India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, a goal that necessitates robust strategic capabilities and a self-reliant defence industrial base. Historically, the sector faced restrictive policies and high import dependency. Recent reforms, including private sector participation, FDI liberalization, and the corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board, have led to exponential growth in exports, now reaching over 80 countries. To sustain this, India needs to simplify regulatory procedures for MSMEs, overhaul financial frameworks, and shift the DRDO's focus toward frontier research while allowing the private sector to handle large-scale production and commercialization.
India's defence exports have grown exponentially and now reach more than 80 countries globally.
The corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board and liberalized FDI norms have been pivotal in sector reforms.
A dedicated export facilitation agency is proposed to provide a single-window interface for global partners.
Exam Points
India's target for defence exports is ₹50,000 crore by the year 2029.
The Union Home Ministry has decided to significantly enhance the reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from 10% to 50%. This move follows a previous decision to implement a 10% quota and includes age relaxations of three to five years. The recruitment rules for all CAPFs, including BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB, will be amended. While ex-Agniveers are exempted from physical tests, they must still pass written examinations. This policy shift aims to provide better career prospects for those completing four years of service under the Agnipath scheme.
Reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts of CAPFs has been hiked from 10% to 50%.
Age relaxations of five years for the first batch and three years for subsequent batches will be provided.
Ex-Agniveers are exempted from the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test but must take written exams.
Exam Points
The Agnipath scheme involves a four-year service tenure for armed forces recruits.
The age relaxation for the first batch of Agniveers is 5 years.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the BlueBird communications satellite on December 24, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The 6,500 kg satellite was developed by the U.S.-based firm AST SpaceMobile. This launch is part of the LVM3-M6 mission, utilizing India's heaviest launch vehicle. Originally scheduled for mid-December, the launch was slightly postponed. This mission highlights India's growing role in the global commercial space market and its capability to handle heavy-class satellite launches for international clients.
ISRO will launch the 6,500 kg BlueBird satellite for the U.S.-based company AST SpaceMobile.
The mission will use the LVM3-M6 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) rocket, India's heaviest launcher.
The launch is scheduled for December 24, 2025, from the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota.
The Union Tribal Affairs Ministry is developing a national web portal named 'TARANG' to digitize the recognition and management of forest rights. The portal aims to provide a single-window interface for all processes under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, including filing claims, processing by Gram Sabhas, and issuing digital title deeds. This initiative is part of a larger FRA roadmap expected to be finalized by mid-2026. By digitizing records and geotagging recognized lands, the government hopes to streamline the verification process and ensure the saturation of welfare schemes for tribal communities and forest dwellers.
The 'TARANG' portal will act as a single-window system for all Forest Rights Act (FRA) processes.
The portal will facilitate the filing of claims, issuance of digital title deeds, and mapping of potential forest areas.
The initiative aims to digitize legacy data and geotag all recognized forest rights lands across India.
Exam Points
The portal is named TARANG.
The relevant legislation is the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) inherently includes environmental responsibility. Interpreting Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, the Court held that corporations, as legal persons, have a fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment. The judgment, delivered in a case concerning the Great Indian Bustard, emphasizes that CSR is a constitutional obligation rather than a voluntary act of charity. Consequently, companies operating near sensitive habitats must prioritize conservation efforts and adhere to the 'polluter pays' principle. This ruling mandates that CSR funds be directed toward both in-situ and ex-situ conservation to prevent species extinction.
The Supreme Court linked Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the fundamental duty under Article 51A(g).
Corporations are now legally recognized as having a duty to protect forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
The ruling specifies that CSR funds should be directed toward in-situ and ex-situ conservation of endangered species.
Exam Points
Article 51A(g) of the Constitution imposes a fundamental duty to protect the natural environment.
The case involved the protection of the Great Indian Bustard, a flagship species of arid grasslands.
The Union Home Ministry has revised guidelines for the 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme, launched in 2023, to address inadequate implementation by States. The scheme provides financial assistance to indigent prisoners unable to pay court-imposed fines or bail sureties. The new framework mandates fixed timelines and involves senior officials, including a District-level Empowered Committee. While the scheme aims to reduce prison overcrowding and alleviate hardships, it excludes those accused of heinous crimes, terrorism, or offences under specific acts like PMLA and UAPA. Financial assistance of up to ₹25,000 can be sanctioned per case.
The 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme provides financial aid for fines and bail to indigent inmates.
A District-level Empowered Committee, including the District Collector and a Judge, oversees the approval process.
The scheme excludes prisoners accused of heinous crimes, rape, human trafficking, or terrorism.
Exam Points
The scheme was originally launched in 2023.
Financial assistance of up to ₹25,000 can be deposited with the court for a prisoner's release.
Minutes from the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reveal concerns that "too low" an inflation rate could be detrimental to India's developing economy. Headline CPI inflation dropped to 0.3% in October 2025, primarily due to falling food prices. While low inflation is generally seen as positive, MPC members warned it could squeeze profit margins, increase the real value of debt, and deter private sector investment. The current rate has breached the lower bound of the flexible inflation targeting regime (4% +/- 2%), suggesting a potential demand deficit that needs monitoring.
Headline CPI inflation fell to 0.3% in October 2025, significantly below the RBI's 4% target.
Low inflation can increase the real interest rates for the private sector, potentially dampening investment.
The MPC recently reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to support economic growth.
Exam Points
The RBI's flexible inflation target is 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%.
Headline CPI inflation reached a low of 0.3% in October 2025.
The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a risk-based deposit insurance framework for banks. This new model will replace the current flat-rate premium system, where all banks pay the same rate regardless of their risk profile. Under the new framework, banks with sounder financial health and lower risk will likely pay lower premiums. This move is intended to incentivize better risk management within the banking sector. The framework is expected to become effective from the next financial year, with detailed notifications to be issued shortly.
The RBI is transitioning from a flat-rate premium to a risk-based premium for deposit insurance.
Financially sound banks will benefit from lower premium payments under the new system.
The framework aims to strengthen the banking system by encouraging better risk assessment and management.
Exam Points
The decision was taken at an RBI Central Board meeting in Hyderabad.
The framework replaces the 'flat rate premium-based' deposit insurance scheme.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister has accused India of "weaponising water" by allegedly releasing water from dams into the Chenab River without prior warning. Pakistan claims these irregular releases violate the World Bank-brokered Indus Water Treaty (1960) and threaten its agricultural cycle and food security. The treaty gives India control over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Sutlej, Beas) and Pakistan control over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). While India has previously stated it alerts Pakistan about potential flooding, the latest allegations add to the long-standing water-sharing tensions between the two neighboring nations.
Pakistan alleges that India's irregular water release from the Chenab River violates the Indus Water Treaty.
The Indus Water Treaty (1960) was brokered by the World Bank to manage transboundary river waters.
Under the treaty, India controls the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Exam Points
The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960.
The World Bank acted as the broker for the treaty.
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