U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that India reduced its oil imports from Russia to 'make him happy' and secure a favorable trade deal. He threatened to impose 25% reciprocal tariffs if India continues its Russian oil purchases. Senator Lindsey Graham supported these claims, stating India's Ambassador requested relief from penalty tariffs during a meeting in December 2025. However, data indicates that while imports dipped between June and October 2025, they rose to a seven-month high in November. The Ministry of External Affairs has previously criticized unilateral U.S. sanctions as 'double standards' since the U.S. also purchases Russian resources.
Trump claims PM Modi cut Russian oil imports to avoid 25% penalty tariffs and secure a trade deal.
Senator Graham alleges the Indian Ambassador sought mediation to relieve these tariffs in late 2025.
Trade negotiations between the U.S. and India have reportedly stalled despite temporary cuts in Russian oil imports.
Exam Points
25% reciprocal penalty tariff mentioned by Trump.
December 2, 2025: Date of meeting between Indian Ambassador Kwatra and U.S. Senators.
Russia Sanctions Bill proposes potential tariffs of up to 500%.
The Supreme Court, while hearing bail pleas in the 2020 Delhi riots case, ruled that a 'terrorist act' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) includes the build-up and conspiracy, not just the final act of violence. A bench led by Justice Arvind Kumar emphasized that Section 15(1)(a) covers 'other means' like disrupting essential services or causing economic insecurity. The court introduced a 'hierarchy of participation' to grant bail to five accused while denying it to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, noting that UAPA bail conditions under Section 43D(5) are more stringent than ordinary laws.
The Supreme Court ruled that conspiracy to commit a terrorist act is as punishable as the act itself under UAPA.
Section 15 of UAPA is interpreted broadly to include economic destabilization and disruption of essential supplies.
The 'hierarchy of participation' was used to distinguish between those who planned and those who merely participated in riots.
Exam Points
Section 15(1)(a) of the UAPA 1967 defines terrorist acts.
Section 43D(5) provides stringent bail conditions for UAPA accused.
Justice Arvind Kumar headed the Supreme Court bench.
Despite trade tensions and tariffs, the U.S.-India relationship remains resilient through deep-seated institutional collaboration in defense and technology. Key frameworks like the 2023 INDUS-X and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) drive this 'parallel track' of cooperation. A significant 10-year defense framework was signed in October 2025. While political summits like the Quad might face delays, bureaucratic and military-to-military engagements, including joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas and Malabar, ensure continuity. This institutional depth helps the partnership survive short-term political volatility and divergent national interests.
Defense and technology agreements form the backbone of the resilient U.S.-India strategic partnership.
The 2023 India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) promotes co-production and co-development.
Foundational agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA facilitate logistical support and information sharing.
Exam Points
INDUS-X (2023) and iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) are key tech frameworks.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap in Goa, the first of two indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs). Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, it is the largest ship in the Coast Guard's fleet. The vessel is equipped for oil spill response, fire-fighting, and maritime surveillance. It features advanced pollution detection systems and a helicopter hangar. Notably, the ship will have two women officers on board, reflecting the government's push for gender inclusion in frontline maritime operations.
ICGS Samudra Pratap is India's first homegrown pollution control vessel designed to protect the marine environment.
The ship enhances the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) capability in oil spill response and maritime law enforcement.
It was built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with a high degree of indigenous components (over 60%).
Exam Points
Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Over 60% indigenous content used in construction.
First of two planned indigenously designed PCVs for the Indian Coast Guard.
Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. The Bill ends the monopoly of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) by allowing private firms to own and operate nuclear plants, though NPCIL retains 51% control. It grants statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The Bill introduces a liability cap for operators and establishes a nuclear liability fund. While aimed at achieving net-zero targets by 2070, critics argue it dilutes accountability and limits public access to information under the RTI Act.
The SHANTI Bill allows up to 49% private participation in nuclear power generation and fuel cycle activities.
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is now a statutory body answerable to Parliament.
A liability cap is set at ₹3,000 crore for large plants, with the government covering excess liability.
Exam Points
SHANTI Bill 2025: Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India.
NPCIL retains 51% stake in joint ventures with private firms.
Liability cap: ₹3,000 crore for large plants, ₹1,500 crore for medium, and ₹100 crore for SMRs.
Remote sensing uses satellites and drones to detect electromagnetic radiation from the Earth's surface, allowing scientists to map resources without physical contact. By analyzing 'spectral signatures'—unique reflections of light—it can identify plant health, mineral deposits, and water bodies. For instance, healthy plants reflect more near-infrared light. Satellites like NASA's GRACE measure gravitational changes to track groundwater depletion. This technology is vital for precision agriculture, identifying oil and gas traps, and monitoring environmental changes like the expansion of deserts or the health of forests.
Remote sensing identifies objects based on their unique spectral signatures across visible and invisible light spectrums.
The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is used to assess plant health and forest density.
Gravitational anomalies detected by satellites help map underground structures and track groundwater levels.
A satellite audit by a conservation collective has found that 31.8% of the Aravalli range is at ecological risk following a new Central government classification. The Centre fixed the height of hills at 100 metres for legal protection, which the group claims ignores geological reality and strips low-elevation zones of protection. These areas are critical water recharge zones and act as dust barriers for 30 crore people. The group demands a complete ban on mining in the Aravallis and that the entire range be declared a 'fully protected zone' regardless of elevation.
The 100-metre height threshold for legal protection leaves nearly one-third of the Aravallis vulnerable to mining.
Aravalli hills serve as a vital barrier against the expansion of the Thar Desert into North India.
The group used the Copernicus Digital Elevation Model (FABDEM) for their forensic analysis.
Exam Points
31.8% of Aravalli area falls below the 100m threshold for protection.
FABDEM (Copernicus Digital Elevation Model) was used for the satellite audit.
The Aravallis act as a barrier for approximately 30 crore people.
Aviation experts have raised alarms regarding the credibility of Indian aviation safety investigations, specifically citing the June 2025 crash of Air India flight 171. Friction between Indian authorities and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has hindered a transparent report. Critics argue that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have failed to implement safety norms and have been slow to release findings. The delay in addressing technical failures, such as fuel control switch issues, poses a risk to passenger safety and India's international standing.
The Air India flight 171 crash in June 2025 highlighted systemic failures in Indian aviation safety protocols.
There is a perceived lack of transparency and expertise in the AAIB compared to international bodies like the NTSB.
The DGCA is criticized for failing to enforce safety requirements and allowing extensions to airline operators.
Exam Points
Air India flight 171 crash occurred on June 12, 2025.
ICAO Annex 13 provides international standards for aircraft accident investigation.
AAIB stands for Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
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