1. SUPREME COURT ISSUES GUIDELINES ON DOWRY DEATH CASES AMID RISING DEBATES ON MARITAL RAPE REFORMS
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The Supreme Court restored convictions in a dowry death case, overturning an acquittal and emphasizing the presumption under Section 304B IPC when cruelty or harassment linked to dowry demands is proven soon before death.
- The Court directed measures to curb dowry violence, including strengthening Dowry Prohibition Officers, sensitisation training for police and judiciary, fast-track disposal of cases, and community awareness via District Legal Services Authorities.
- It mandated value-based education in schools to promote equality in marriage and combat the social evil of dowry, noting its diffusion even into communities where it was traditionally absent.
- The judgment highlighted dowry’s erosion of protective practices like mehr in Muslim marriages, tracing its transformation from voluntary gifts to coercive demands.
- Amid ongoing debates, petitions challenge the marital rape exception in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, arguing it violates Articles 14 and 21, with calls for its criminalisation.
- The Court urged societal shifts to address root causes of gender-based violence, reinforcing enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
- Concepts: Section 113B Evidence Act – Rebuttable presumption in dowry death cases; Article 21 – Right to life and dignity, central to challenging marital rape immunity.
2. TVK LEADER VIJAY HOLDS MAJOR RALLY IN ERODE AMID SECURITY AND LOCAL IMPACT
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay addressed a large public rally in Erode district, his first major event after previous restrictions, drawing massive crowds near Vijayamangalam toll plaza.
- Police granted permission with over 80 stringent conditions, including enhanced security to manage traffic and maintain order.
- Several private schools in Erode declared a holiday and rescheduled exams due to anticipated disruptions from the gathering.
- Light to moderate rainfall affected coastal Tamil Nadu districts, with forecasts predicting a return to dry weather in northern areas from December 18.
- President Droupadi Murmu concluded visits to spiritual sites in Tamil Nadu, including Vellore.
- Unemployment rate fell to a low, with initiatives like wildlife-safe highways and AI-based health screening programs launched nationally.
- Concepts: Article 19(1)(b) – Freedom of assembly with reasonable restrictions; Disaster Management – Weather forecasting and public safety measures.
3. INDIA ASSUMES BRICS CHAIRMANSHIP FOR 2026 AND LAUNCHES DESERT CYCLONE-II WITH UAE
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India took over the BRICS presidency for 2026 from Brazil, planning to host the summit and prioritise reforms in global institutions such as UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
- India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), providing duty-free access to 98% of Indian exports and liberalising services and investment.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Oman, recognising efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
- India-UAE commenced the second edition of Desert Cyclone-II joint military exercise in Abu Dhabi, focusing on urban operations and interoperability.
- Ongoing engagements include Exercise AviaIndra with Russia and recent pacts enhancing defence and economic ties.
- India raised security concerns with neighbours amid regional tensions.
- Concepts: Multipolarity – India’s role in BRICS for global governance reform; Strategic Partnerships – Bilateral exercises and agreements for regional stability.
4. INDIA SIGNS CEPA WITH OMAN BOOSTING TRADE AND SERVICES
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- India and Oman formalised a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, eliminating duties on 98% of Indian exports and liberalising tariffs on services, investment, and worker mobility.
- The deal is expected to enhance India’s service sector exports and provide greater market access for merchandise.
- Merchandise trade deficit narrowed amid export growth to key markets, with forecasts projecting sustained GDP expansion.
- Reforms in schemes like NPS allow higher withdrawals, while loans support skill development in ITIs.
- RBI maintains accommodative policy stance amid cooling inflation and resilient domestic demand.
- Global reports highlight India’s rising role in value chains, particularly digital services.
- Concepts: Trade Liberalisation – Duty reductions under CEPA for export growth; Balance of Payments – Impact of agreements on current account and remittances.
5. DESERT CYCLONE-II JOINT EXERCISE COMMENCES WITH UAE AMID INDIGENISATION PUSH
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- India and UAE launched Desert Cyclone-II (December 18-30, 2025) in Abu Dhabi, emphasising urban sub-conventional operations, heliborne tactics, and unmanned systems under UN frameworks.
- Indian Navy commissioned indigenous Diving Support Craft DSC A20 at Kochi, enhancing underwater capabilities with advanced design.
- Recent inductions include MH-60R helicopters and progress on native projects for fighter aircraft systems.
- Bilateral exercises like AviaIndra with Russia continue, focusing on joint operations and technology sharing.
- Defence budget prioritises indigenisation, with curbs on imports and focus on domestic production by 2025 targets.
- Appointments and centenary celebrations underscore institutional advancements.
- Concepts: Interoperability – Core objective in multinational exercises; Atmanirbhar Bharat – Drive for indigenous defence manufacturing and technology transfer.
