The Indian government has introduced the SHANTI Bill to overhaul civil nuclear facilities' operation and construction. Aiming for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, the Bill allows domestic private capital to participate in nuclear energy activities, previously restricted to government entities. While it aims to reduce transaction costs and clarify legal ambiguities for new entrants, concerns remain regarding the liability framework and the independence of the regulator. The Bill keeps sensitive fuel cycles under state control but opens up plant delivery and supply chains to private players to mobilize large-scale capital.
The government targets 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, including five indigenous small modular reactors by 2033.
The SHANTI Bill allows domestic private capital to build and operate civil nuclear facilities through licenses.
Sensitive fuel cycles will remain under state control to prevent nuclear proliferation.
Exam Points
Nuclear capacity target: 100 GW by 2047.
Maximum operator liability for a nuclear incident: ₹3,000 crore.
Nuclear power currently contributes approximately 3% of India's electricity.
The Trump Administration's National Security Strategy (NSS) signals a shift toward a mercantilist 'America First' approach, causing an existential crisis for Europe. The document challenges the post-war rules-based order and criticizes NATO allies for their reliance on US security. Europe faces three choices: ignore the shift, attempt to flatter the US administration, or develop independent defense capabilities. The NSS emphasizes trade imbalances and views Europe as a problem rather than an ally, potentially leading to a 'Hobbesian free-for-all' in international relations if the rules-based system crumbles.
The NSS reflects a MAGA-esque mercantilist position focusing on trade imbalances and national sovereignty.
Europe is viewed as a strategic problem rather than a traditional ally in the new US security framework.
The strategy challenges the post-war trading order and transnational institutions like the WTO.
Exam Points
NATO's Hague Summit: June 2025.
European states agreed to raise military spending to 5% of GDP.
The NSS is a Congress-mandated document that sets the tone for national defense strategy.
During a visit to Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia' by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This award recognizes Mr. Modi's significant role in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Ethiopia. Following high-level discussions on issues of mutual interest, the two nations elevated their relationship to a 'strategic partnership'. This move signifies a deepening of diplomatic and economic cooperation between India and the East African nation, marking a milestone in India's outreach to the African continent.
PM Modi received Ethiopia's highest award, 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'.
India and Ethiopia elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
The award recognizes India's efforts in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Ethiopia.
Exam Points
Award Name: 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'.
The Union government has introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, to replace the two-decade-old MGNREGA. The government claims the new Bill aligns with Gandhian ideals to create 'Ram Rajya' in villages. However, Opposition leaders have strongly protested, arguing that the Bill weakens the demand-driven employment rights of the poor and dismantles the rights-based structure of the original act. Concerns have also been raised about the reduction of the Centre's share of funding from 90% to 60%, potentially burdening state finances.
The VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025 aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The Bill proposes changing the funding ratio from 90:10 to 60:40 between the Centre and States.
Opposition claims the Bill removes the 'demand-driven' nature of rural employment and shifts liability to states.
Exam Points
Bill Name: Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025.
Proposed funding change: Centre's share reduced from 90% to 60%.
MGNREGA was originally a demand-driven employment guarantee act.
The Union government has introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, which seeks to overhaul India's higher education regulatory framework. The Bill proposes replacing the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex commission, the VBSA. A key feature is the segregation of the three roles: regulation, accreditation, and standards-setting. Crucially, the Bill takes away grant-disbursal powers from the regulatory authority, placing them under the direct control of the Education Ministry. While officials claim this minimizes conflicts of interest, critics fear increased political influence and a loss of institutional autonomy.
The VBSA Bill replaces UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex commission.
It segregates the roles of regulation, accreditation, and standards-setting for higher education institutions.
Grant-disbursal power is moved from the regulator to the direct control of the Ministry of Education.
Exam Points
Bill Name: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025.
Replaces: University Grants Commission (UGC), AICTE, and NCTE.
Referred to: 31-member joint committee of Parliament.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 'Param Vir Dirgha' at Rashtrapati Bhavan, featuring portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. This initiative aims to honor Indian national heroes and shed colonial mindsets. In a related move to dismantle colonial legacies, the government has renamed several locations. Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. Additionally, 21 islands in the archipelago have been named after Param Vir Chakra awardees, and the Mughal Garden was previously renamed Amrit Udyan.
The 'Param Vir Dirgha' gallery features all 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees to honor their valor.
Port Blair has been renamed to Sri Vijaya Puram to shed colonial legacy and embrace Indian heritage.
Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, and Neil Island became Shaheed Dweep.
Exam Points
Port Blair renamed to: Sri Vijaya Puram in 2024.
Ross Island renamed: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep in 2018.
Param Vir Chakra: India's highest military honour.
The Indian Army has received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its six-unit fleet. These helicopters will be stationed at the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to cater to operational requirements on the western front. The $600-million deal with the United States, signed in February 2020, ensures the full operationalization of the Army's dedicated Apache squadron. The AH-64E Apache is considered the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter, providing a significant boost to the Army's aerial combat capabilities.
The Indian Army received the final three of six AH-64E Apache helicopters contracted from the US.
Helicopters will be based at the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The deal, worth $600 million, was signed in February 2020 with the United States.
The Indian rupee hit a new lifetime low, depreciating beyond the 91 mark to 91.14 against the U.S. dollar. This makes it the weakest major currency globally this year and the weakest in Asia for 2025. Factors driving this pressure include uncertainty over the India-U.S. trade deal, global macro conditions, and significant capital outflows by foreign portfolio investors. Experts suggest the RBI may be allowing some depreciation to support export competitiveness, given that India's growth remains strong and inflation is contained.
The rupee depreciated to a record low of 91.14 against the USD during intraday trade.
It is currently the weakest Asian currency in 2025 due to trade uncertainties and capital outflows.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulled out nearly $2.7 billion in the first two weeks of December.
Exam Points
Rupee record low: 91.14 per USD.
FPI outflows: $2.7 billion in early December 2025.
The rupee is the weakest major currency globally this year.
The Lok Sabha has passed a landmark Bill to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. This move aims to facilitate further capital infusion, introduce better technology, and improve insurance products. The Bill also empowers the insurance regulator, IRDAI, to disgorge wrongful gains from insurers and intermediaries. Additionally, it increases the maximum penalty on intermediaries from ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore to ensure legal compliance. The reform is expected to invite more global reinsurers to India and strengthen the public sector insurance companies.
FDI in the insurance sector has been increased from 74% to 100% to boost capital and technology.
IRDAI is now empowered to disgorge wrongful gains and impose higher penalties for non-compliance.
The maximum penalty on insurance intermediaries has been increased to ₹10 crore.
Exam Points
FDI limit increase: 74% to 100%.
Maximum penalty on intermediaries: ₹10 crore.
Net owned fund requirement for foreign reinsurance branches reduced from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore.
Despite the decline of Maoist insurgency, effective governance in Fifth Schedule areas remains a challenge. The root causes of the movement—underdevelopment, structural exclusion, and lack of representation—persist. While the Constitution provides for Tribal Advisory Councils and PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act), their implementation has been weak. Alienation of tribal lands and lack of local representation in administrative units have fueled grievances. Future governance must focus on mandatory quotas at local levels, restoring trust in public institutions, and ensuring that self-governing bodies have real power over local resources.
Maoist insurgency is rooted in underdevelopment, structural exclusion, and lack of tribal representation.
The Fifth Schedule and PESA are key constitutional tools for tribal governance but face implementation gaps.
PESA violations regarding land acquisition have been a major source of tribal grievance.
Exam Points
PESA Act: 1996.
Fifth Schedule areas: Located in Central and Eastern India.