1. SHANTI BILL PASSES AMID CONCERNS OVER RTI OVERRIDE
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, aimed at modernizing nuclear regulations and allowing private sector involvement in nuclear energy.
- Opposition raised issues with Section 39 of the bill, which overrides the Right to Information (RTI) Act, potentially reducing transparency in nuclear governance.
- The bill consolidates nuclear frameworks to support India’s goal of expanding nuclear capacity by 2047, balancing energy needs with safety.
- Government constituted the Bureau of Port Security as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, to enhance maritime security.
- External Affairs Minister emphasized that developed India’s foreign policy must be ambitious with long-term, horizon-expanding plans.
- Odisha to host Regional Artificial Intelligence Impact Conference from 19-20 December 2025, focusing on AI’s role in governance.
- Concepts: Right to Information Act – Ensures transparency in public affairs; Nuclear Liability – Balances development with accountability under international standards.
2. DENSE FOG DISRUPTS OPERATIONS ACROSS NORTHERN INDIA
SUBJECT: NATIONAL ISSUES
- Dense fog caused disruptions at Delhi airport, leading to over 129 flight cancellations and highlighting winter infrastructure challenges.
- FSSAI confirmed eggs in the market are safe, refuting social media claims of carcinogenic substances and aligning with global standards.
- Tamil Nadu published draft electoral roll after Special Intensive Revision, deleting over 97 lakh names for accuracy ahead of polls.
- Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin held a roadshow in Nagapattinam, mobilizing support for upcoming state elections.
- Mega job fair in Nilgiris district offered opportunities from over 100 companies, boosting employment in remote areas.
- Nationwide fog impacted northern regions, prompting measures for community preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
- Concepts: Electoral Integrity – Maintains voter list accuracy under Representation of People Act; Disaster Management Act, 2005 – Guides responses to weather-related issues.
3. INDIA-NETHERLANDS SIGN DEFENCE COOPERATION LOI
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- India and Netherlands signed Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi to strengthen ties in technology and security.
- India commemorated 64th Goa Liberation Day, marking Operation Vijay’s success against Portuguese rule in 1961.
- Google pledged USD 8 million to bolster India’s AI research through government-backed Centres of Excellence.
- ISRO geared up for launching a major US commercial satellite via LVM-3, underscoring India’s space commerce growth.
- Netherlands Foreign Minister visited India from 17-19 December 2025, enhancing bilateral crisis and trade relations.
- Concepts: Strategic Partnerships – Foster multi-alignment in diplomacy; Indo-Pacific Strategy – Strengthens regional security collaborations.
4. NET DIRECT TAX COLLECTIONS RISE 8% IN FY26
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Net direct tax collections increased 8% to ₹17.05 lakh crore by mid-December 2025, fueled by corporate growth and compliance.
- India signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Oman, offering zero-duty access on most tariffs for key sectors.
- Forex reserves rose by $1.68 billion to $688.94 billion for week ending December 12, 2025, providing volatility buffer.
- IMF projected FY26 growth at 6.8%, noting contained inflation at 4.2% and formal job increases amid global risks.
- Rural consumption grew at 7.9%, supported by MSP hikes and remittances, countering urban slowdowns.
- Concepts: Fiscal Federalism – Distributes central taxes to states; Trade Liberalization – Enhances exports via FTAs like CEPA.
5. RESERVATION FOR EX-AGNIVEERS INCREASED IN CAPFS
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- Home Ministry hiked reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPF Group-C posts to 50%, starting with BSF for seamless integration.
- Defence production targeted ₹3 lakh crore with ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029, focusing on over 60% indigenous components.
- PFRDA updated NPS rules for higher lump sum withdrawals and deferred exits, improving flexibility for personnel.
- Indigenisation advanced via DAP 2020 and iDEX, cutting import reliance amid geopolitical tensions.
- Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers honored for UN mission contributions, highlighting India’s global role.
- Indian Army to procure 850 kamikaze drones; Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Amulya’ commissioned.
- Concepts: Atmanirbhar Bharat – Promotes self-reliance in manufacturing; Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 – Facilitates private sector involvement.
