1. The Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025 (Replacing MGNREGA)
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services.
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy (Employment); Issues related to planning, mobilization of resources, and growth.
Context
The Union Government introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, to repeal and replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Legislative Shift: Transition from an open-ended “demand-driven” model to a “normative allocation” model with fixed central budgets.
- Fiscal Federalism: A fundamental change in funding. While the Centre paid 100% of unskilled wages under MGNREGA, the new Bill mandates a 60:40 split (90:10 for Hill/NE states).
- Economic Strategy: Introduction of a 60-day mandatory pause during peak agricultural seasons to prevent rural labor shortages and artificial wage inflation in the farming sector.
- Infrastructure Focus: Directs labor toward the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, integrating projects with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Statutory guarantee increased from 100 to 125 days of work.
- Use of AI-based fraud detection and GPS monitoring to curb misappropriation.
- Creation of durable community assets (Water bodies, Cold chains).
- Negatives:
- Fiscal Burden on States: Many debt-stressed states may struggle to fund their 40% share of wages.
- End of Demand-Driven Rights: Fixed “normative allocations” might lead to work being denied once the budget cap is reached.
- Seasonal Hardship: The 60-day pause may leave landless laborers without a safety net during lean periods if agricultural work is unavailable.
- Related Schemes: PM Gati Shakti, Mission Amrit Sarovar, and Lakhpati Didi.
Examples
- Asset Creation: Integration with Mission Amrit Sarovar has already rejuvenated 68,000+ water bodies; the new Bill seeks to scale this specifically for drought-proofing.
Way Forward
- Flexible Pausing: The 60-day pause should be localized based on agro-climatic zones rather than a blanket state-wide notification.
- Financial Buffers: Establishing a revolving fund to assist poorer states in meeting their wage-sharing obligations.
Conclusion
The VB-G RAM G Bill signals a shift from “poverty alleviation” to “productive employment,” aiming to modernize the rural economy, though its success depends on maintaining the “Right to Work” essence of its predecessor.
Practice Mains Question: “Analyse the structural changes proposed in the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025. Does the shift from a demand-driven to a normative-allocation model compromise the rights of rural labor? Discuss.”
2. Internal Security: Target “Naxal-Free India” by 2026
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Internal Security; Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges; Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Context
A PIB release on December 15, 2025, highlighted the near-elimination of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), with the government setting a firm deadline for a Naxal-free Bharat by March 2026.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Security Dimension: Success of ‘Operation Black Forest’ and the clearing of core zones like Abujhmad. LWE districts have dropped from 126 (2014) to just 11.
- Financial Dimension: Choking of Maoist funds through the NIA and ED, seizing assets worth over ₹100 crore and disrupting “urban support networks.”
- Social Dimension: Large-scale surrenders facilitated by a revised rehabilitation policy offering up to ₹5 lakh and monthly stipends.
- Developmental Dimension: The “Security-Development” twin-track approach, focusing on 12,000 km of roads and 4G saturation in tribal belts.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Recruitment of local tribal youth through the Bastariya Battalion.
- Collapse of the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) of Maoists.
- Restoration of democracy through local body elections in “liberated” zones.
- Negatives:
- Residual Pockets: The last remaining cadres are in the densest terrains, making final elimination tactically difficult.
- Ideological Mutation: Risk of the movement shifting to digital propaganda and urban “intellectual” fronts.
- Related Schemes: SAMADHAN strategy, Special Central Assistance (SCA), and Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Examples
- Operation Black Forest: A precision-led operation in 2025 that neutralised 27 hardcore cadres and decapitated the regional leadership.
Way Forward
- Governance Vacuum: Filling liberated areas with civil administration, healthcare, and education to prevent re-radicalization.
- Inter-State Coordination: Ensuring that remnants do not escape into neighboring states through “hot pursuit” protocols.
Conclusion
The transition from a “Red Corridor” to a “Development Corridor” marks a historic turnaround in India’s internal security, shifting the focus from conflict to constitutional integration.
Practice Mains Question: “Examine the role of ‘Integrated Development’ as a tool for counter-insurgency in the context of India’s recent successes against Left-Wing Extremism.”
3. The New Insurance Bill, 2025 (Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha)
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources; Investment models.
Context
The Union Government moved the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, aiming for “Insurance for All by 2047.”
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Liberalization: The Bill permits 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, seeking to bring in global capital and expertise.
- Regulatory Empowerment: IRDAI has been granted SEBI-style powers, including “disgorgement” (forcing companies to return unlawfully gained profits).
- Operational Autonomy: Provides LIC with the freedom to open zonal offices and restructure overseas operations without constant government approvals.
- Market Expansion: Moves toward Composite Licensing, allowing a single insurer to offer life, health, and general insurance products.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Increased capital inflow will boost insurance penetration (currently at 3.7% of GDP).
- Simplified merger and acquisition rules to encourage market consolidation.
- Stronger policyholder protection through mandatory data safeguards.
- Negatives:
- Reinsurance Risk: The market remains dominated by GIC Re, creating a concentration risk.
- Omissions: The Bill does not explicitly create a framework for “Captive Insurance” for large corporations.
- Related Schemes: Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) and PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
Examples
- Global Benchmarking: The shift to composite licenses aligns India with global markets like the UK and Australia.
Way Forward
- Micro-Insurance: The government must encourage “niche” players for rural and micro-insurance to ensure the 100% FDI benefits the grassroots.
- Risk Diversification: Opening up the reinsurance market further to reduce dependence on a single state-owned entity.
Conclusion
By modernizing 1930s-era laws, the Insurance Bill 2025 creates a competitive, capital-rich environment necessary for India’s journey toward a $10 trillion economy.
Practice Mains Question: “To what extent does the New Insurance Bill 2025 address the structural constraints of the Indian insurance sector? Critically evaluate.”
4. PM Modi’s Visit to Jordan: A New Chapter in West Asia Policy
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Amman on December 15, 2025, marks the first full-fledged bilateral visit by an Indian PM in decades, moving beyond the “de-hyphenation” of the Israel-Palestine issue to a strategic partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Geopolitics: Strengthens India’s “Link West” policy. Jordan is a vital “Island of Stability” and an interlocutor for the Palestinian cause.
- Economic: Signing of 5 MoUs covering Renewable Energy, Water Resource Management, and Digital Solutions.
- Cultural Diplomacy: A unique “Twinning Agreement” signed between the Petra Archaeological Park and India’s Ellora Caves to boost heritage tourism.
- Strategic Cooperation: Enhancement of the Aqaba Process for counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Secures long-term supply of Rock Phosphate for Indian fertilizer companies.
- Positions India as a partner in Jordan’s “Vision 2033” for digital transformation.
- Negatives:
- Ongoing regional volatility (Gaza conflict) complicates the execution of joint infrastructure projects.
- Trade balance remains skewed; Indian exports need diversification beyond gems and jewelry.
- Related Schemes: Link West Policy, E-VidyaBharati & E-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB).
Examples
- The India-Jordan Business Forum held in Amman saw participation from 40+ Indian CEOs, specifically focusing on green hydrogen technology.
Way Forward
- Operationalizing the direct shipping route between Aqaba and Mundra to reduce logistics costs.
- Increasing scholarships for Jordanian students under the ITEC program to build soft power.
Conclusion
The visit transcends traditional energy ties, weaving together cultural heritage and digital technology to build a modern strategic pillar in the Mediterranean-Levant region.
Practice Mains Question: “Examine the strategic significance of Jordan in India’s ‘Link West’ policy. How do the 2025 MoUs reflect a shift from energy-centric to technology-centric bilateral relations?”
5. Bondi Beach Shooting: A New Challenge for Global Indian Diaspora
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Effect of policies and politics of countries on India’s interests; Indian Diaspora.
- GS Paper III: Security Challenges and their Management; Linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Context
A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on December 15, 2025, resulted in 16 deaths. Investigation revealed the attackers were a father-son duo (Sajid and Naveed Akram) of Indian origin (Hyderabad), sparking concerns over overseas radicalization.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Social Impact: Risk of “guilt by association” for the 700,000-strong Indian-Australian community.
- Security: Highlights the “Homegrown Lone Wolf” threat facilitated by global digital radicalization.
- Diplomatic: India’s quick condemnation and the “No-Tolerance” stance on terror helped maintain the upward trajectory of India-Australia ties (ECTA/CEPA).
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives: Proactive cooperation between Telangana Police and Australian Federal Police (AFP) showcased strong institutional links.
- Negatives: Rise in “Global Hindutva” vs “Islamic Radicalization” narratives in the diaspora could lead to communal friction abroad.
- Related Schemes: Global Pravasi Rishta Portal, MADAD Portal.
Examples
- The Australian government’s designation of the attack as “Antisemitic Terrorism” underscores the complex intersection of global conflicts (Middle East) playing out in peaceful nations.
Way Forward
- Strengthening the Quad working group on counter-terrorism and radicalization.
- Enhancing mental health and social integration outreach for Indian students and migrants via Consulates.
Conclusion
While a tragic event, it serves as a wake-up call for the need to monitor digital radicalization pathways that cross international borders, affecting the safety and reputation of the diaspora.
Practice Mains Question: “The Bondi Beach incident highlights the vulnerability of the diaspora to global radicalization narratives. Discuss the role of digital surveillance and community policing in addressing this challenge.”
6. Rupee at 90.80: Navigating the Currency Volatility
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Indian Economy; Effects of liberalization; Investment models; Infrastructure (Energy/Oil).
Context
On December 15, 2025, the Indian Rupee (INR) hit a historic low of 90.80 against the USD, driven by FPI outflows and a strengthening Dollar Index.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Macroeconomic: Increased “Imported Inflation,” especially in fuel and edible oils, putting pressure on the RBI’s 4% inflation target.
- Trade: While exports become competitive, the global demand slowdown limits the benefits of a weaker rupee.
- Fiscal: Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD) as the cost of servicing external debt rises.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Boost to remittance inflows from NRIs.
- Incentive for “Make in India” as imports become prohibitively expensive.
- Negatives:
- Higher costs for students studying abroad.
- Pressure on the Forex reserves as RBI intervenes to manage volatility.
- Related Schemes: Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), FAME-II (to reduce oil dependence).
Examples
- The RBI’s use of $5 billion buy/sell swaps in December 2025 was a tactical move to provide liquidity without depleting reserves rapidly.
Way Forward
- Rupee Internationalization: Promoting trade settlement in INR with more partners like Jordan and the UAE.
- Structural Reforms: Reducing dependency on “hot money” (FPI) and encouraging long-term FDI.
Conclusion
A rupee at 90+ reflects global dollar strength rather than domestic weakness, yet it necessitates a cautious fiscal approach to prevent a spiral of cost-push inflation.
Practice Mains Question: “Discuss the impact of the Rupee’s depreciation to the 90-level on India’s trade balance. Is the RBI’s policy of ‘managed volatility’ still sustainable in 2025?”
7. Project Cheetah: Nauradehi as the New Frontier
Syllabus
- GS Paper III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced on Dec 15, 2025, that Nauradehi (Veerangana Durgavati) Tiger Reserve will be ready for cheetahs before the 2026 monsoon.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Ecological: Unlike Kuno, Nauradehi is a “predator-heavy” landscape. Cheetahs will have to coexist with an established tiger and wolf population.
- Geography: Spanning 1,197 sq km, it provides the “landscape-scale” connectivity required for a viable cheetah metapopulation.
- Economic: Development of “Eco-tourism circuits” connecting Khajuraho to Nauradehi, providing jobs to local tribal communities.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Diversifies the risk of disease/epidemic wiping out the entire population in one park (Kuno).
- Restoration of open forest/grassland biomes.
- Negatives:
- High risk of inter-species conflict (Cheetah vs Tiger/Leopard).
- Challenges in voluntary village relocation from the core area.
- Related Schemes: Project Cheetah (NTCA), Green India Mission.
Examples
- The success of “Mukhi” (first Indian-born cheetah) becoming a mother in late 2025 proves the biological suitability of the MP climate.
Way Forward
- Implementing “Smart Fencing” and GPS-collaring for all released individuals.
- Focusing on the “Prey-Base” augmentation (Chinkara and Nilgai) before the final release.
Conclusion
Nauradehi represents Phase II of the world’s most ambitious rewilding project, shifting from “survival” to “expansion.”
Practice Mains Question: “Assess the challenges of reintroducing Cheetahs in a predator-rich habitat like Nauradehi compared to the predator-free enclosures of Kuno.”
8. Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025
Syllabus
- GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development; Issues relating to Education.
Context
Introduced in Lok Sabha on Dec 15, 2025, the VBSA Bill seeks to replace the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single, unified, high-powered regulator.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
- Governance: “Light but Tight” regulation as per NEP 2020. A 14-member apex body will focus on standards rather than micromanagement.
- Financial: Funding powers shifted from the regulator (formerly UGC) to the Ministry of Education, ensuring direct accountability.
- Legal: The regulator gains “Adjudicatory Powers” with fines up to ₹2 crore for non-compliance with accreditation norms.
Positives, Negatives, and Government Schemes
- Positives:
- Ends “Inspector Raj” and overlapping jurisdictions between AICTE and UGC.
- Facilitates the entry of Top 100 Foreign Universities via a single-window system.
- Negatives:
- Federalism Concerns: Critics argue it reduces the role of State Universities and State Higher Education Councils.
- Concentration of Power: Shifting funding to the Ministry may lead to political interference in academic grants.
- Related Schemes: PM-USHA, NEP 2020, Institutions of Eminence (IoE).
Examples
- The transition follows the model of the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) proposed in earlier drafts but with stronger enforcement teeth.
Way Forward
- Ensuring the VBSA board has representation from diverse states to uphold cooperative federalism.
- Establishing a clear “Swayam” (Self-regulation) portal for universities to reduce compliance burden.
Conclusion
The VBSA Bill is the most significant legislative overhaul of Indian education since 1956, aiming to create a regulatory framework fit for a global knowledge superpower.
Practice Mains Question: “Does the centralization of higher education regulation under the VBSA Bill, 2025, promote excellence or stifle institutional autonomy? Evaluate.”
