in the Indian Ocean. Countries involved: A total of 39 Indian Ocean littoral countries have been identified under Project Mausam. Significance: It serves as a tool for soft power diplomacy and counters historical narratives by focusing on shared Afro-Asian heritage. Implementation: The project is implemented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as the nodal agency with research support of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and National Museum as associate bodies. Working mechanism: The project will have two major units, viz. Project Research Unit and World Heritage Nomination Unit. Focus areas: To study and document the Indian Ocean “world” shaped by monsoon winds (Mausam). To prepare transnational nominations for the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as the “Routes followed by the Cholas” and the “Spread of Buddhism”. To promote research on themes related to the study of maritime routes through international scientific seminars and meetings and by adopting a multidisciplinary approach.  To encourage the production of specialized works, as well as publications for the general public, with an attempt at promoting a broader understanding of the concept of a common heritage and multiple identities. Source: PIB   Exercise Ekatha Category: Defence and Security Context: Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, is on an official visit to Maldives to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Ekatha 2025. About Exercise Ekatha: Countries involved: Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Establishment: The exercise was first instituted in 2017 with the objective of strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Maldives. Objective: It aims to improve operational synergy in maritime and littoral environments by addressing shared regional maritime security challenges. Significance: It aligns with India’s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR) and the Neighbourhood First Policy. Focus Areas: It primarily focuses on enhancing interoperability in: Combat and technical diving operations. Special forces tactics and asymmetric warfare. Boarding operations and explosive handling. About Exercise Ekatha 2025: It was the eighth edition of the Exercise. The exercise witnessed extensive professional interactions aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational synergy. The activities included technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics, and special heli-borne operation drills. Source: PIB   (MAINS Focus) Migration as a Structural Force Reshaping Indian Democracy (UPSC GS Paper I – Society: Migration; GS Paper II – Polity: Elections, Representation, Federalism)   Context (Introduction) India is witnessing unprecedented population mobility due to urbanisation, labour markets, education and marriage. With over one-third of Indians classified as migrants, migration is no longer marginal but a structural force reshaping democracy, representation, and governance.   Scale and Nature of Migration in India   Magnitude: Census 2011 recorded 45.3 crore migrants, constituting 37.7% of India’s population, up from 31% in 2001. Internal Dominance: Over 99% of Indian migrants are internal migrants, making migration primarily a domestic governance challenge. Gender Composition: Around 68–70% of migrants are women, largely due to marriage, while male migration is predominantly economic. Economic Drivers: NSS and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) show employment and livelihood as the leading reasons for long-distance male migration.   Migration and Urbanisation Linkages Urban Pull: Economic Survey highlights that urban areas generate over 60% of GDP, accelerating rural-to-urban migration. City Transformation: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have migrant populations exceeding 35–45%. Labour Dependence: Construction, manufacturing, logistics, domestic work and services are heavily migrant-dependent. Invisible Citizenship: Despite economic centrality, migrants remain politically under-represented in destination cities.   Citizenship–Territory Mismatch Territorial Assumption: Democratic rights presume stable residence within a fixed constituency. Mobility Reality: Migrants live, work and pay taxes in destination regions but vote (if at all) in source regions. Political Dislocation: This weakens accountability of urban local bodies and distorts representative democracy. Global Parallel: Similar challenges are visible in the U.S., EU, Gulf states and Southeast Asia, where mobility outpaces political inclusion.   Migration and Electoral Governance Electoral Roll Stress: Election Commission cites migration as a key cause of duplicate and outdated voter entries. Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Triggered by rapid mobility, urbanisation and multiple registrations across constituencies. Voting Exclusion: Migrant workers often fail to vote due to distance, documentation gaps and work constraints. Policy Gap: Unlike postal ballots for service voters, no nationwide migrant voting mechanism exists for internal migrants.   Migration and Federal Representation Uneven Flows: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha are net migrant-sending States, while Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are net receivers. Political Consequence: Voting location determines political weight; migrants voting in source States dilute representation in destination States. Delimitation Impact: Post–Census 2027 delimitation will redistribute Lok Sabha seats, reflecting migration-driven population shifts. Silent Federal Shift: Migration is altering Centre–State political balance without explicit constitutional amendment.   Social and Political Dimensions Identity Politics: Migration reshapes language, culture and electoral strategies, reducing viability of rigid nativism over time. Urban Politics: Parties increasingly field migrant-origin candidates, reflecting demographic realities. Inequality Risk: Migrants often lack access to housing, healthcare, education and political voice despite economic contribution. Demographic Dividend: Migrant youth sustain ageing urban economies, making inclusion economically rational.   Key Challenges  Political Exclusion: Large migrant populations remain weakly represented in local governance. Administrative Capacity: Tracking mobile populations strains electoral and welfare databases. Policy Fragmentation: Migration is addressed sectorally (labour, elections, housing) rather than holistically. Public Anxiety: Migration becomes politicised through fears of demographic change and “outsider” narratives.   Way Forward Recognise Migration as Structural: Treat mobility as a permanent feature of development, not an anomaly. Migrant Voting Reform: Explore secure absentee, remote or portable voting models for internal migrants. Data Integration: Use Census, Aadhaar-linked residence data (with safeguards) to update rolls without exclusion. Urban Political Inclusion: Strengthen local governance and service-based representation in migrant-heavy cities. National Migration Framework: Integrate labour, housing, welfare and political rights into a unified migration policy.   Conclusion Migration is not merely a social phenomenon but a democratic force reshaping representation, federal balance and citizenship itself. India’s challenge is to adapt its political institutions to a mobile population without compromising inclusion, equity or democratic legitimacy.   Mains Question “Internal migration has emerged as a structural force reshaping Indian democracy.” Analyse its implications for electoral governance, federal representation and political inclusion. (250 words, 15 marks)   Source:  The Hindu Protection of the Aravalli Range: Ecological, Legal and Governance Dimensions (UPSC GS Paper III – Environment, Conservation, Land Degradation, Climate Change)   Context (Introduction) Judicial Intervention: In November 2025, the Supreme Court of India settled a long-standing ambiguity by adopting a uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and paused fresh mining leases across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, responding to decades of ecological degradation and regulatory evasion.   Ecological Significance of the Aravalli Range Ancient Mountain System: One of the world’s oldest fold mountain ranges, nearly 2 billion years old, stretching ~650 km from Delhi to Gujarat. Desertification Barrier: Acts as a climatic shield, preventing the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert into Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and the Indo-Gangetic plains. Groundwater Recharge: Supports aquifer systems and regulates hydrology in semi-arid regions with low rainfall. River Origins: Source region for rivers such as Chambal, Sabarmati and Luni, crucial for regional water security. Biodiversity Corridor: Hosts forest patches, wildlife corridors and tiger movement routes connecting Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh ecosystems. International Commitments: India is obligated under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to protect ecologically fragile landscapes like the Aravallis.   Mining-Induced Degradation: The Core Challenge Excessive Quarrying: Four decades of legal and illegal mining for stone, sand and minerals caused habitat fragmentation and dust pollution. Air Quality Impact: Mining and stone-crushing worsened particulate pollution in NCR and adjoining regions. Water Table Decline: Removal of hill structures disrupted natural recharge, accelerating groundwater depletion. Regulatory Failure: Environmental restrictions imposed since the early 1990s were routinely violated at the State level.   Judicial and Institutional Responses 2009 Supreme Court Ban: Blanket prohibition on mining in Faridabad, Gurugram and Mewat (Haryana)due to rampant violations. 2024–25 Judicial Review: Supreme Court directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to examine mining impacts across the entire Aravalli system. CEC Recommendations (2024): Scientific Mapping of the Aravalli range across States. Macro-Level Environmental Impact Assessment (cumulative, not project-wise). Absolute Mining Prohibition in ecologically sensitive zones — wildlife habitats, aquifer recharge areas, NCR region, water bodies. Strict Regulation of Stone-Crushing Units. Moratorium on New Mining Leases until mapping and assessments are completed. Judicial Acceptance: Supreme Court incorporated these recommendations in its November 2025 order.   Uniform Definition of the Aravalli Hills: Why It Matters Earlier Inconsistencies: States and agencies used divergent criteria, enabling regulatory arbitrage and illegal mining. Forest Survey of India (2010): Proposed slope-based and buffer-based definitions (slope >3°, foothill buffer 100 m, valley width 500 m). Expert Committee (2025): Included MoEFCC, FSI, Geological Survey of India, State Forest Departments and CEC. Final Judicial Definition: Hills above 100 metres elevation classified as Aravalli hills. Rationale: Court held this definition to be more inclusive, preventing exclusion of large hill systems while enabling enforceability. Criticism Addressed: Concerns about hills below 100 m being opened to mining were countered by broader ecological zoning and management planning.   Why the Supreme Court Did Not Impose a Total Mining Ban? Past Experience: Absolute bans historically fuelled illegal mining syndicates and sand mafias. Governance Reality: Enforcement gaps led to violence, corruption and ecological damage outside legal frameworks. Calibrated Approach: Existing legal mining continues under strict scrutiny. Fresh leases paused until scientific planning is completed. Permanent no-go zones demarcated for ecologically critical areas.   Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM): Court Directions Landscape-Level Planning: Entire Aravalli system to be treated as a single ecological unit. Zoning Framework: Absolute prohibition zones Highly regulated limited mining zones Ecological Carrying Capacity: Assessment before any activity approval. Wildlife and Habitat Mapping: Identification of corridors and breeding zones. Restoration Obligations: Mandatory mine reclamation and ecological rehabilitation. Enforcement Mechanisms: Monitoring, compliance audits and penalties.   Complementary Executive Initiative Aravalli Green Wall Project (2025): Expansion of green cover in a 5-km buffer zone across 29 districts of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Contribution to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, aligned with national land degradation neutrality goals.   Conclusion The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a shift from fragmented regulation to science-based landscape governance. By rejecting both unregulated exploitation and blanket bans, the Court has prioritised ecological integrity, enforceability and livelihood concerns. Protecting the Aravallis is central to climate resilience, groundwater security and desertification control in northern and western India.   Mains Question “The Aravalli range plays a critical role in preventing desertification and maintaining ecological balance in northern India.” Examine the threats faced by the range and evaluate the recent judicial and policy measures taken for its protection. (250 words, 15 marks)   Marital Rape Exception in India (UPSC GS Paper II – Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Women and Vulnerable Sections)   Context (Introduction) Constitutional Framework: Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution guarantee equality, non-discrimination, dignity, privacy and bodily autonomy to all individuals, irrespective of marital status. Existing Legal Position: Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 retains the marital rape exception, exempting husbands from prosecution for non-consensual sexual intercourse with adult wives. Contemporary Concern: The exception reflects colonial-era patriarchal assumptions and stands increasingly at odds with constitutional jurisprudence and social realities.   Main Arguments (Removing the Marital Rape Exception) Equality Before Law: The marital rape exception creates an unreasonable classification between married and unmarried women, violating Article 14, as recognised in multiple Supreme Court rulings emphasising substantive equality. Right to Life and Dignity: Article 21 jurisprudence after Puttaswamy (2017) and Joseph Shine (2018) affirms bodily autonomy and decisional privacy, which the exception negates by presuming perpetual consent within marriage. Empirical Evidence of Harm: NFHS-5 data shows that 83% of women aged 18–49 who experienced sexual violence reported their current husband as the perpetrator, establishing marital spaces as the primary site of sexual violence. Legal Inconsistency: While forced sexual intercourse by a husband is recognised as abuse under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, it is excluded from criminal accountability under rape law. Committee Recommendations: The Justice Verma Committee (2013) categorically recommended removal of the marital rape exception, stating that marriage cannot be a defence to sexual violence. International Commitments: India’s obligations under CEDAW require elimination of discrimination in marriage and family relations, and the continued exception places India in violation of these commitments. Changing Judicial Standards: The Supreme Court has repeatedly rejected notions of conjugal ownership over women’s bodies, notably in Independent Thought (2017) which read down marital immunity for minors.   Concerns and Counter-Arguments Raised Sanctity of Marriage Argument: Opponents argue that criminalisation may destabilise marital institutions, despite evidence that domestic violence laws have not led to societal breakdown. Misuse Concerns: Claims of false cases mirror earlier objections to dowry and domestic violence laws, though NCRB data consistently shows underreporting of sexual offences rather than overuse. Evidentiary Challenges: Difficulty of proof is cited, even though criminal law routinely adjudicates offences occurring in private spaces based on testimony and circumstantial evidence. Fear of Over-Criminalisation: Concerns persist that criminal law may be excessive, despite sexual violence already being recognised as a serious offence outside marriage.   Way Forward Legislative Amendment: Parliament must delete the marital rape exception from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to align criminal law with constitutional guarantees. Procedural Safeguards: Standard safeguards such as preliminary inquiry, medical evidence, and judicial scrutiny can address misuse concerns without denying justice. Institutional Sensitisation: Police, prosecutors and judges require training on consent-based adjudication and trauma-informed investigation. Holistic Support Systems: Legal reform must be accompanied by strengthened counselling, shelter, and victim compensation mechanisms. Normative Shift: Marriage must be legally and socially recognised as a partnership of equals, not a licence for sexual entitlement.   Conclusion Constitutional Morality Over Social Morality: No personal relationship can override fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Gender Justice Imperative: Retaining marital rape immunity perpetuates systemic violence against women and undermines the rule of law. Democratic Maturity: Criminalising marital rape is essential for India to uphold dignity, autonomy and equality in both law and practice.   Mains Question “The marital rape exception represents a conflict between constitutional morality and social conservatism.” Examine the constitutional, legal and ethical arguments for its removal in India. (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Indian Express   

Dec 17, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Category: International Organisations Context: Recently, India reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam at the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, UNAOC, forum in Riyadh.        About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC): Establishment: It was established in 2005, as the political initiative of Mr. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General. It was co-sponsored by the Governments of Spain and Türkiye. Objective: It was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in New York, USA. Functions: It maintains a global network of partners including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations, and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities. Governance: The Global Forum is the highest-profile event of the UNAOC which brings together prominent personalities, current and potential partners, and others from different sectors. Funding: The Secretary-General has established a voluntary Trust Fund for UNAOC. This fund supports the UNAOC projects, activities and outreach, undertaken by the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in his official capacity, and core operational and human resources needs. Administration: The Trust Fund for UNAOC is administered by the United Nations Secretariat in accordance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules. UNAOC also receives voluntary contributions from member states, international organizations, private sector and foundations. About UNAOC 2025 (11th Edition): Host: It was hosted by Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. Theme: Its theme was “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity—Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.” Key highlights of the 11th edition: It renewed global commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and religious harmony amid conflicts and trust deficits in multilateralism. It marked 20 years of UNAOC, setting the course for its third decade. It witnessed broad participation of political leaders, international organizations, religious and faith actors, youth, civil society, media, arts and sports to advance peacebuilding through dialogue. Source: News on AIR Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Community-led conservation efforts at the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary have successfully restored wild honey bee colonies and revitalized associated wildlife. About Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is locatеd in thе Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam. Area: It spans over 45.5 sq.km. of hilly tеrrain and dеnsе forеsts. Establishment: It was first declared a reserve forest in 1966 and upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary in 1994. Lakes: There are two lakes (Dheer Beel and Diplai Beel) on either side, which are integral to the ecosystem of the sanctuary.  Flora: The vegetation of the sanctuary is predominantly tropical moist deciduous forests, mixed deciduous forests, and semi-evergreen forests. Sal tree is a dominant tree in this forest. Fauna: It is home to various species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, and gaur. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including the endangered Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, and White-winged Wood Duck. Significance: The sanctuary is the second protected habitat for the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), a rare primate species endemic to the Indo-Bhutan border region. Source: The Sentinel MANPADS Category: Defence and Security Context: Indian Army is undertaking a strategic shift in its air defence operations, repurposing its MANPADS to specifically counter the rising threat of sub-sonic cruise missiles. About MANPADS: Full form: MANPADS stands for Man-Portable Air Defence Systems. Nature: MANPADS are surface-to-air missiles that can be fired by an individual or a small team of people against aircraft. These weapon systems often are described as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles.  Structure: MANPADS are generally less than 2 metres in length and weigh approximately 10–20 kg, Range: MANPADS are most effective against low-flying aircraft (helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles) within a range of 8 km and an altitude of up to 4.5 km. First deployment: The United States and the Soviet Union first deployed MANPADS—the Redeye and Strela systems, respectively—in the 1960s to provide their infantries with portable anti-aircraft weapons.  Global operation: The militaries of about 105 countries across the world operate MANPADS, although only 12 countries, including India, produce them.  Famous varieties: The most famous MANPADS are the US-made ‘Stinger’ and the Soviet 9K32 Strela-2, or simply ‘SA-7′ with the China-made ‘FN-16’ being the latest entrant.  Types: Three general types of MANPADS exist: command line of sight, laser guided, and infrared seekers. Command line-of-sight MANPADS are guided to their targets through the use of a remote control.  Laser-guided or laser beam rider MANPADS follow a laser projected onto the target.  The most common MANPADS, frequently called heat seeking missiles, however, are infrared seekers that acquire their target by detecting the heat of an aircraft’s engine. India’s MANPADS arsenal: India is one of the 12 countries that produce these systems.  Igla-S: A Russian-origin system recently inducted to replace the aging Igla-M. It has a range of up to 6 km. VSHORADS: An indigenously developed system by DRDO (Research Centre Imarat). As of now, it has undergone successful flight trials to neutralize drones and low-altitude threats. Source: Defence Bluebird 6 Satellite Category: Science and Technology Context: ISRO is scheduled to launch the US-based commercial BlueBird-6 satellite developed by US-based AST Spacemobile in December 2025 using ISRO’s LVM-3 rocket. About Bluebird 6 Satellite: Nature: It is a heavy-lift commercial communication satellite designed to provide direct-to-mobile broadband connectivity. Origin: It is developed by the US-based commercial company AST SpaceMobile for global mobile coverage. Objective: It is designed to provide direct-to-device internet connectivity, enabling mobile phones to access broadband without relying on traditional cell towers. Mission Agency: It will be launched by ISRO via its commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Launch Vehicle: It will be launched using LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk-III), also known as “Bahubali”. Structure: It weighs around 6.5 tonnes, making it one of the heaviest satellites launched by ISRO. Orbit: It will operate in low-Earth orbit (LEO) to cover large regions of the Earth efficiently. Technology: It features one of the largest phased array antennas ever flown, which covers nearly 2,400 square feet, allowing it to communicate directly with standard mobile phones. Capacity: It is part of the “Block-2” series, offering up to 10,000 MHz of bandwidth and 10x higher data capacity than previous generations. Collaboration: It represents a significant step in Indo-US space cooperation and commercial space ventures. Significance: It enhances global mobile broadband connectivity, especially in remote and rural areas. Further, It is expected to help bridge the digital divide, providing internet access to regions without cellular infrastructure. Source: The Times of India Dandami Madia Tribe Category: Society Context: Recently, members of Dandami Madia tribe performed the traditional Bison Horn Maria dance at village festivals in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. About Dandami Madia Tribe: Location: It is a tribal community which lives in Chhattisgarh. Nomenclature: They have derived their name from their unique custom of wearing a distinctive head-gear, which resembles the horns of a wild bison. They generally wear that head-gear during ceremonies. Other names: It is also known by other names like Bison Horn Maria and Khalpati Maria. Tradition: They identify themselves as part of the larger Gond tradition. Dance: They perform the traditional Bison Horn Maria dance during a village festival. It is performed by both men and women. Economy: They live by agriculture, supplemented by hunting and fishing. Belief: Their belief is a combination of Hinduism with Animistic beliefs. Marital norms: They permit divorce and widow remarriage. Uniqueness: Their ghotul (youth dormitory for unmarried boys and girls) is an important social institution. Language: The main distinct language spoken by this tribe is Dandami Maria. Some of them speak Gondi dialects, which is an oral language of Dravidian origins. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Stepping Stone: India’s Nuclear Governance Needs Regulatory Independence (UPSC GS Paper III – Infrastructure: Energy; Investment Models; Science and Technology; Regulatory Frameworks)   Context (Introduction) Nuclear power contributes only about 3% of India’s electricity generation, yet the government has set an ambitious target of installing 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. The proposed SHANTI Bill seeks to enable private participation in civil nuclear energy to mobilise capital, reduce project risks, and accelerate capacity expansion, including through indigenous small modular reactors.   Rationale Behind the SHANTI Bill Need for Capital Mobilisation: Achieving the 100 GW target requires large-scale capital investment, which cannot be met by public resources alone. Expansion of Eligible Operators: Allowing licensed government entities, joint ventures, and private companies broadens the pool of project developers and distributes construction risk. Controlled Private Participation: Sensitive nuclear fuel cycle activities remain under state control, while private participation is limited to plant construction, operation, and parts of the supply chain relevant to power generation. Legal Clarity for Investors: Consolidating safety, enforcement, dispute resolution, and participation terms within a single statute reduces regulatory ambiguity for new entrants. Reduced Project Delays: Streamlined approvals and clearer liability structures can lower transaction costs and shorten commissioning timelines.   Key Challenges and Concerns Inadequate Liability Cap: The operator liability ceiling of ₹3,000 crore raises concerns about sufficiency for victim compensation and environmental remediation in the event of a major nuclear accident. Asymmetric Public Accountability: Exemption of central government nuclear installations from mandatory insurance or financial security necessitates stronger public accounting and transparency. Weak Supplier Accountability: Operator recourse against suppliers depends largely on contractual terms, leading to uneven accountability across projects. Regulatory Independence Deficit: Significant executive influence over appointments to the nuclear regulator and the Atomic Energy Commission undermines institutional autonomy. Public Trust and Investor Confidence: Limited regulatory independence risks eroding public confidence in nuclear safety and may deter long-term private investment. Way Forward Strengthen Regulatory Autonomy: Ensure functional and appointment-level independence of the nuclear regulator from executive control. Revisit Liability Framework: Align liability limits with international best practices to balance investor certainty with adequate victim compensation. Standardise Supplier Liability: Establish minimum statutory supplier accountability norms beyond contractual arrangements. Enhance Transparency: Mandate uniform financial disclosure and risk coverage for both public and private nuclear installations. Build Public Confidence: Embed safety oversight, accountability, and grievance redress mechanisms to sustain social acceptance of nuclear expansion.   Mains Question “Private participation is critical for scaling nuclear power in India, but regulatory independence remains a prerequisite for safety and public trust.” Examine the implications of the SHANTI Bill in this context. (250 words, 15 marks) India and the U.S.: 2005 versus 2025 (UPSC GS Paper II – International Relations: India–USA Relations; Global Strategic Architecture)   Context (Introduction)   In 2005, India–U.S. relations entered a transformative phase with Washington explicitly supporting India’s rise as a major global power. The 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS), however, signals a retreat from this internationalist vision, redefining partnerships through the lens of burden-sharing, strategic selectivity, and inward-looking realism.   2005 Moment: Strategic Optimism and Partnership Shared Confidence: The U.S. belief that strengthening rising powers would reinforce global stability underpinned the civil nuclear agreement and strategic partnership. India as an End in Itself: India’s rise was viewed as intrinsically valuable, not merely instrumental to counterbalancing another power. Internationalist Outlook: Washington embraced global leadership and institutional engagement as assets rather than liabilities. Strategic Autonomy Respected: India’s insistence on autonomy was accommodated within a framework of expanding cooperation. Civil Nuclear Breakthrough: Symbolised trust, long-term commitment, and widening strategic horizons on both sides.   2025 Shift: Retrenchment and Instrumentalism Burden Minimisation: The NSS explicitly rejects the role of the U.S. as the primary guarantor of global order, emphasising cost reduction. India as a Strategic Function: Cooperation with India is framed mainly in terms of its utility within the Indo-Pacific and China strategy. Conditional Partnership: Support is linked to India assuming greater regional responsibility, signalling reduced U.S. strategic investment. Hemispheric Inward Turn: Emphasis on enforcing exclusivity in the Western Hemisphere reflects a narrower geopolitical focus. Performative Strategy: The NSS prioritises domestic reassurance and political signalling over deep engagement with global complexities.   Implications for India End of Assumptive Support: India can no longer presume that the U.S. will actively enable its rise as a strategic objective. Selective Convergence: Cooperation will persist where interests align but will be transactional and issue-specific. Greater Strategic Responsibility: India must increasingly manage its regional security and geopolitical environment independently. Autonomy Revalidated: The U.S. embrace of unilateral realism ironically legitimises India’s long-standing emphasis on strategic autonomy. Expanded Strategic Space: Reduced American commitments create room for India to shape outcomes aligned with its own priorities.   Way Forward for India Build Internal Capacity:India’s rise must rest on economic strength, technological capability, and military preparedness. • Calibrated Partnership: Engage the U.S. pragmatically without anchoring India’s strategic future to American preferences. • Multi-Alignment: Deepen ties with Europe, Russia, Japan, ASEAN, and the Global South to hedge against strategic uncertainty. • Regional Leadership: Assume responsibility in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia on India’s own terms. • Civilisational Confidence: Craft a global role consistent with India’s scale, interests, and historical worldview. Conclusion The contrast between 2005 and 2025 marks a shift from shared optimism to asymmetric expectations. While India–U.S. cooperation remains important, the foundation has changed. India’s emergence as a major power will now depend less on external endorsement and more on its own strategic confidence and material capability. Mains Question “The evolution of India–U.S. relations from 2005 to 2025 reflects a shift from strategic optimism to selective partnership.” Analyse the implications of this shift for India’s foreign policy choices. (250 words, 15 marks    

Dec 17, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17th December 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Dec 16, 2025 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th December

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) CoalSETU Policy Category: Government Schemes Context: The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved the CoalSETU Policy by creation of new window in the NRS Linkage Policy. About CoalSETU Policy: Full Form: CoalSETU stands for Coal Linkage for Seamless, Efficient & Transparent Utilisation. Nature: It is a new auction-based coal linkage window under the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) Linkage Policy, allowing any domestic industrial buyer to secure long-term coal linkages for own use or export (up to 50%), except resale within India. Objective: It will allow allocation of coal linkages on auction basis on long-term for any industrial use and export. Nodal ministry: It is implemented by Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Participation: Any domestic buyer requiring coal can participate in the linkage auction. Traders are not allowed to bid under this window. Key features of the policy: New CoalSETU Window in NRS Policy (2016): It allows any industrial consumer to participate in coal linkage auctions. Existing NRS auctions for cement, sponge iron, steel, aluminium, CPPs will continue. No End-Use Restrictions: Coal can be used for own consumption, washing, or export (up to 50%). Coking coal is excluded from this window. Export Flexibility: Companies may export up to 50% of allotted coal. Coal can also be shared across group companies as per operational needs. Alignment with Coal Sector Reforms: It complements the 2020 reform allowing commercial mining without end-use restrictions. Focus areas: To ensure transparent, seamless and efficient utilisation of domestic coal resources. To promote ease of doing business and reduce dependence on coal imports. To boost availability of washed coal and support export opportunities. Source: PIB Pax Silica Initiative Category: International Relations Context: The Congress party recently targeted Prime Minister over India’s exclusion from the United States-led strategic initiative, Pax Silica. About Pax Silica Initiative: Nature: It is a U.S.-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain—from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and logistics. Nomenclature: The term ‘Pax Silica’ comes from the Latin term ‘pax’ which means peace, stability, and long-term prosperity. Silica refers to the compound that is refined into silicon, one of the chemical elements foundational to the computer chips that enable AI. Objective: It aims to reduce coercive dependencies, protect the materials and capabilities foundational to AI, and ensure aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale. Countries that are part of Pax Silica: These include Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates and Australia. India’s position: Despite being part of the Quad critical minerals initiative and having a critical technology partnership with the US, India is not part of Pax Silica. Major focus areas: Pursue projects to jointly address AI supply chain opportunities and vulnerabilities in priority critical minerals, semiconductor design, fabrication, and packaging, logistics and transportation, compute, and energy grids and power generation. Pursue new joint ventures and strategic co-investment opportunities. Protect sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure from undue access or control by countries of concern. Build trusted technology ecosystems, including ICT systems, fibre-optic cables, data centres, foundational models and applications. Source: The Indian Express Gonorrhea Category: Science and Technology Context: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for two new oral medicines to treat gonorrhoea. About Gonorrhea: Nature: It is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI)  Causing agent: It is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea.  Other names: It’s also sometimes called “the clap” or “drip.”  Infected areas: Gonorrhea bacteria can infect the urethra, rectum, female reproductive tract, mouth, throat, or eyes. Transmission: It is most commonly spread during vaginal, oral or anal sexual activity. But babies can get the infection during childbirth. In babies, gonorrhea most commonly affects the eyes. Vulnerable people: IT can affect people of any age, anatomy, or gender, but it’s particularly common among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. Symptoms: Many people with gonorrhoea do not notice any symptoms. Men are more likely to experience symptoms. However, the symptoms include sore throat, conjunctivitis, unusual vaginal or penile discharge, and pelvic and genital pain. Prevention: It can be prevented by practicing safe sex. Treatment: It is treatable and curable with antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance to gonorrhoea is a serious and growing problem, rendering many classes of antibiotics ineffective with the risk of becoming untreatable. Source: The Hindu Ponduru Khadi Category: Miscellaneous Context: Ponduru Khadi, which was appreciated by Mahatma Gandhi 100 years ago, recently received Geographical Indication (GI) tag. About Ponduru Khadi: Location: Ponduru Khadi, is a famous handspun and handwoven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh. Other names: It is locally known as Patnulu and it is produced in Ponduru village in Srikakulam district. Associated schemes: It has been nominated for the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme from the Srikakulam district.  Historical significance: During the pre-independence era, Mahatma Gandhi mentioned its virtues in his Young India (the national weekly that Gandhiji edited). Raw material: It is produced from one of three types of cotton: hill cotton, punasa cotton, or red cotton. ​Source of cotton: Cotton is indigenous to Srikakulam district and is grown in and around Ponduru. The entire process, from cotton to fabric, is carried out manually. Uniqueness: The process of cleaning the cotton with the jawbone of Valuga fish is unique to Ponduru khadi and is not practiced anywhere else in the world. Ponduru is the only place in India where spinners still use single-spindle charkhas with 24 spokes, also known as the “Gandhi Charkha”. High quality fabric: The fabric is known for its very high yarn count of about 100–120, indicating extreme fineness. Source: The Hindu Ratle Hydroelectric Project Category: Geography Context: Recently, Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. threatened to pull out of 850MW Ratle power project in J&K if ‘threats and political interferences’ were not stopped. About Ratle Hydroelectric Project: Location: It is located in the Kishtwar District of Jammu & Kashmir. Associated river: It is being built on the Chenab River. Capacity: Its capacity is 850 MW (850,000 kW). Implementing authority: The project is implemented by the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL). Construction: The construction work is being undertaken by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL). Cost: It was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in January 2021 at a cost of ₹5,281.94 crore. Project type: It is Run-of-the-river project, which means it uses the natural flow of the river with a small or no reservoir. Gravity dam: The project includes a 133-meter-tall and 194.8-meter-long concrete gravity dam, a diversion dam, and an underground powerhouse on the right bank of the river. Powerhouse: The underground powerhouse measuring 168 m x 24.5 m x 49 m will house four 205 MW Francis turbine-generating units and a 30 MW auxiliary turbine-generating unit. Significance: It is part of India’s plan to utilize its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960. It is strategically also vital in the context of China’s CPEC initiative. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) The Oman Visit: Beyond Routine Diplomacy (UPSC GS Paper II – International Relations: India and its neighbourhood; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests)   Context (Introduction) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s December 2025 visit to Oman, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations, comes amid West Asia’s geopolitical volatility, energy transitions, connectivity initiatives, and shifting global trade alignments, making it strategically significant rather than ceremonial.   Strategic Significance of Oman for India A Trusted Regional Balancer: Oman has historically pursued a foreign policy of moderation, mediation, and deliberate neutrality, making it a reliable partner for India in a conflict-prone West Asia, even when regional sentiment was unfavourable to New Delhi. Pillar of India’s West Asia Policy: India–Oman ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2008, with Oman invited as a guest country during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, underlining mutual strategic trust. Geostrategic Location: Oman’s position overlooking the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea enhances India’s maritime situational awareness, particularly amid expanding Chinese PLA Navy presence in the region.   Defence and Security Cooperation Deep Military Engagement: Oman is the first Gulf country to conduct joint exercises with all three wings of India’s armed forces, backed by a 2005 MoU on military cooperation. Maritime Security Role: Since 2012–13, Indian naval ships have been deployed in the Gulf of Oman for anti-piracy operations, with Oman facilitating overflight and transit for Indian military aircraft. Duqm Port Logistics Agreement: Signed in 2018, it provides basing and operational turnaround facilities for the Indian Navy, strengthening India’s Indian Ocean Region (IOR) security posture. Defence Trade and Future Scope: Oman was the first Gulf nation to procure Indian INSAS rifles; future cooperation may include Tejas aircraft, naval platforms, radar systems, and joint production.   Economic, Trade and Investment Engagement Growing Trade Relations: Bilateral trade has reached over $10.6 billion in FY 2024–25, reflecting steady expansion despite global economic uncertainty. Investment Architecture: The Oman–India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) has invested around $600 million in India, reinforcing long-term financial partnership. CEPA Prospects: The proposed India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement would make Oman the second Gulf country after the UAE to sign such an accord with India, aiding trade diversification amid global tariff pressures.   Energy, Connectivity and Emerging Domains Energy Transition Cooperation: Engagement is expected to expand into green hydrogen, renewable energy, critical minerals, and strategic petroleum reserves, aligning with global decarbonisation trends. Connectivity Corridors: Oman’s potential role in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) enhances India’s strategic connectivity to Europe and West Asia. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Linking payment systems through RuPay and NPCI cooperation positions Oman as a key partner in India’s global DPI outreach. Education, Health and Space: Proposals for offshore campuses of IITs and IIMs, along with expanded health and space cooperation, reflect diversification beyond traditional sectors.   Way Forward Institutionalise Strategic Cooperation: Fast-track CEPA implementation and expand defence logistics and joint production to deepen strategic interdependence. Anchor Oman in India’s Connectivity Vision: Integrate Oman more firmly into IMEC and maritime connectivity initiatives. Leverage Oman’s Neutrality: Use Oman as a diplomatic bridge in regional dialogues amid West Asian instability. Expand People-Centric Cooperation: Promote education, health, and digital partnerships to sustain long-term societal linkages.   Conclusion The Oman visit reaffirms one of India’s oldest and most stable Gulf partnerships. In a rapidly evolving regional and global order, India–Oman ties exemplify how trust, strategic autonomy, and diversification can anchor India’s expanding footprint in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.   Mains Question “Oman occupies a unique position in India’s West Asia policy as a trusted strategic and maritime partner.” Examine the significance of India–Oman relations. Source: The Hindu Upgrading India’s Biosecurity Architecture in the Age of Emerging Biothreats (UPSC GS Paper II – Governance, International Treaties, Security Challenges, Health Governance)   Context (Introduction) Rapid advances in biotechnology have expanded humanity’s ability to manipulate biological agents, raising the risk of deliberate misuse. India’s ecological diversity, porous borders and demographic scale necessitate an urgent upgrade of its biosecurity framework to address emerging state and non-state biothreats.   Main Arguments (Need for Biosecurity & International Framework) Conceptual Basis of Biosecurity: Biosecurity encompasses systems and practices aimed at preventing the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins and technologies. It extends beyond human health to animal, agricultural and environmental protection, and is closely linked to biosafety, which prevents accidental pathogen release.  Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): The BWC, operational since 1975, is the first global disarmament treaty prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling and use of biological weapons. It mandates destruction of existing stockpiles and promotes peaceful use of biological sciences, though it lacks a robust verification mechanism. Technological Convergence and Dual-Use Risks: Advances in synthetic biology, gene editing and recombinant DNA research have lowered entry barriers for manipulating pathogens. These dual-use technologies, while beneficial for medicine and agriculture, increase risks of misuse by malicious actors. India’s Structural Vulnerabilities: India’s long land and maritime borders, high population density, biodiversity hotspots and heavy dependence on agriculture amplify the impact of biological threats, whether natural, accidental or deliberate. Emergence of Non-State Actors: Incidents such as the alleged preparation of Ricin toxin highlight that biothreats are no longer confined to states. Terror groups and lone actors can exploit accessible biological materials, intensifying the need for preventive biosecurity measures.   Existing Institutional and Legal Framework in India Multi-Agency Governance Structure: The Department of Biotechnology regulates research governance and lab safety; the National Centre for Disease Control oversees disease surveillance; animal and plant biosecurity fall under specialised departments, reflecting a sectoral approach. Legal and Regulatory Instruments: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 regulates hazardous microorganisms and GMOs. The WMD Act, 2005 criminalises biological weapons activities. Biosafety Rules (1989) and Recombinant DNA and Biocontainment Guidelines (2017) provide laboratory-level safeguards.  Disaster Preparedness Mechanisms: The National Disaster Management Authority has issued guidelines for managing biological disasters, integrating bio-events into the broader disaster management framework. International Engagements: India is a signatory to the BWC and participates in export-control regimes such as the Australia Group, reflecting its commitment to global biosecurity norms.   Challenges / Criticisms  Fragmented Governance Architecture: Despite multiple agencies, India lacks a unified national biosecurity framework, leading to coordination gaps across health, agriculture, environment and security sectors. Response Capacity Deficit: India ranks 66th on the Global Health Security Index. While detection capabilities have improved, response readiness has declined, indicating weaknesses in surge capacity, logistics and inter-agency coordination. Verification and Oversight Gaps: The absence of an international verification regime under the BWC limits enforcement, placing greater responsibility on national mechanisms that remain unevenly developed. Non-State Actor Threat Escalation: Accessible biological knowledge and materials increase the probability of asymmetric attacks, which are harder to detect and attribute than conventional security threats. Infrastructure and Workforce Constraints: Shortages of high-containment laboratories, trained biosecurity professionals and advanced surveillance systems constrain India’s preparedness against high-impact biological events.   Way Forward  National Biosecurity Framework: Develop an integrated biosecurity policy that coordinates health, agriculture, environment, defence and intelligence agencies under a single strategic vision. Capacity and Infrastructure Enhancement: Invest in high-containment labs, genomic surveillance networks and rapid response teams, building on lessons from pandemic preparedness. Strengthening Legal and Ethical Oversight: Update biosecurity regulations to address emerging technologies such as synthetic biology, while ensuring ethical research governance and accountability. Countering Non-State Actor Risks: Enhance intelligence-led monitoring of biological materials, research facilities and supply chains, and strengthen international cooperation on bio-threat intelligence sharing. Global Leadership and Diplomacy: Advocate for strengthening the BWC through confidence-building measures, transparency norms and discussions on verification mechanisms, positioning India as a responsible biosecurity leader.   Conclusion  In an era of rapid biotechnological change, biosecurity is no longer a niche health concern but a core national security imperative. Upgrading India’s biosecurity architecture through coordination, capacity-building and global engagement is essential to safeguard lives, livelihoods and democratic stability.   Mains Question  Discuss the mandate of Biological Weapons Convention. Does India need to upgrade its biosecurity measures in the context of emerging biotechnologies and non-state actor threats?  (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu   MGNREGA Reforms and VB-G RAM G: Strengthening Employment Security or Fraying the Safety Net? (UPSC GS Paper III – Inclusive Growth and Employment; GS Paper II – Welfare Schemes, Federalism, Governance)   Context (Introduction) The Union government has proposed replacing MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. While promising expanded employment and technological efficiency, the move has raised concerns over fiscal federalism, demand-driven design and the dilution of the rural safety net.   Main Arguments (Rationale for Reform) Need for Reform in MGNREGA: MGNREGA has faced long-standing issues such as delayed wage payments, asset quality concerns, leakages and weak worksite monitoring. Reforming design and implementation was necessary to improve efficiency and accountability. Enhanced Employment Guarantee: VB-G RAM G proposes 125 days of guaranteed wage employment per rural household annually, compared to 100 days under MGNREGA, signalling an intent to strengthen livelihood security amid rural distress. Avoiding Agricultural Labour Distortions: The Bill restricts employment during a 60-day notified peak sowing and harvesting period, addressing criticism that MGNREGA distorted farm labour availability and agricultural wages. Technology-Driven Governance: Use of biometric authentication, GPS-enabled attendance, mobile-based monitoring and AI-driven fraud detection aims to reduce leakages and improve transparency, building on DBT reforms under MGNREGA. Crisis-Time Performance Legacy: The government highlights record employment generation during the pandemic—389 crore person-days in 2020–21 and 364 crore in 2021–22—demonstrating the scheme’s counter-cyclical role during economic shocks.   Challenges / Criticisms  Adverse Fiscal Federalism Shift: MGNREGA mandated 100% central funding of wages and 75% of material costs. VB-G RAM G shifts to a 60:40 Centre–State sharing ratio (90:10 for North-East and Himalayan states), significantly burdening fiscally constrained states. Risk of Suboptimal Implementation: States struggling to mobilise their share may limit coverage or delay payments, echoing the experience of PM Fasal Bima Yojana where delayed state contributions undermined scheme performance. Erosion of Demand-Driven Architecture: MGNREGA was designed as a rights-based, demand-driven programme where states assessed labour demand and the Centre responded with funds. VB-G RAM G replaces this with “normative allocations” determined by the Centre, weakening decentralisation. Threat to Legal Entitlement: MGNREGA provided a statutory right to work with unemployment allowance for non-provision. Centralised allocation risks converting a rights-based guarantee into a budget-limited welfare programme. State Capacity and Equity Concerns: Backward states with high poverty, weak revenue bases and high MGNREGA dependence may be disproportionately affected, undermining regional equity and inclusive growth objectives. Way Forward  Restore Strong Central Funding: For flagship social protection schemes like rural employment, the Centre should bear a dominant share of financing, especially wages, to prevent exclusion due to state fiscal stress. Retain Demand-Driven Core: Normative allocations may be used as a baseline, but demand-based supplementary funding must be guaranteed to preserve the scheme’s legal and counter-cyclical character. Differentiated Fiscal Design: Introduce variable Centre–State ratios based on state poverty levels, fiscal capacity and distress indicators, rather than a uniform 60:40 formula. Technology with Human Oversight: Digital tools should complement—not replace—local verification. Safeguards against biometric failures, digital exclusion and wrongful deletions must be institutionalised. Strengthen Panchayati Raj Role: Empower Gram Panchayats in planning, monitoring and social audits to preserve bottom-up governance and community accountability.   Conclusion  MGNREGA undoubtedly required reform, but VB-G RAM G risks weakening India’s rural employment safety net through poor fiscal design and centralisation. Sustainable reform must balance efficiency with federal equity, demand responsiveness and the rights-based spirit of rural employment guarantees.   Mains Question  Q. Critically examine the rationale for reform and key changes proposed in MGNREGA  scheme (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: Indian Express 

Dec 15, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 13th December 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Dec 15, 2025 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th December 2025

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here